National Parks and Wildlife Advisory Council – Application for Membership

• National Parks and Wildlife Advisory Council – seeking applications for membership
• Remuneration of $220 per day
• Appointments are made by the NSW Minister for the Environment.

Want to apply your expertise to conservation and heritage? The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is seeking applications for upcoming vacancies on the National Parks and Wildlife Advisory Council (Council).

About the Council

The Council provides independent, informed technical expert advice, to the NSW Minister for the Environment and the Secretary of the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water on a wide range of strategic matters, including proposed changes to legislation, draft plans of management of statewide significance, proposed long-term leases and licences and high-impact or statewide issues impacting on the implementation of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (NPW Act). More information is available under Section 23 of the NPW Act.

The Council consists of up to 19 members, each having experience or expertise in a range of backgrounds, including local government, Aboriginal cultural heritage, rural and regional development, planning, science, environmental education, bushfire management, natural and cultural heritage conservation, recreation and community use of reserves. Appointment criteria for the Council are set out in Schedule 7 of the NPW Act.

About the roles

Applications are invited to fill the following nine positions on the Council, to commence on 1 December 2026 for up to four years:

One person with expertise and experience in bush fire management

One person with expertise and experience in ecotourism or sustainable tourist use

One person representing peak recreational bodies

One person with expertise and experience in environmental education and community involvement in environmental education

One person with expertise and experienced in rural and regional development and planning issues

One person with expertise and experience in Aboriginal cultural heritage conservation

Two persons with scientific qualifications in areas associated with the conservation of nature

One person with qualifications in cultural heritage research.

About the positions

Members are appointed by the NSW Minister for the Environment for a term of up to four years and may be considered for a further term up to a maximum of eight years (consecutive or otherwise).

Time commitment: Council meets at least four times per year, usually in person in Sydney, and/or online (if required).

Sitting fees: The National Parks and Wildlife Advisory Council is classified as a ‘C2’ Group and Level under the NSW ‘Classification and Remuneration Framework for Boards and Committees’ and will be paid sitting fees of $220 per full day and $110 per half day. Remuneration does not apply to travel, reading or preparation time. Reimbursement of approved travel and other expenses are paid in line with NSW Government policy.

About You

Council members are expected to have the ability to contribute to the effectiveness of the Council, listen attentively to others’ opinions, analyse information, make a constructive contribution to discussion and uphold the NSW Government’s Board and Committee Code of Conduct. Members of boards and committees have obligations to act in the public interest. The Board and Committee Code of Conduct can be found on the Council’s website.

Members are expected to take time to prepare for meetings and provide informed contributions. Members should be able to demonstrate capabilities to assist the Council in its functions, as set out in Section 23 of the NPW Act.

Diversity in Council membership

The NSW community is diverse and diversity has a place in the NSW Government. We want to ensure a diverse mix of people join NSW government boards, including Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island People, women, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, young people aged 24 years or under, people with disability and the LGBTIQ+ community. If you are an Aboriginal person or belong to one of these diverse categories, we especially encourage you to apply for positions on the Council that match your skills and experiences. More information can be found at https://boards.nsw.gov.au/board-diversity-matters

In ensuring diversity on the Council, you will be asked to provide details including year of birth, gender, if you identify as a person with a disability, are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and are Culturally and/or Linguistically Diverse.

Probity checks, and personal information

As part of the appointment process, the NSW Government will undertake probity checks, as deemed appropriate for applications to the Council. This may include ASIC Banned and Disqualified search, ASIC Enforceable Undertakings Register search, Australian Financial Security Authority National Personal Insolvency Index search, NSW Police Force National Police Check and Office of the Children’s Guardian Working with Children Check.

Information submitted in this application, including any personal details, will be a matter of public record and will be stored in the NSW Government records system. You can find out more about how the NSW Government handles the personal information it collects online by reading the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Privacy and Security at https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/about-us/privacy-and-security. Note: By submitting your application, you consent to the collection and use of your personal information in accordance with this plan.

Further information

Further information about the Council is available on the Environment and Heritage website at National Parks and Wildlife Advisory Council | About us | Environment and Heritage

Resources and guidelines on NSW Government Boards and Committees appointments can be found here.

If Aboriginal applicants require further support with the application process reach out to our Aboriginal Employee Experience Team on aex@dcceew.nsw.gov.au

To Apply

Please submit a cover letter (maximum one page) and a resume (maximum four pages) outlining your expertise and/or qualifications for the position for which you are applying.

Please note, to be eligible to apply for these positions you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident or hold a valid Australian Working Visa for the duration of the appointment.

If you are successful in gaining a membership on the Council, you will be required to complete a Pecuniary Interests Declaration to ensure transparency and prevent conflicts of interest.

Applications close: 14th of October 2026 at 11:55pm

Should you require further information about the roles please contact Stuart McMahon, Advisory Council Secretariat, at npws.advisorycouncil@environment.nsw.gov.au.

Who we are

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) works to protect the state’s environment and heritage. It leads the way on climate change, driving the sustainable transition to a net zero economy, powered by affordable, reliable and clean energy.

DCCEEW conserves and protects the state’s natural environment. It manages the NSW national park estate, including its rich and diverse biodiversity and Aboriginal cultural heritage for future generations.

DCCEEW also ensures sustainable management of water resources across the state, to support the environment, communities and industry.

We acknowledge the ongoing custodial responsibilities of the Aboriginal peoples of NSW to care for Country and water and are committed to establishing meaningful partnerships with Aboriginal peoples in the management of the environment.