Principal Project Officer

Overview

Principal Project Officer – Ongoing Full-time opportunity (35 hours per week). Office location: Location flexible within NPWS South Coast Branch (Wollongong, Nowra, Narooma, Merimbula). Salary ranges from $149,739 to $173,174 plus employers superannuation contributions, commensurate with experience.

About The Role

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for driving impactful projects? We are seeking a dynamic Principal Project Officer to lead a high-performing team delivering capital and asset improvement initiatives and projects in a natural setting. The role supports the goals of the South Coast Branch of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) to deliver meaningful on-ground outcomes for the community.

As The Principal Project Officer, You Will

• Lead the Capital and Assets Team, overseeing the strategic delivery of construction projects across South Coast National Parks.
• Manage a geographically dispersed team to deliver high-priority projects including:
• Visitor asset and facility renewals and upgrades
• Roads and fire trail improvements
• Operational infrastructure enhancements

Oversee the South Coast asset management system, ensuring quality outcomes across both visitor and operational assets. Ensure excellence in project management, procurement, contract administration, and project governance. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to align project delivery with strategic objectives. Be comfortable with frequent overnight travel across the region (Wollongong to Eden) to support project delivery and team coordination.

About You

You will bring to this role:

• Demonstrated experience in leading complex capital works or infrastructure projects.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage remote teams and drive performance.
• Expertise in procurement, contract management, and stakeholder engagement.
• An understanding of asset management principles, preferably within a government or environmental context.
• Relevant qualifications in project management, construction, engineering, or a related field.
• Experience in the delivery of projects in a natural setting

NPWS is committed to building a robust pipeline of talent and ensuring strong representation of women in leadership roles. We aim to achieve a balanced and diverse leadership team. We strongly encourage female candidates who possess the necessary capabilities and experience for these roles to apply.

Essential Requirements

As Detailed In The Role Description

• Appropriate tertiary qualifications or demonstrated equivalent, relevant professional experience.
• Demonstrated project management skills and experience along with strong organisational skills to plan, manage and deliver multiple projects on time and within resources.
• Thorough understanding and knowledge of financial, governance and risk management standards and practices associated with project management.

For more information read the full Role Description: Principal Project 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 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.

What We Can Offer You

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is a great place to expand your career and grow your skills and knowledge.

• Accrued days off in addition to Annual Leave
• Corporate wellbeing programs, including the Fitness Passport
• Learning and development opportunities, including in-house training

What We Do

About NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service

Visit a park
South Coast Branch Overview

Why Join Us at the South Coast Branch?

• Lead meaningful projects that enhance public access and safety in some of NSW's most iconic natural landscapes.
• Be part of a passionate and collaborative team within NPWS.
• Enjoy flexible work arrangements, professional development, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact.

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 directly address the "about you" section above in your cover letter.

Applications close Sunday 31 August at 11:55 PM.

For more information about the role please contact Hiring Manager Julie Peterson via info@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 represents and understands the diverse communities of New South Wales and to be a vibrant and inclusive place to live, work, and thrive. We are committed to representing people of all ages, genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, the LGBTQI+ community, and people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Our values include creating an inclusive workplace for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other diverse communities. If you require an adjustment for your application process, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team by emailing talent Acquisition at example@dpie.nsw.gov.au or calling 0400 000 000. If you are 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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