Group Leader Native Title Status Searches

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

• Group Leader Native Title Status Searches
• Ongoing Full Time Opportunity
• Office location – Newcastle, other locations considered
• Salary relative to experience and ranges from $129,464 to $142,665 + super

What's in it for you?

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

The Group Leader Native Title Status Searches leads and coordinates the technical and administrative activities of a small team undertaking specialised native title searches and investigations in support of native title consent determinations, native title implementation and the implementation of Indigenous Land Use Agreements (ILUAs).

This is a dynamic and high-impact role within the Business Advisory and Services team —balancing legal precision, strategic oversight, and team leadership.

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to become part of a small, dynamic team that thrives on collaboration and a shared commitment to excellence. Every day, we bring enthusiasm and dedication to everything we do - whether it's solving complex challenges or simply supporting one another.

For more information read the full Role Description:  Group Leader Native Title Status Searches

What you will bring to the role

• Knowledge and understanding of legislation and case law relating to land status and native title and acts relevant to crown lands under New South Wales legislation.
• Proven experience in project management
• Excellent attention to detail  in identifying and resolving gaps, inconsistencies, or risks in documentation, data, or processes
• Proven leadership skills with an ability to foster a collaborative and culturally respectful work environment.

Essential requirements

• Tertiary qualifications in property, land administration, legal field and/or equivalent level of knowledge and experience.

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

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 7th September 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