Together we shape thriving communities, public spaces, places and economies.

• Support the delivery of the Caring for Country Strategy under the Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan
• Temporary full time until 30 June 2028
• Parramatta/Orange or Newcastle office locations available (some travel required)
• Salary relative to experience and ranges from $134,504 to $143,964 + super

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). 

The Senior Project Officer (Aboriginal Identified) is responsible as part of a team delivering the Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan and The Caring for Country Aboriginal Outcomes Strategy, for the provision of project support across the various stages of project delivery, implementation, review and continual improvement.

The role may also be required to support elements of work within the Central Coast Strategic Conservation Plan as needed. The role will work closely with Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal colleagues and partners to develop, oversee and deliver projects to achieve improved environmental and cultural outcomes for Community. The role has a strong focus on engagement and management of grant projects.

About the Work and Team
 
Our team delivers projects under the Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan (CPCP)—a long-term plan that supports sustainable growth in Western Sydney to 2056 and beyond, while protecting important biodiversity, including threatened species and ecosystems. To ensure Aboriginal voices are central to the CPCP’s implementation, we worked in partnership with Aboriginal communities to develop the Caring for Country Aboriginal Outcomes Strategy, launched in March 2024. The Strategy outlines key themes and a set of community-informed actions to guide project development over the next decade. We collaborate with local and state governments, academic institutions, industry partners, and—most importantly—alongside the Aboriginal community across Western Sydney to realise a shared vision of a healthy Country.

Our day-to-day work includes engaging with Aboriginal communities to identify project priorities, developing policies (such as the Fees for Aboriginal Professional Cultural Advice Policy), and creating frameworks like the Relationship and Active Engagement Framework. We also support projects and initiatives across our division to embed Aboriginal voices, knowledge, culture, and rights. We are passionate about our work and operate in a supportive, purpose-driven, and change-focused environment. We take pride in our accountability, collaborative problem-solving, and commitment to achieving meaningful, lasting outcomes. We partner with consultants, councils, and agencies to deliver on the objectives of both the CPCP and the Caring for Country Strategy—always guided by our commitment to the health of Country for current and future generations.

For more information read the full Role Description: Senior Project Officer

Key knowledge and experience

• Experience engaging with Aboriginal people or working on Aboriginal Programs, projects or policy

Essential requirements

This is an Identified role under Section 14d of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 and as such Aboriginality is an essential requirement of the role. 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 such by the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community.
• Relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent relevant experience.

What’s in it for me?

Join our team for a fantastic culture with dynamic collaboration and genuine long-term career support. We offer flexibility in work arrangements, diverse and fulfilling assignments, and prioritise work/life balance and wellbeing with initiatives like flex leave and access to support programs. Additionally, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome, respected, and empowered to succeed.

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

Apply online with your resume and cover letter.

Applications close Thursday 1 May 2025 at 11:55PM.

Contact Stu Jordan via stu.jordan@dpie.nsw.gov.au for further details.

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.

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, 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 3, DPHI People Advisory, option 1 and reference 'Request an Adjustment - Job Title and Reference Number'.

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.