Job Description

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

Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.

• Multiple roles available – in the Commercial and Property Legal Team
• Ongoing and temporary roles – full time 35 hrs per week (part-time considered)
• Based in Parramatta, flexible hybrid working supported (other office location subject to availability)
• Salary relative to experience ranging from $151,227 to $176,110 + superannuation and annual leave loading

We are seeking experienced and high‑performing lawyers to join the Commercial and Property Legal team in a number of Principal Legal Officer roles at the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW). These opportunities include both ongoing and temporary appointments and offer the chance to work on complex, high‑value and high‑impact legal matters for the NSW Government.

The roles are suited to lawyers with demonstrated expertise in Property Law and/or Contracts and Commercial law, who are comfortable operating as trusted legal advisers in a fast‑paced, outcomes‑focused environment.

About the role

As a Principal Legal Officer, you will:

• Provide high‑level, strategic legal advice on complex matters relating to property transactions, commercial arrangements, and government contracting across an incredibly interesting portfolio which includes matters relating to energy transition, the environment, biodiversity conservation, the National Parks estate, water infrastructure development and delivery.
• Lead and manage significant legal matters, including negotiations, risk assessment and dispute resolution.
• Draft, review and advise on a wide range of contracts and agreements including procurement contracts, construction contracts and funding agreements in respect of Commercial Law roles.
• Draft, review and advise on a wide range of property related contracts such as leasing, licensing, contracts for sale, development and delivery agreements, easements and other property related agreements in respect of Property Law roles.
• Work collaboratively with internal stakeholders, senior executives and external parties.
• Mentor and support junior lawyers and contribute to a strong, collaborative legal team culture.
• Conduct thorough research, provide recommendations and develop solutions for complex legal matters.
• Lead training sessions and create materials to share specialist knowledge and skills within the Department.
• Ensure advice and outcomes align with NSW Government legislative, policy and governance requirements.

About You

You are a passionate lawyer with expertise and experience in Property Law and/or Commercial LawYou also have:

• Experience providing high-standard advisory legal services independently, managing legal risks in complex and sensitive property and commercial matters.
• Expertise in delivering solution-focused legal services and advice within tight timeframes, balancing competing stakeholder priorities while meeting statutory and legal obligations.
• Proficiency in maintaining up-to-date knowledge of various legal matters, quickly understanding issues, and providing timely, consistent advice and solutions in line with applicable legislation, policies, and procedures.
• Experience in managing and mentoring a small team of lawyers in their development whilst meeting client expectations in the delivery of legal services.

Essential Requirements

• Admitted or qualified for admission as a Solicitor or Barrister in the Supreme Court of NSW and hold, or be eligible to hold, an unrestricted NSW Practicing Certificate.

For more information read the full Role Description: Principal Legal Officer

Who we are

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) work 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 (max 5 pages) and single page cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role.

Please also note, to be eligible for an ongoing role in the NSW Public Sector you need to be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident. For temporary and casual roles, you need to hold a valid visa giving you permission to work in Australia as required by the role.

Applications close Monday, 06 April 2026 at 11:55PM.

Should you require further information about the role, please contact Lauren Bathur at lauren.bathur@dcceew.nsw.gov.au

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 Nivya Shetty on 02 9585 6607or via nivya.shetty@dcceew.nsw.gov.au (please mention reference number 548230).

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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