Job Description

Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?
Working to protect the state’s water, environment and heritage.

• You will be responsible for the delivery of complex water planning programs, ensuring robust governance, and providing clear, high-quality advice to support executive and Ministerial decision-making
• Permanent full-time (35 hours per week) opportunity
• Office locations across NSW, hybrid working supported
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $183,848 to $208,267 + super

Our Water Group team is currently seeking to appoint an Associate Director Water Deliverables

This senior leadership role is responsible for overseeing the end-to-end delivery of statutory water planning programs, ensuring strong governance, transparency, and alignment with legislative and government priorities.

Key responsibilities include coordinating complex planning frameworks, managing audits and reviews with oversight bodies such as the Natural Resources Commission, and providing clear, timely reporting and advice to executives and Ministers.

The role works collaboratively across government agencies and internal teams, leading program delivery, resource prioritisation, and continuous improvement initiatives within a high-performing, fast-paced environment focused on sustainable water management outcomes for communities and industry.

About You

Success in this role requires extensive experience delivering complex, high-value programs within a government environment, alongside strong knowledge of statutory planning frameworks, governance, and assurance processes.

The role demands the ability to coordinate end-to-end water planning activities, manage audits and reviews, and ensure compliance with legislative and policy requirements while aligning outcomes to government priorities. A deep understanding of project and program management methodologies is essential, including the ability to oversee multiple interdependent initiatives, manage risks, and provide clear, timely reporting to executives and Ministers.

Equally critical are advanced leadership and interpersonal capabilities, including the ability to foster collaboration across diverse teams and stakeholders, influence decision-making, and communicate complex information clearly and persuasively. Strong planning and prioritisation skills are required to balance competing demands in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, while maintaining a focus on delivering quality outcomes. The role also requires sound judgement, resilience, and a commitment to continuous improvement, enabling the successful delivery of outcomes that support sustainable water management and build confidence with communities, industry, and government stakeholders.

Essential Requirements

• Relevant qualifications and/or proven experience in natural resource management
• Relevant qualifications and/or proven experience in project management

For more information read the full Role Description: Associate Director Water Planning Deliverables

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 Sunday 7 June 2026 at 11:55PM.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Mitchell Isaacs via mitchell.isaacs@dcceew.nsw.gov.au or on 0403103823.

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 Ty Brennock on 0409231515 (please mention reference number 550572).

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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