Job Description

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

Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.

• Lead and develop complex, high-impact policy advice with a national and Murray-Darling Basin focus
• Temporary (Up to 30 June 2029) full-time (35 hours per week) opportunity
• Office location upon negotiation across NSW, hybrid working supported
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $129,464 to $142,665 + super

Our Policy and Regulatory Branch is currently seeking to appoint a Senior Policy Officer temporarily up to 30 June 2029.

This role sits within the collaborative, high-performing Murray-Darling Basin and Intergovernmental team, where you will lead and develop NSW’s strategic water policy positions in national and interjurisdictional forums.

You’ll be responsible for developing evidence-based policy advice, drafting public facing government submissions and responses, briefing materials for senior executives and Ministers, and leading research and analysis on emerging water issues. The role involves working closely with internal teams, NSW government agencies, Commonwealth, State and Territory governments, agencies and stakeholders to navigate complex, and sometimes sensitive, policy challenges and deliver practical solutions.

You’ll manage competing priorities, contribute to inter-jurisdictional negotiations, and play a key role in establishing policy settings that support sustainable water use, healthy environments, and resilient communities—while being part of a culture that values collaboration, critical thinking and continuous improvement.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will bring

• Demonstrated experience in policy development, ideally within water, environmental, natural resource management, or a related government context
• Proven capability to analyse complex data and issues, translating insights into clear, evidence-based recommendations to inform decision-making
• Experience preparing high-quality briefings, reports and discussion papers for senior stakeholders, including executive and ministerial audiences
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes within tight and competing timeframes
• Experience contributing to or leading large-scale policy or reform initiatives that influence government decision-making
• Highly developed communication skills, including the ability to clearly articulate complex concepts to diverse audiences
• Strong stakeholder engagement and collaboration skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships across government and with external partners
• Demonstrated critical thinking, sound judgement and problem-solving capability to address complex and sensitive issues
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to plan, coordinate and deliver work to agreed outcomes

For more information read the full Role Description: Senior Water Policy Officer MDB & Intergov

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.

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 14 July 2026 at 11:55PM.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Samantha McCallum via samantha.mccallum@dcceew.nsw.gov.au or on 0437 322 454.

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