Senior Project Officer (Identified)

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

Working to the protect state’s environment and heritage.

• Aboriginal Identified opportunity
• 2 temporary opportunities:
• 1 full-time role (35 hours per week) until 30 June 2029
• 1 part-time role (21 hours per week) until 30 June 2028
• Office location - Parramatta or key Science & Insights regional locations. Hybrid working supported.
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $128,052 to $142,649 + super

Our Conservation and Restoration Science Branch is currently seeking to appoint one temporary part-time and one-temporary full-time Senior Project Officer (Identified) to help integrate Aboriginal knowledge and perspectives into conservation science and research and Healthy Country programs that deliver lasting environmental outcomes for NSW.

As a Senior Project Officer (Identified), you will support projects that bring Aboriginal knowledge and perspectives into conservation science and Healthy Country programs. Working with Aboriginal communities, researchers and government stakeholders, you will help deliver culturally informed projects that support biodiversity conservation and threatened species outcomes and Healthy Country-related strategy development and implementation. Your work will contribute to stronger partnerships, informed decision-making and positive outcomes for Country and community.

This is an Aboriginal Identified role where Aboriginal identity, cultural knowledge or connections are a genuine aspect of the role. Positions are specifically noted under the provisions of the NSW Anti-discrimination Act (1977).

About You

You have experience working with Aboriginal peoples, communities and organisations, along with an understanding of environmental, scientific, conservation or public policy issues. You can manage projects, coordinate competing priorities and contribute practical solutions to complex challenges.

You build respectful relationships and communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders. You work collaboratively, value diverse perspectives and are confident engaging with Aboriginal communities to support culturally informed outcomes. You are organised, proactive and focused on delivering quality results.

Key knowledge and experience

• Experience working with Aboriginal peoples, communities and organisations, with the ability to solve complex problems in contemporary NSW environmental and Aboriginal public policy contexts.
• The ability to work with Aboriginal knowledge holders to respectfully integrate Traditional Ecological Knowledge into scientific programs or government policies.
• The ability to mentor and motivate teams to deliver outcomes, including managing direct reports.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills and experience building collaborative partnerships across government, academia and research organisations.
• Outstanding communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex scientific information to a range of technical and non-technical audiences.

Essential requirements

• This is an Identified role under the Section 14d of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 and as such Aboriginality is an essential requirement of the role. Aboriginal identified positions are developed where Aboriginal identity, cultural knowledge or connections are a genuine aspect of the role. Positions are specifically noted under the provisions of the NSW Anti-discrimination Act (1977) for Aboriginal people who meet the following criteria:
  • is of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent, and
  • identifies as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, and
  • is accepted as a such by the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community.
• A current Class C driver license and a willingness and ability to travel for work (including multi-day travel and travel to regional and remote locations).
• Tertiary qualifications in science and/or relevant experience

For more information read the full Role Description:  Senior Project Officer (Identified)

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 Thursday 3 September 2026 at 11:55PM.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Jane DeGabriel via Jane.DeGabriel@dcceew.nsw.gov.au or on 0400 697 256.

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 Gabriella Schulzer on 9585 6521 (please mention reference number 552615).

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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