Job Description

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

Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.

• Support the successful delivery of strategic projects and environmental water initiatives
• Project Officer, Water for the Environment (Environment Officer Class 7)
• Ongoing full-time opportunity
• Located in Newcastle (other locations will be considered and hybrid working supported)
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $112,375 to $124,158 p.a. + super

Do you have experience with supporting stakeholder negotiations, coordination of spatial and relational information, addressing property and legal matters and working collaboratively with specialist legal and negotiation teams?

The NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) has an exciting opportunity for a Project Officer to join our Water for the Environment Strategic Projects team to provide support to a team that works on environmental water projects across NSW.

The successful applicant will support expert teams of negotiators, property and legal advisors, as well as work collaboratively with the broader Strategic Projects team, Water for the Environment branch and department. You will be working alongside senior staff and have the opportunity to build your skills in stakeholder negotiations and development of measures including legal and policy approaches that support the delivery of environmental water.

The role involves the management of technical information, including working with spatial, property and communications datasets which are critical to the effective negotiations with landholders and other project stakeholders.

About You

As a Project Officer, you will be adept at managing competing priorities and working collaboratively with interconnected teams. You will thrive in a dynamic environment, enjoy working with technical information, and have a passion for achieving outcomes in a changing and diverse work environment. Experience in environmental, water or land management programs and/or experience working in legal, regulatory, property, policy or negotiation environments would be desirable.

To be successful, you will need to have:

• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and the ability to manage technical information
• Ability to analyse and communicate spatial and relational datasets
• Strong communication (written, verbal and spatial) skills with the ability to maintain effective working relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to juggle competing pressures to meet deadlines
• Enthusiasm for learning and applying technological solutions.

Key knowledge and experience

• Sound demonstrated knowledge of the operational and strategic requirements for the successful delivery of programs in the context of current policy and legislative frameworks.

For more information read the full Role Description: Project Officer, Water for the Environment

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: Sunday 6 September 2026 at 11:55PM.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Adam Blakester via adam.blakester@dcceew.nsw.gov.au or on 0436 621 089.

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.npws.gov.au or contacting Tori Basnet on (02) 9585 6402 (please mention reference number 552307).

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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