Senior Policy Officer

• Temporary Full-Time, up to 12 months
• 35 hours per week
• Location: Willing to consider candidates across all NSW locations. Preference will be given to candidates based regionally, with a focus on Queanbeyan, Armidale, Dubbo and Coffs Harbour
• Salary: $129,464 to $142,665 p.a + superannuation + leave entitlements (Clerk Grade 9/10)

About the Role

As the Senior Policy Officer in the Fisheries and Forestry Group, you'll be part of a small team responsible for delivering several key Ministerial priorities including the Great Koala National Park, Forestry Industry Action Plan and a range of fisheries reforms.

You will play a key role in shaping strategic policy and legislative advice that supports the sustainable management and future of NSW's forestry and fisheries sectors. This is a high impact role where research, analysis and strategic insights will influence decision making across government and primary industries.

You'll work closely with senior leaders, technical experts, and industry stakeholders to develop, coordinate, and review policies and frameworks that guide forestry management and reform in NSW.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead and shape strategic forestry and fisheries policy, providing high-level advice that influences decisions across government.
• Conduct research, analysis and reviews of forestry and fisheries policies and frameworks to enhance outcomes for NSW's primary industries.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across industry and government to identify emerging issues and develop practical solutions.
• Prepare clear, influential communications, including Ministerial briefings, submissions, and reports that inform key decisions.

About You

You are a strategic policy professional with a strong understanding of fisheries, forestry and primary industries. You have a proven ability to turn complex policy challenges into practical solutions, and influence outcomes at a senior level.

You build strong partnerships and drive reforms that deliver tangible benefits for NSW's forestry and fisheries sectors and communities. Your excellent communication skills allow you to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels and present complex information clearly and persuasively.

Essential Requirements

• Detailed knowledge of the machinery of Government, including Cabinet and legislative processes and ability to understand and interpret a wide variety of legislation and expertise in policy development, implementation and review.

• Broad understanding policy and legislative frameworks, with a knowledge of forestry and fisheries frameworks in NSW highly regarded.

DPIRD an attractive place to build your career.

You'll be part of a team that offers:

• A diverse and inclusive workplace
• Flexible, autonomous work environment
• Competitive pay and conditions
• Professional development
• Health & Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programs.

For a confidential discussion about this vacancy please contact:

Brendan Stone, Director Policy & Industry Development on or

 Click here to view the full role description

Applying is easy

Please apply via our online portal.  Submit your current resume/CV and a cover letter (max. 2 pages) outlining your relevant skills and experience, and why you're our ideal candidate.

Applications Close: Sunday 16 November 2025 at 11:55pm AEDT

If you require adjustments in completing your application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, require information in an alternative format, or otherwise participating in the recruitment process, please let us know so we can assist. Send an email to or contact the hiring manager listed above for a confidential discussion.

What to expect next

Once you submit your application, you'll receive an email confirmation. After the advertisement closes, all applications will be reviewed by the hiring manager and selection panel. If shortlisted, you may be invited to an interview—this could be in person or via Microsoft Teams video. You may also be asked to complete role-related tasks, such as a written assessment, skills test, or psychometric assessment. Reference checks will be conducted for candidates progressing to the final stages.

The successful applicant in this role may be required to undergo reference checks, a national police check, bankruptcy check, health assessment and/or other assessments as required.

A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary roles of the same role or role type that may become available for filling over the next eighteen months.

About us: Together, we are DPIRD

The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) protects, supports and develops primary industries and regional economies.

Collectively we support strong and sustainable agriculture, forestry, fishing and mining industries, and regional economies. We actively manage our natural assets: our lands and soils, minerals, waterways and oceans, vegetation and forests.

The department brings together:

• Local Land Services
• NSW Resources
• Agriculture and Biosecurity
• Fisheries and Forestry
• Regional Development and Delivery.

With nearly 5,000 employees, and 75 per cent of the DPIRD team living and working in regional NSW, we are embedded in the regions we serve.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Diversity, equity and inclusion are central to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, reflecting the rich diversity of the communities we serve. We actively encourage individuals of all backgrounds – including but not limited to; gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural heritage, disability, religion and sexual orientation to submit an application. We strive to ensure that every stage of the recruitment process and overall employee experience is accessible, welcoming and free from barriers.

Learn more about the benefits of joining our diverse and talented DPIRD team.

DPIRD is committed to providing an inclusive candidate experience and through the Disability Confident Recruiter program, identify and remove unintended barriers for candidates.