Principal Legal Officer

Be part of something bigger and make a difference for NSW

Together, we create thriving environments, communities and economies across our State.

• Ongoing full-time role, 35hrs/week
• Based in Parramatta, flexible hybrid working supported
• Salary relative to experience ranging from $151,227 to $176,110 + superannuation and annual leave loading

We are looking for a driven and experienced Principal Legal Officer to join the legal team working with the Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR) at DCCEEW.

About the role

The Natural Resources Access Regulator is an independent regulator that enforces water law in NSW. As the DCCEEW legal team that supports NRAR's work, we provide advice and run litigation for NRAR including water prosecutions and civil challenges to NRAR decisions. The role will involve providing specialist water law advice and managing environmental litigation. The successful candidate will play a critical leadership role, supporting NRAR enforcement work, supervising and mentoring team members and contributing to an inclusive and collegiate team culture.

You will work on matters such as:

• Providing legal advice on water law, criminal law and related issues;
• Legal support to the NRAR Investigations & Enforcement team in their investigation work, including review of statutory notices and assessment of evidence;
• Review of witness statements and affidavits;
• Managing and running criminal and civil litigation primarily in the Land and Environment Court of NSW and the Local Court;
• Briefing the Crown Solicitors Office and counsel; and
• Liaising with other legal and policy teams in DCCEEW and across government.

About You

To be successful in this role you will be a highly motivated and experienced legal professional with expertise in environmental law, criminal law, regulation and/or litigation.

You will demonstrate a collaborative approach, responsiveness to client timeframes, attention to detail, and well-developed advice writing, research and analytical skills.

Undertaking and working independently on a wide range of tasks with often tight or competing timeframes, our Principal Legal Officers require excellent organisational and prioritisation skills as well as the capability to lead, manage and support junior lawyers. You will have excellent verbal and written communication skills to prepare and deliver clear, authoritative, practical and solution focussed advice. You will have confidence and ability to build strong, collaborative relationships with clients and team members.

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated and experienced lawyer with an interest in environmental regulation to join a team contributing to the important work of enforcing water law in NSW.

Essential Requirements

• Admitted or qualified for admission as a Solicitor or Barrister in the Supreme Court of NSW and hold, or be eligible to hold, an unrestricted NSW Practicing Certificate
• A minimum of 5 years post-admission experience

For more information read the full role description: Principal Legal 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 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 on Monday, 13 Oct 2025 at 11:55PM

Should you require further information about the role please contact Ellen Chapple, Director Legal NRAR 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 (Nivya Shetty) via or 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 contact our Aboriginal Career pathways team for a yarn.

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