Job Description

Guiding the future of NSW education

Position details

• Clerk Grade 7/8
• Full-time
• Salary: $116,981 to $129,492 p.a. plus employer’s contribution to superannuation and leave loading
• Ongoing
• Close to Wynyard station & hybrid work arrangements available (2 office days minimum)
• Contact for enquiries: Ben Turner - Ben.Turner@nesa.nsw.edu.au

About us

At the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), we are dedicated to carrying out meaningful work that drives improvements and elevates student achievement across NSW, now and into the future.

We accomplish this by supporting all school sectors with high-quality syllabuses, assessment (including managing the HSC and NAPLAN), teaching standards (e.g., accrediting teachers) and school environments (including setting and monitoring school standards).

NESA is a unique organisation in NSW (of around 740FTE staff) with significant state-wide impact, visit our website to learn more about the important work we do.

About the role

This role sits within the Assessment Operations Directorate which is responsible for developing, managing and delivering the assessment and examination processes for students in NSW.

As a Data Engineer, you'll play a critical role in ensuring the accuracy, integrity and reliability of examination and credentialing data that supports thousands of students across NSW. Working at the intersection of technology, data and business operations, you'll help maintain and enhance the examination system, ensuring it accurately reflects complex enrolment, assessment and credentialing processes.

This role offers the opportunity to apply your analytical skills to identify and resolve data and system issues, deliver meaningful reporting and insights, and contribute to the smooth delivery of high-profile HSC programs. If you enjoy working with complex systems, solving problems and ensuring data can be trusted to support important educational outcomes, this role will provide both challenge and purpose.

On a day-to-day basis you will be responsible for:

• Writing complex queries and producing tables using database systems and query tools, including Microsoft Access, Structured Query Language (SQL), and iSeries/AS400.
• Reviewing, running and developing R and Python scripts for data analysis and processing purposes.
• Ensuring accuracy, integrity, confidentiality and security of data loaded onto the examination system.
• Maintaining the examination system, including: setting system parameters through correct interpretation of NESA rules and procedures, entering large volumes of data into the system, and system testing to troubleshoot bugs.
• Collaborating with corporate IT teams to create, implement and maintain optimal data pipelines from a wide variety of internal and external sources.
• Revising, designing, and implementing best-fit internal process improvements including automating manual processes, streamlining data delivery and re-designing infrastructure for greater scalability and elegance.
• Providing accurate information from the examination system in a timely fashion in response to internal and external requests for data.
• Reviewing and evaluating processes and documentation, and recommending improvements.

Our ideal candidate will have:

• Demonstrated experience in developing and administering programs, procedures and systems that support the delivery of major operational programs.
• Proven ability to analyse complex examination systems, identify data and functional anomalies, escalate issues promptly, and contribute to effective resolution strategies.
• Strong capability to monitor and evaluate the progress of multiple HSC programs against established milestones and deadlines, adjusting priorities and timelines to address emerging issues.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage competing and, at times, conflicting priorities, delivering high-quality outcomes within agreed timeframes.

To be successful, you will need:

• Experience in writing complex queries using database systems and query tools, such as Microsoft Access, iSeries/AS400, SQL or MySQL.
• Skill in a programming language such as C, C++, R, Java, Python or Visual Basic and the capability to learn a new language if needed.
• A current Working with Children Check (WWCC) clearance number (for paid employment) prior to commencement (although not required at the application stage).

We invite you to download the role description for additional information on the position.

Note:

A current NSW Working with Children Check (WWCC) clearance for paid employment is required before commencing in this role. It is not required at the application stage. The cost of the WWCC clearance is the responsibility of the successful applicant.

At NESA you will benefit from:

• An organisation where your contribution has a big impact.
• An enviable CBD location (all modes of transport nearby, and excellent coffee and eateries) with refurbished offices.
• Flexible working arrangements and generous leave entitlements.
• Access to discounted health and fitness memberships via Fitness Passport, an employee assistance program and annual flu vaccinations.
• Salary packaging options.
• Working in a purpose driven and ethical organisation with committed colleagues.

Ready to join us?

Key information: If you are a current NESA employee or from another NSW government agency who use SuccessFactors for Recruitment and myWorkZone for Payroll, it’s important to apply through SuccessFactors to ensure your application reaches our system in the right place. If you need advice on that process follow this guide.

For all other candidates:

Select “Apply now” and attach an up-to-date résumé (maximum 5 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages). Also address the 2 targeted questions below in your online application (maximum of 500 words per response - approximately):

1. Describe a time when you used SQL, Python, R, or another programming/query language to identify and resolve a complex data quality or system issue. What was the issue, how did you investigate it, what actions did you take, and what was the outcome?
2. This role supports multiple high-priority examination and credentialing programs with strict deadlines and significant stakeholder impact. Describe a situation where you had to manage competing priorities while ensuring the accuracy and integrity of critical data or business processes. How did you approach the challenge, and what was the result?

Advice on applying for NSW Public Sector roles

If you need reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process and/or workplace, please reach out to recruitment@nesa.nsw.edu.au

Close date: Tuesday, 15 September 2026 at 11.59pm AEST

Thank you for your interest, we look forward to receiving your application.

#S/DNI

Important information

NESA’s Statement of Commitment to Child Safety

All children and young people have the right to be respected, feel safe, be safe, and protected from harm. NESA is committed to child safety and child safe practices underpinning our purpose of helping children and young people leave school, ready to take advantage of life’s opportunities and rise to its inevitable challenges.

We particularly welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, people of all ages, genders, cultural and linguistic backgrounds and the LGBTQIA+ community.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. For ongoing roles, you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident. Australian Temporary Residents may be considered for a fixed term contract for the length of their visa, depending on the requirements of the hiring area and the position.

A Talent Pool (valid for 18 months) may be created for future ongoing and temporary roles