Job Description

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

Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.

• Guide the science behind smarter environmental water decisions
• Ongoing full-time opportunity
• Office location upon negotiation across NSW, hybrid working supported
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $144,018 to $158,718 + super

Do you want to shape the future of environmental water management in NSW?

We are seeking a strategic and collaborative leader to join the Water for the Environment branch as Team Leader, MER Coordination You will play a key leadership role in driving evidence-based decision-making to optimise ecological outcomes and strengthen water programs.

About the role

You will lead the coordination of monitoring, evaluation and reporting (MER) to assess environmental water use and outcomes. Working across a complex stakeholder landscape, you will ensure high-quality data, insights and reporting inform adaptive management, strategic planning and compliance with water legislation and agreements.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of monitoring, evaluation and reporting for environmental water programs, working with internal and external delivery partners and through engagement of technical services
• Analyse complex scientific and program data to assess effectiveness and drive improvements
• Provide expert advice to inform policy, strategy and decision-making
• Develop and enhance MER frameworks to support consistent, transparent reporting
• Identify emerging risks, trends and opportunities impacting water programs
• Engage with government, community and sector stakeholders to support program outcomes

About You

A strategic and collaborative leader with strong expertise in monitoring, evaluation and environmental water management. You will bring a deep understanding of river, wetland and floodplain systems, along with the ability to analyse complex data and translate it into clear, actionable insights.

You are confident leading a small team, building capability, and fostering a high-performance, outcomes-focused culture. With well-developed communication and stakeholder engagement skills, you can influence across government, partner organisations and community groups to achieve shared outcomes.

You thrive in a fast-paced, complex environment—balancing competing priorities, interpreting technical information from multiple sources, and delivering high-quality reporting under tight timeframes. Your experience in developing and improving evaluation frameworks and your commitment to evidence-based decision-making will be key to success in this role.

Most importantly, you are motivated by making a tangible impact—driving improved environmental outcomes and supporting sustainable water management across NSW.

Knowledge and experience

• Extensive knowledge of and experience in environmental water, river and wetland management, planning and policy, including river, floodplain and wetland hydrology and ecology.
• Extensive experience in project management, monitoring, evaluation and reporting on environmental water, river and wetland management programs.
• Proven high-level knowledge and understanding of current water, threatened species and biodiversity conservation frameworks, legislation and reforms impacting on rivers and wetlands conservation and management programming
• Experience in GIS (spatial data management, analysis, mapping, standards and best practice) and broader data management is desirable.

For more information read the full Role Description: Team Leader MER Coordination

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 14th July 2026 at 11:55PM.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Amanda Silver via Amanda.Silver@dcceew.nsw.gov.au or on 0400 306 996

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 550735).

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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