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

Working to the protect state’s environment and heritage.

• Aboriginal Identified opportunity
• Permanent ongoing position
• Full-time role - 35 hours per week + FlexTime
• Coffs Harbour location – flexible working supported
• Salary ranges from $120,701.00 to $134,460.00 + super + leave loading

Our Regional Delivery team is seeking a Senior Project Officer (Identified) to join our Ecosystems & Threatened Species unit in Northeast NSW, in an ongoing capacity.

In this role, you’ll lead the delivery of awareness raising events and capacity-building biosecurity training and workshops for Indigenous Ranger teams and other First Nations communities working on Country. You’ll also support engagement with Aboriginal communities across language groups, ensuring Aboriginal voices and knowledge systems are embedded in biosecurity, biodiversity conservation and threatened species management programs. You’ll also provide strategic advice to influence decision-making, lead project delivery and help build the Department’s cultural capability, ensuring meaningful and respectful collaboration with Aboriginal communities across the region.

This role is key to strengthening partnerships between Aboriginal communities and the Department. You'll coordinate culturally safe engagement strategies, support community-led initiatives and work closely with internal teams, Aboriginal stakeholders and across other NSW, Queensland, and Commonwealth agencies to deliver inclusive, effective conservation programs.

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

You are a proud Aboriginal person with strong ties to community, Country and culture. You’re committed to strengthening those connections through meaningful partnerships that embed Aboriginal voices, knowledge and cultural practices in conservation. You have a proven track record of building respectful relationships with internal and external stakeholders and delivering complex projects in culturally sensitive contexts. You’re confident navigating both community and government spaces to create lasting, positive outcomes.

You have a demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture and the ability to communicate sensitively and work effectively with Aboriginal peoples. You are highly organised and motivated, and able to work under limited supervision to manage competing priorities and achieve results. You have experience planning and delivering environmental biosecurity programs with Aboriginal stakeholders and a demonstrated history of collaborating with multiple government agencies.

You bring:

• Deep cultural knowledge and experience working with Aboriginal communities, including across diverse language groups in regional NSW
• A strong ability to lead culturally safe, inclusive and community-led engagement initiatives
• Experience supporting collaboration between Aboriginal stakeholders and government in environmental biosecurity, conservation and threatened species work
• Confidence advising on culturally appropriate approaches that support Aboriginal community control and identity
• Skills in managing and reporting on cross-sector projects involving Aboriginal ranger teams or land management groups
• A commitment to building cultural capability within teams and promoting respectful engagement practices
• Excellent communication skills, with experience preparing reports, briefings and presentations for varied audiences
• A practical understanding of the challenges of “walking in two worlds,” and the resilience to balance community and professional responsibilities
• A willingness to travel regularly within NSW and interstate (approx. once per month)

Essential Requirements

• This is an Identified role under the 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 a such by the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community.

• A current motor vehicle driver licence.
• Tertiary scientific qualifications and/or relevant experience.

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

Applications close Sunday, 29 June at 11:55PM.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Daniel Cain via daniel.cain@environment.nsw.gov.au or on 02 6659 8218.

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.

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 Mariam Barakat on 0429 667 238 (please mention reference number 543279).

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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