Principal Program Officer Strategic

Overview

Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW? Working to protect the state's environment and heritage.

• Principal Program Officer (Environment Officer Class 11)
• Ongoing full-time (35 hours per week) opportunity
• Office location is Parramatta - regional location/hybrid working supported
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $144,018 to $158,718 + super

Our Strategic Projects team is seeking a Principal Program Officer to play a key role in a specialised team focused on the development, coordination, and delivery of strategic conservation programs and projects. In this role, you will provide expert advice and guidance to support regional conservation planning, lead the identification and implementation of strategic biodiversity offsets, and monitor and report on conservation outcomes.

About You

To be successful in the role, you will have a sophisticated knowledge of the NSW legislative framework for biodiversity offsetting. You will have experience in delivering multifaceted projects within tight timeframes and managing probity risks. You will also have demonstrated experience in collaborating with colleagues and stakeholders to efficiently deliver high quality outcomes.

You need to enjoy the challenge of solving complex problems and be able to prioritise competing demands in a fast-paced and diverse work program. You need to be capable of operating with autonomy and being accountable for the quality and timeliness of advice and deliverables and know when to escalate significant issues or risks to senior staff.

Key knowledge and experience

• Experience in implementation and operational delivery of successful conservation programs including stakeholder liaison and engagement.
• Sound knowledge and demonstrated understanding of current state and national ecological, threatened species and biodiversity conservation policies, frameworks, legislation and reforms and of conservation planning and assessment approaches.

Essential requirements

• A degree in a relevant ecological or environmental science discipline.
• A valid Australian driver's licence and willingness to travel including overnight trips.

For more information read the full Role Description: Principal Program Officer

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.

Applications close: Wednesday, 17 September 2025 at 11:55PM.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Kelly Carbery via Kelly.Carbery@dpie.nsw.gov.au or on 0499 799 816.

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 contacting Vithiya Yogarajah on 0482 646 348 (please mention reference number 544800)

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander use our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles or contact our Aboriginal Career pathways team for a yarn

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