Job Description

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

Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.

• Play a key role in delivering on-ground regional conservation outcomes
• Temporary full-time opportunity till 30 June 2029
• Office location upon negotiation across NSW, hybrid working supported
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $152,677 to $167,562 + super

The Program Manager, Strategic Projects plays a critical leadership role in delivering large-scale conservation initiatives that support sustainable environmental outcomes across NSW.

This role is responsible for planning, negotiating and delivering regional conservation strategies and biodiversity offset programs, ensuring alignment with legislative requirements and government priorities.

Working across government, industry and community stakeholders, the role supports evidence-based decision making, builds strong partnerships and oversees the successful delivery of complex agreements and programs that contribute to long-term conservation goals.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Leading development of operational policy to support the implementation of strategic offset delivery agreements
• Supporting the negotiation and delivery of high value agreements with proponents to meet biodiversity offset obligations
• Providing strategic analysis and advice on the biodiversity credit market
• Coordinating the development and implementation of regional conservation plans and strategic environmental initiatives
• Building and managing relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including industry partners
• Overseeing program governance, performance monitoring and continuous improvement
• Leading a small team and driving high-quality, outcome-focused project delivery

About You

You are a strategic and driven leader with a passion for delivering complex projects that create meaningful environmental outcomes. You bring a collaborative approach, strong commercial and analytical skills, and the ability to influence and negotiate across a diverse stakeholder landscape. With a focus on achieving results, you thrive in a fast-paced environment and are motivated by the opportunity to contribute to long-term conservation outcomes across NSW.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Brings strong experience leading complex programs or projects, ideally within environmental, conservation, or regulatory settings
• Has a proven ability to negotiate and influence diverse stakeholders, including government, industry and community partners
• Can translate complex data and policy into clear, practical strategies and outcomes
• Demonstrates strategic thinking, sound judgement and the ability to manage competing priorities in a dynamic environment
• Is a confident communicator who can tailor messaging for different audiences and build trust at all levels
• Has experience leading and developing teams to deliver high-quality, outcomes-focused work
• Is passionate about driving meaningful environmental outcomes and contributing to long-term conservation goals

Essential Requirements

• Tertiary qualification in an ecological, environmental science or related discipline.
• Current NSW driver's licence and ability and willingness to travel throughout the state when required, including overnight travel.

For more information read the full Role Description: Program Manager Strategic Projects

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.

Participation in the NSW Biodiversity Offsets Scheme (BOS)

Please read the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme Protocol to understand if it applies to your circumstances. All applicants for this role and new employees with an existing defined interest in the BOS will be required to disclose their personal (or a close family member’s) participation to ensure potential conflict of interests are declared and managed appropriately.

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 Thursday 18th June 2026 date at 11:55PM.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Kelly Carbery via Kelly.Carbery@dcceew.nsw.gov.au or on 02 9995 6726.

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 Lila Snow on 02 9995 5095 (please mention reference number 550729).

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.

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), YouTube and LinkedIn