Job Description

Shape sustainable outcomes for generations to come through biodiversity and fisheries leadership.

• Work on projects with lasting community impact, helping balance growth, development and the preservation of places that hold meaning for communities.
• Permanent full-time opportunity.
• Primary Location: Parramatta, other NSW DPHI office locations will be considered and flexible working arrangements supported.
• Clerk Grade 11/12 ,Salary ranges from $154,231 to $178,369 + super

As the Principal Advisor, Biodiversity and Fisheries, you will lead a specialist advisory function that supports local development, State Significant Infrastructure (SSI), State Significant Development (SSD) and rezoning proposals across NSW. You will provide expert guidance, drive quality and consistency in environmental assessments, and help deliver practical, evidence-based outcomes that balance development, biodiversity and community expectations.

This is an opportunity to lead a team of technical professionals, influence strategic decision-making, and work with government, councils, industry and community stakeholders to address complex biodiversity and fisheries challenges. Your expertise will help shape outcomes that have lasting environmental, economic and social impacts across the State.

For more information about this position, read the full Role Description: Principal Advisor Biodiversity and Fisheries

What you will bring to the role :

• Proven ability to provide authoritative biodiversity and fisheries advice on complex planning, development and environmental assessment matters.
• Strong judgement and risk management skills, with the ability to identify, escalate and address issues that may impact project delivery, stakeholder confidence or organisational reputation.
• Exceptional communication skills, including the ability to translate complex technical information into practical and actionable advice for a range of audiences.
• Demonstrated experience leading high-performing teams, managing competing priorities and delivering quality outcomes within tight timeframes.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships across government, councils, industry and the community.
• Experience overseeing complex assessments, governance frameworks, project delivery plans and quality assurance processes to ensure defensible and compliant outcomes.
• Ability to work autonomously, make sound decisions, allocate resources effectively and drive continuous improvement in service delivery and environmental assessment practices

What is an essential requirement:

Degree qualification in a related relevant discipline or equivalent relevant experience e.g., Bachelor of Environmental Science (Conservation/Sustainability) or Bachelor of Science (Biology/Ecology), or Bachelor of Science (Marine Biology/Marine Ecology/Estuaries).

About Us

At the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI), you could shape your world while helping us shape the future of NSW. Together, we create vibrant communities, places and precincts, and manage land, assets and property.

We are a high-performing organisation that proudly reflects the communities we serve. Our diversity strengthens our cultural capability and enables us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people across NSW. As an inclusive and accessible workplace, we value your contribution, lived experience and cultural knowledge, and we want you to feel supported, connected and empowered to succeed. With flexible work arrangements, job share options, workplace adjustments and various employee affinity groups, we are here to help you thrive every day.

Join us

Shape your world in a place where you’re valued, included and heard. Apply now with your CV and cover letter. Applications close Tuesday, 06 October 2026 at 11:55PM. Should you require further information about the role please contact Tim Smith, Director Environment Bio & Heritage Advisory on tim.smith@dphi.nsw.gov.au

A talent 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.

Check out our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for the role or contact our Aboriginal Career pathways team for a yarn.

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

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. This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including a criminal record check.