Job Description

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

Ensuring a sustainable NSW through climate change and energy action, water management, environment and heritage conservation and protection.

Aboriginal Targeted opportunity

Create real Aboriginal economic outcomes from the energy transition

• Temporary Full-time (35 hours per week) opportunity until June 2029.
• Parramatta office location, hybrid working supported
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $134,421 to $148,239 pa plus super
• This is a targeted role under GSE Rule 26 and Aboriginal people are strongly encouraged to apply.

NSW’s clean energy transition presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver sustained Aboriginal economic participation—through sustained employment, business growth, and long-term revenue and ownership opportunities.

This role sits within our new Aboriginal Clean Energy and Adaptation function, designed to translate policy intent into real, enduring economic outcomes. Rather than delivering programs directly, you will work across government, industry and Aboriginal organisations to unlock opportunities, remove barriers and broker solutions at scale.

What you’ll do

You will play a central role in increasing real-world, sustained economic participation outcomes by:

• Identifying and progressing opportunities for Aboriginal employment, business participation, ownership and revenue sharing across the electricity transition
• Working across government, industry and Aboriginal organisations to broker partnerships, align interests and unlock delivery
• Diagnosing systemic barriers and designing practical solutions that can be applied across multiple projects and regions
• Influencing policy, procurement and delivery settings so participation is embedded from the outset, not treated as an add-on
• Driving outcomes through others—leveraging relationships, influence and system levers rather than direct program delivery

About you

You are someone who is motivated by impact and able to operate in complexity. You know how to move things forward—even when the pathway isn’t obvious.

You will bring:

• A strong focus on outcomes, with the ability to develop and progress practical, innovative solutions
• Highly developed relationship and partnership skills, including working with Aboriginal organisations, government and industry
• Experience in brokering solutions and navigating complex stakeholder environments
• Sound judgement, analytical capability and the ability to manage competing priorities and risks
• An understanding of the structural challenges and opportunities in achieving sustained Aboriginal economic participation

Most importantly, you are committed to ensuring that Aboriginal participation is meaningful, enduring and economically significant—not transactional or short-term.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Baharak Sahebekhtiari, Director Climate Change Adaption and Partnerships via Baharak.sahebekhtiari@dcceew.nsw.gov.au

Essential Requirements

• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline or equivalent experience. 

For more information read the full Role Description: - Senior Project Officer Programs

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.

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 14th April 2026 (11:55PM).

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 Amanda Paterson on 02 6360 9017 (please mention reference number 547735).

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