Principal Policy Officer

Join to apply for the Principal Policy Officer role at Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development.

Use your policy expertise to lead meaningful work in vegetation and natural resource management. This AO7 Principal Policy Officer role offers an opportunity to lead strategic projects, shape operational policy, and provide expert advice on complex legislation and mapping matters. With flexible work options and locations across Queensland, you can grow a high-impact career while leading a small team and collaborating across government, industry, and community.

Discover a purpose-driven career with the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development. Unleash your potential and make a difference. Join Resources and #MakeADifference

Are you a strong policy thinker with a passion for sustainability, leadership, and high-impact work? We're seeking a Principal Policy Officer to join our Vegetation Policy team, part of the Lands Policy and Support unit. This permanent role involves leading the development of vegetation and soils policies, operational guidelines, and project initiatives aligned with Queensland Government priorities. Located in Brisbane or regional offices (Toowoomba, Gympie, Bundaberg, Rockhampton, Emerald, Mackay, Townsville, Cairns), offering true flexibility.

• Leading research and developing authoritative advice on vegetation management policy, mapping frameworks, and legislative interpretation.
• Overseeing project delivery, collaborating with stakeholders across sectors, and ensuring your team is motivated and equipped to meet high standards.
• Preparing complex policy submissions, briefing notes, legislation, and reports for senior leadership and executive review.

This role offers a senior leadership position with impactful environmental and legislative outcomes, where your strategic thinking and experience in complex policy environments will be highly valued.

• Has strong written and verbal communication skills, including influencing, negotiating, and leading.
• Can manage multiple complex projects and policy processes confidently.
• Analyzes and solves problems with a solutions-oriented mindset.
• Has experience leading a team and supporting professional growth.
• Is knowledgeable in natural resource management policy and legislation (highly regarded).
• Contributes positively to a respectful, diverse, and inclusive team culture.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in complex, fast-paced policy environments and is motivated by delivering outcomes that shape Queensland's land management practices.

We focus on people—building resilience, encouraging innovation, and promoting ongoing learning. We offer a safe, inclusive, and respectful workplace where all staff are valued. Our workforce is mobile, flexible, and agile, guided by principles of being proactive, courageous, pragmatic, collaborative, resilient, and respectful, underpinned by Queensland public service values.

• Competitive superannuation and salary sacrificing options.
• Flexible working arrangements supporting work-life balance.
• Various leave provisions supported across the Queensland public sector.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Relocation assistance.
• Opportunity to have a visible impact in your community and contribute to Queenslanders' wellbeing.

Work within an inclusive culture while making a meaningful difference. Learn more about benefits with the Department of Natural Resources and Mines.

Discover a purpose-driven career—unleash your potential, grow, and #MakeADifference.

Applications remain current for 12 months.

Occupational group: Management

Seniority level: Mid-Senior level

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Management

Industries: Government Administration