Principal Status Officer

Together we shape thriving communities, public spaces, places and economies.

• Opportunity for a Principal Status Officer to join the Crown Lands team in the investigation of tenure and administrative actions on Crown land since the time of European settlement.
• Temporary Full Time Opportunity up to 30 June 2027
• Office location – Newcastle, other NSW locations considered
• Salary relative to experience and ranges from $113,574 to $125,720 + super

What's in it for me?

Join our team for a fantastic culture with dynamic collaboration and genuine long-term career support. We offer flexibility in work arrangements, diverse and fulfilling assignments, and prioritise work/life balance and wellbeing with initiatives like flex leave and access to support programs. Additionally, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome, respected, and empowered to succeed.

The role

As the Principal Status Officer you will undertake, coordinate and supervise the land status investigation function relating to native title claims and other Crown lands to provide reliable information that forms part of the process supporting the State's position in these areas.

The role focuses on analysing, assessing and determining the validity of information and data relating to land status in reviewing computerised and manual records of Crown and other lands.

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

What you will bring to the role

• Working knowledge and understanding of the current legislation governing Native Title, Crown Lands, Western Lands and Roads Management.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Capable of adapting to changing priorities and effectively managing multiple tasks simultaneously
• High-level written, interpersonal, and oral communication skills, with the ability to work with diverse professionals in a collaborative environment.
• Enjoys autonomy and demonstrates proficiency in working independently, taking initiative, and making decisions.
• Team player with the ability to thrive in a multi-skilled team environment.

About us

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) improves the liveability and prosperity of NSW. To achieve this, we: create vibrant, productive spaces and precincts; manage lands, assets and property effectively and deliver affordable and diverse housing. We strive to be a high-performing, world-class public service organisation that celebrates and reflects the full diversity of the community we serve and builds the cultural capability of our department to improve outcomes with and for Aboriginal people, communities and entities.

We are an inclusive and accessible workplace, where your individual contributions are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to feel a sense of connection and belonging. DPHI supports various employee affinity groups, practices flexible working, offers job share and workplace adjustments.

Join us

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 11:55pm, Sunday 26th October 2025

Should you require further information about the role please contact Catherine Stokes via

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.

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.

We encourage and support applications from people with disability. Please reach out to us to discuss any accommodations or adjustments that may be needed during the recruitment process, ensuring that you have every opportunity to showcase your talent, skills, and potential. Contact the Talent Team via or HR Support, option 2, DPHI People Advisory, option 1, option 1 and reference 'Request an Adjustment - Job Title and Reference Number'.

Check out our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for the role or contact our Aboriginal Career pathways team for a yarn