Unit Head Operations

Do you want to protect future generations?
Protect tomorrow together at the NSW EPA

• Join a purpose-led organisation and make a difference to the environment and our community
• Environment Officer Class 12
• Remuneration starting from $157,257 plus superannuation
• Enjoy employee benefits and flexible working options
• One ongoing role available
• Role based in Parramatta

The opportunity

We have an exciting opportunity available for a Unit Head to join the NSW EPA’s Incident Management and Environmental Health Branch. In this role, you will lead the Environmental Sampling Analysis and Response (ESAR) Unit, which provides specialist scientific expertise, sampling and analysis capability that enables the EPA to rapidly respond to incidents and significant environmental issues across NSW. The ESAR Unit, of seven staff, maintains specialist equipment, deployment-ready vehicles and scientific capability and provides sampling, monitoring and field response expertise.

About you

To be successful in this role, you will be an experienced scientific professional with a proven track record in leading a team and delivering environmental monitoring and sampling programs and expert advice, including in rapid response situations.
You will be excellent at building trusted relationships with stakeholders and have demonstrated high level communications skills including an ability to translate complex scientific and technical information into practical advice to support investigations and regulatory decision making.

Experience in incident and/or emergency response would be highly advantageous. Relevant scientific degree or equivalent experience would also be desired.

Please note that it is an essential requirement of this role for the successful candidate to have an Australian C Class Driver’s Licence.

About the team

The Environmental Sampling Analysis and Response (ESAR) Unit is part of the Incident Management and Environmental Health Branch. The Branch leads effective management of major incidents and emergencies, builds capability in incident and emergency response across the EPA, provides specialist sampling and advice services, and undertakes projects to protect human health and the environment.

For more information about the role, please read the  Unit Head Operations - EO12 - Role Description.DOCX

About us

As the environmental steward and regulator of our State we are committed to a sustainable future.

Our people are proud to play a role in protecting the environment of NSW. We partner with Aboriginal people, industry and the wider community to protect, restore and enhance our diverse ecosystems.

We bring scientific expertise, experience and actions to inspire innovative solutions as we transition our state to a circular economy.

As we respond to urgent current issues, including climate change, we educate and support our stakeholders to create an environmentally healthy future.

Join us on our mission to protect tomorrow together.

To apply

If excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application, including a copy of your resume and cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role.

For more information about working at the EPA and what to expect in our recruitment processes, please read our  Candidate Information Pack.pdf

Applications close: Tuesday 29 September 2026 at 11:55pm

Should you require further information about the role, please contact Jacinta Hanemann at Jacinta.Hanemann@epa.nsw.gov.au 

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion

If you require a reasonable adjustment for your application process, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at epa.recruitment@epa.nsw.gov.au and please mention reference 553074.

If you are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, please use our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles, or contact our Aboriginal Employment Pathways team for a yarn.

For more information on reasonable adjustments to recruitment processes, please click here.