Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?
Working to the protect state’s environment and heritage.
- Aboriginal Identified opportunity
- Permanent full-time (35 hours per week) opportunity,
- Office location – Parramatta Hybrid working supported
- Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $116,981 to $129,492 + super
Our Water Group team is currently seeking to appoint a Water Planner to deliver the statutory planning function withing the Water Planning and Knowledge Branch.
This role offers the opportunity to contribute to the sustainable management of NSW’s water resources by ensuring Aboriginal perspectives and cultural values are embedded in water planning and policy. Working within a collaborative and supportive team, you will help deliver key water management and reform initiatives, engaging with a range of stakeholders including Aboriginal communities while contributing to impactful projects that support healthy waterways, resilient communities and sustainable outcomes for future generations
About You – The ideal candidate will demonstrate
- Experience in policy development, planning, natural resource management, environmental management, water management, or related fields, with the ability to interpret legislation, policy and reform initiatives.
- Well-developed stakeholder engagement and consultation skills, capable of fostering productive relationships across government, community, industry and environmental groups to achieve shared outcomes.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, including experience researching, interpreting and presenting complex information through briefs, reports, policy papers and recommendations.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate technical information into clear, accessible language for diverse audiences.
- Proven organisational and project management skills, with the ability to balance competing priorities, deliver quality outcomes and work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team environment.
- Strong understanding of Aboriginal cultural values, perspectives and water-related issues, with the ability to build trusted relationships and engage respectfully with Aboriginal communities.
Essential Requirements
This is an Aboriginal Identified role where Aboriginal identity, cultural knowledge or connections are a genuine aspect of the role. Positions are specifically noted under the provisions of the NSW Anti-discrimination Act (1977) and as such for Aboriginal people who meet the following criteria:
- is of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent, and
- identifies as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, and
- is accepted as such by the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community.
For more information read the full Role Description: Water Planner (Identified)
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.
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.
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.
Applications close 09 November 2026 at 11:55PM.
Should you require further information about the role please contact Gordon Cameron via gordon.cameron@dcceew.nsw.gov.au
A recruitment 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.
Our goal is to build a workforce that not only represents but also understands and serves the diverse communities of New South Wales. We are committed to making our state a vibrant and inclusive place to live, work, and thrive for everyone. Our workforce represents people of all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, the LGBTQI+ community, and people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
Looking for more information or assistance in applying?
If you require an adjustment for your application process, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team by emailing dcceew.ta@dpie.nsw.gov.au or contacting Celia Luis on (02) 4904 2746 (please mention reference number 553790)
If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander use our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles or our Aboriginal Career pathways team at AEX@dcceew.nsw.gov.au for a yarn.
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Role Description
