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
• Temporary until 30 June 2029 full-time (35 hours per week) opportunity,
• Coffs Harbour Office location - Hybrid working supported
• Environment Officer Class 7
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $112,375 to $124,158 + super

Our Ecosystems and Threatened Species, North East team is seeking to appoint a Project Officer (Aboriginal Identified) to play a key role in strengthening partnerships between Aboriginal communities and biodiversity conservation programs across the region. This position provides a unique opportunity to bring Aboriginal voices, knowledge, and perspectives into threatened species conservation and Caring for Country initiatives, helping deliver positive outcomes for both community and the environment.

Working as part of the Conservation Programs team, you will coordinate and facilitate engagement with Aboriginal communities, organisations, and stakeholders across the Northeast region to support the delivery of the Saving Our Species program. You will help develop culturally safe approaches to conservation, foster strong and respectful relationships, and identify opportunities for collaboration on Country. The primary focus of the role will be delivering biosecurity awareness training to Indigenous ranger teams. Demonstrated understanding of plant pathogens and other introduced biosecurity risks is essential.

Aboriginal knowledge, cultural practices, and community priorities to be embedded in project outcomes. This is a collaborative role where you will work closely with Aboriginal partners, community members, landholders, and government stakeholders to support conservation initiatives while building trust, shared understanding, and meaningful partnerships.

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 are a proud Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person who is passionate about Caring for Country and creating positive outcomes for community and the environment.

You will bring:

• Demonstrated experience engaging and building trusted relationships with Aboriginal communities, organisations, and stakeholders.
• A demonstrated understanding of environmental biosecurity and conservation issues faced by community working on Country
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• Strong communication and consultation skills, with the ability to work respectfully across diverse groups and represent community perspectives.
• Experience coordinating projects, programs, or community engagement initiatives and delivering outcomes within agreed timeframes.
• An understanding of Aboriginal cultural knowledge, values, and connections to Country, and the ability to apply culturally safe engagement practices.
• Well-developed stakeholder management skills, with experience building partnerships and working collaboratively across organisations.
• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports, presentations, briefing notes, and correspondence.
• The ability to balance community, cultural, and organisational priorities while navigating complex and sensitive issues.
• A proactive, adaptable, and solutions-focused approach, with the ability to work both independently and as part of a supportive team.

Essential Requirements

• This is an Aboriginal Identified role under Section 14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977. Applicants must be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent, identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, and be accepted by their community as such.
• A current NSW motor vehicle licence.

For more information read the full Role Description: 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 Tuesday, 8th September 2026 at 11:55PM.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Daniel Cain via Daniel.Cain@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 552136).

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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