Job Description

Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?
Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.

• Lead the delivery of coastal and estuarine management initiatives that help protect NSW’s coastlines, strengthen community resilience and support sustainable environmental outcomes.
• Permanent full-time (35 hours per week) opportunity
• Coffs Harbour and Alstonville Office locations, hybrid working supported
• Environment Officer Class 9
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $128,052 to $142,649 + super

Our Conservation Programs team is currently seeking to appoint a Senior Coast and Estuaries Officer to lead and support the delivery of coastal management initiatives across Northeast NSW. In this role, you will work closely with councils, government agencies and key stakeholders to develop and implement coastal management programs, provide expert technical advice, and contribute to the long-term health and resilience of NSW’s coastal and estuarine environments.

As a senior technical specialist, you will provide expert advice on coastal processes and hazards, estuary health, coastal management policy and land-use planning matters. You will support councils in delivering coastal management programs and grant-funded projects, contribute to policy and program development, and play a key role in resolving complex coastal management challenges through collaboration, stakeholder engagement and evidence-based decision making.

About You

• Extensive knowledge and experience in coastal and estuarine processes and coastal hazard management, including data analysis, risk assessment and the development of practical management solutions.
• Coastal engineering qualifications and demonstrated experience in coastal engineering applications and practice is strongly desired.
• Demonstrated experience working with local government, government agencies and community stakeholders to deliver complex environmental programs and outcomes.
• Strong understanding of coastal management legislation, policy and practice, with the ability to provide expert technical advice and recommendations.
• Highly developed communication, consultation and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence, negotiate and build productive partnerships.
• A collaborative and solutions-focused professional with strong project management skills and a commitment to delivering quality environmental outcomes for communities across NSW.

Essential Requirements

• Appropriate degree level tertiary qualifications in engineering, geomorphology, environmental science, natural resource management or related discipline.
• Current Australian Driver's licence, Class C and willingness to travel.

For more information read the full Role Description: Senior Coasts and Estuaries Officer

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 Tuesday, 4th August 2026 at 11:55PM.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Ben Fitzgibbon via ben.fitzgibbon@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 Stacey Cooper on 02 9585 6811 (please mention reference number 551783).

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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