Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?

Working to the protect state’s environment and heritage.

• Aboriginal Identified opportunity
• Temporary role to 31 December 2025
• Full-time - 35 hours per week + FlexTime 
• Southern NSW (Riverina) location preferred, but open to any NSW location for the right candidate - regional locations encouraged/hybrid working supported
• Salary ranges from $120,859.00 to $133,183.00 + super + leave loading

The Senior Aboriginal Cultural Advisor role designs and implements community and stakeholder engagement strategies for projects delivered by the First Nations Project Engagement team.

These strategies involve building relationships with stakeholders and key regional, metropolitan and First Nations communities; and communications to support this engagement in collaboration with the Communications, Media and Engagement team with Water Group. The role effectively engages with various community stakeholders to plan and deliver infrastructure across the water sector throughout NSW.

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).

About You

Ideal skills and experience:

• Demonstrated experience in leading and mentoring Aboriginal team members
• Demonstrated experience in building and enabling capacity in First Nations communities
• The ability to develop and maintain effective stakeholder relationships to support collaboration, community-centricity and identifying process improvement (e.g. the project teams)
• Knowledge of water resource management issues and the State and Commonwealth Government's water reform agendas
• Knowledge of development assessment processes and legislative requirements
• Knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal community governance and structures

Essential Requirements

• Aboriginal identified positions are developed 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) 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 a such by the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community
• Demonstrated experience working with Aboriginal people, government organisations and communities with the ability to communicate across cultures.
• Knowledge, respect, sensitivity to and understanding of Aboriginal cultural and water issues.
• Current NSW Driver’s Licence and the ability and willingness to travel.

For more information read the full Role Description: Senior Aboriginal Cultural Advisor

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.

Applications close Monday, 18 November at 11:55PM.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Warren Mayers via warren.mayers@dpie.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?

• Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace
• How we encourage and support people with disability
• Information and adjustments for individual needs for the recruitment process and the workplace.

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

If you require an adjustment for your application process, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team by emailing dcceew.ta@dpie.nsws.gov.au or contacting Mariam Barakat on 0429 667 238 (please mention reference number 539657).

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander use our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles or contact our Aboriginal Career pathways team for a yarn.

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