Make a meaningful impact on land management and Aboriginal land rights across NSW

• Senior Assessment Officer, Aboriginal Land Claims
• Ongoing Full Time Opportunity
• Office location – Newcastle preferred, Dubbo by negotiation
• Salary ranges from $116,981 to $129,492 plus super

Are you an experienced land tenure, policy, legal, planning, or governance professional looking for an opportunity to work on complex and high-profile matters that shape the future of Crown land in New South Wales?

We are seeking a Senior Assessment Officer, Aboriginal Land Claims to join our team and play a pivotal role in assessing Aboriginal Land Claims under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983.

This is a unique opportunity to apply your analytical expertise, legislative interpretation skills, and strategic thinking to matters of significant importance to Aboriginal communities, government, and the management of Crown land.

The role

As a Senior Assessment Officer, you will lead the assessment of complex Aboriginal Land Claims, making evidence-based recommendations that are legally robust, strategically sound, and able to withstand judicial scrutiny.

You will work at the intersection of legislation, land management, policy, and stakeholder engagement, providing expert advice to support government decision-making while contributing to fair and transparent land claim outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess complex Aboriginal Land Claims against the criteria set out in Section 36 of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983.
• Analyse land tenure information, legislation, case law, and evidence to develop well-researched recommendations.
• Prepare high-quality briefing notes, ministerial correspondence, submissions, reports, and executive-level advice.
• Provide specialist advice regarding Crown land management and obligations relating to land subject to Aboriginal Land Claims.
• Review and quality assure the work of team members to ensure consistency, accuracy, and legislative compliance.
• Support the management and integrity of Aboriginal Land Claim databases and records.
• Critically evaluate evidence supporting assertions that land is not claimable, ensuring findings are defensible and capable of withstanding legal challenge.
• Mentor and develop colleagues in Crown land status investigations, legislative interpretation, and land claim assessment processes.

For more information, please visit the Role Description:  Senior Assessment Officer Aboriginal Land Claims

About You

We're looking for a highly analytical professional who enjoys solving complex problems and working with detailed information.

You will have:

• Strong experience interpreting legislation, policy, legal frameworks, or regulatory requirements.
• Exceptional research, analytical, and critical-thinking skills.
• Experience preparing high-quality written advice for senior executives, decision-makers, or government stakeholders.
• The ability to manage complex workloads and competing priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Experience in land management, land tenure, planning, natural resources, property, legal, policy, regulatory, native title, or related fields will be highly regarded.
• A collaborative leadership style with a passion for mentoring and developing others.

About us

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) improves the liveability and prosperity of NSW. To achieve this, we: create vibrant, productive spaces and precincts; manage lands, assets and property effectively and deliver affordable and diverse housing. We strive to be a high-performing, world-class public service organisation that celebrates and reflects the full diversity of the community we serve and builds the cultural capability of our department to improve outcomes with and for Aboriginal people, communities and entities.

We are an inclusive and accessible workplace, where your individual contributions are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to feel a sense of connection and belonging. DPHI supports various employee affinity groups, practices flexible working, offers job share and workplace adjustments.

Join us

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.

Applications close 11:55pm, Sunday 8th November 2026.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Renate Sherring, Manager Aboriginal Land Claims via renate.sherring@crownland.nsw.gov.au

A talent pool may be created for ongoing and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available over the next 18 months. 

We encourage and support applications from people with disability. Please reach out to us to discuss any accommodations or adjustments that may be needed during the recruitment process (including an alternate format of the application form), ensuring that you have every opportunity to showcase your talent, skills, and potential. Contact the Talent Team via talent.acquisition@dpie.nsw.gov.au or (02) 63637676​ - HR Support, option 2, DPHI People Advisory, option 1 and reference 'Request an Adjustment - Job Title and Reference Number'.

Check out our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for the role or contact our Aboriginal Career Pathways team for a yarn. 

Please note to be eligible to apply for this position 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. This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including a criminal record check.