Director Conservation Planning and Assessment

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

Shape NSW's conservation future, by driving enhanced support for biodiversity certification,  front-load consideration of biodiversity, and improve outcomes through conservation planning and assessment.

• Ongoing full-time opportunity
• Parramatta Office location – location negotiable across NSW, hybrid working supported
• Senior Executive Band 1 - Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $239,251 to $264,197 TRP

Our Conservation Programs, Heritage and Regulation team is currently seeking to appoint a Director, Conservation Planning and Assessment to lead a critical team to implement the Government's commitments under the NSW plan for nature and under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016. You'll establish and refine programs to support NSW's conservation planning and assessment across NSW to support the Government priorities, to improve conservation outcomes and biodiversity assessment.

Working closely with partners, stakeholders and experts, you'll champion improvements in conservation planning and assessment, establish a collaborative, innovative, and outcomes-focussed team culture with a strong focus on delivery aligned with the NSW Plan for Nature.

About You

You have extensive experience in biodiversity, conservation, natural resource management or environmental planning and have an expert understanding of how legislation like the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 applies in practice. You're comfortable leading large teams, complex work programs, reform and change management, working closely with staff and stakeholders, and you know how to navigate competing priorities while keeping conservation outcomes front and centre. You've worked with government agencies, industry, and technical experts, and you know how to bring people together to get things done.

You're someone who leads with clarity and purpose. You support your team, value their input, and help them grow. You communicate well—whether it's writing advice, presenting to senior stakeholders, or working through a tricky issue with a partner agency. You're organised, thoughtful, and not afraid to challenge the status quo if it means improving how things are done. Most of all, you care about making a real impact for nature and communities across NSW.

Essential Requirements

• Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or extensive equivalent professional experience.
• Extensive experience in the delivery of complex government programs and reform initiatives, including change management
• Expertise in conservation planning, biodiversity certification and biodiversity assessment in NSW or other jurisdictions

For more information read the full Role Description: Director Conservation Planning and Assessment

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.

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 Sunday, 23rd November 2025 at 11:55PM.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Louisa Mamouney 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.

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 or contacting Stacey Cooper on please mention reference number

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

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