Our open secret: Deliver with impact, connect to what matters & live your way.

• Full time ongoing, 35 hours per week
• Location: Willing to consider candidates across all NSW locations
• Clerk Grade 9/10 | Salary from $125,693 - $138,510 + superannuation + leave loading

Diversity, equity and inclusion are central to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, reflecting the rich diversity of the communities we serve. We actively encourage individuals of all backgrounds – including but not limited to; gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural heritage, disability, religion and sexual orientation to submit an application. We strive to ensure that every stage of the recruitment process and overall employee experience is accessible, welcoming and free from barriers. 

About You

As Senior Policy Officer, you provide administrative, project management and policy support that will contribute to NSW’s natural resource and primary industry sectors.  The Senior Policy Officer is a collaborator and strategic thinker and has a critical role to provide strategic policy and legislative advice and coordination and undertake complex research and analysis of policies and legislative frameworks to inform decision making in a complex, high-pressured, dynamic environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the NSW Independent Biosecurity Commissioner to undertake their functions under the Biosecurity Act 2015.
• Develop, implement, and manage complex policy and projects, while maintaining knowledge of machinery of government and government processes. 
• Analyse and review policies and regulatory frameworks to assess appropriateness, effectiveness and efficiency, and their impact on primary industries.
• Undertake research and analysis, and liaise with internal and external stakeholders to identify emerging issues, solutions and opportunities.
• Prepare accurate and timely policy advice for executive and ministerial audiences, including briefings, papers, submissions and reports. 
• Prepare communication and engagement materials appropriate to a wide range of stakeholders as required.

What We Offer

DPIRD an attractive place to build your career.  You’ll be part of a team that offers:

• A Diverse and Inclusive Workplace
• Flexible, autonomous work environment
• Competitive pay and conditions
• Professional Development
• Health & Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programs.

Learn more about the benefits of joining our diverse and talented DPIRD team.

💬 For further information about this vacancy please contact:

Gillian Hay, A/Principal Policy Officer on 0408 676 947 or gill.hay@dpi.nsw.gov.au.  🔗 Click here to view the full role description

👉 How to Apply

All applications must be submitted online.  Attach an up-to-date resume (ideally no more than 3 pages) and a cover letter (max. 2 pages) that briefly outlines how you meet the requirements of the role description and why you’re our ideal candidate.

Applications Close: Monday 2 June, at 11:55pm

What to expect next

Once you submit your application, you’ll receive an email confirmation. After the advertisement closes, all applications will be reviewed by the hiring manager and selection panel. If shortlisted, you may be invited to an interview—this could be in person, over the phone, or via video. You may also be asked to complete role-related tasks, such as a written assessment, skills test, or psychometric assessment. Reference checks will be conducted for candidates progressing to the final stages. 

Additional Information

A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary roles of the same role or role type that may become available for filling over the next eighteen months.

The successful applicant may also be required to undergo a police check, health assessment, and other relevant checks as part of the recruitment process. 

If you require adjustments in completing your application, interviewing, completing any pre- employment testing, require information in an alternative format, or otherwise participating in the recruitment process, please let us know so we can assist. Send an email to talent.advisory@dpird.nsw.gov.au or contact the hiring manager listed above for a confidential discussion. 

About us: Together, we are DPIRD

The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) protects, supports and develops primary industries and regional economies.

Collectively we support strong and sustainable agriculture, forestry, fishing and mining industries, and regional economies. We actively manage our natural assets: our lands and soils, minerals, waterways and oceans, vegetation and forests.

  The department brings together:

• Local Land Services
• NSW Resources
• Agriculture and Biosecurity
• Fisheries and Forestry
• Regional Development and Delivery.

With nearly 5,000 employees, and 75 per cent of the DPIRD team living and working in regional NSW, we are embedded in the regions we serve.

Diversity, equity and inclusion are central to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, reflecting the rich diversity of the communities we serve. We actively encourage individuals of all backgrounds – including but not limited to; gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural heritage, disability, religion and sexual orientation to submit an application. We strive to ensure that every stage of the recruitment process and overall employee experience is accessible, welcoming and free from barriers. Learn more about the benefits of joining our diverse and talented DPIRD team.

DPIRD is committed to providing an inclusive candidate experience and through the Disability Confident Recruiter program, identify and remove unintended barriers for candidates.