Senior Programs Officer

• Temporary full time position (2 years)
• Salary starting at $125,693pa super
• 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.
• Create a legacy using your program delivery expertise

About Us

Local Land Services (LLS) is an Executive Agency within the Department of Primary Industries & Regional Development. We provide customer-focused services to landholders and communities across the state, covering agriculture, biosecurity, natural resource management, emergency response, and land management. We're a values-driven, regionally based agency making a real difference in rural communities.

About the Role

We're seeking a skilled and experienced Senior Programs Officer (Organisational Development) to lead transformative initiatives that strengthen internal capability, support strategic workforce planning and attract and retain critical talent. In this role, you'll coordinate organisation wide programs that address workforce challenges, uplift staff capability and foster a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth.

In this role, you will:

• Design and lead programs that attract and retain qualified staff
• Lead the update and implementation of the Strategic Workforce Plan, translating recommendations into actionable initiatives that address emerging challenges
• Foster collaboration across departments to align strategic goals and ensure smooth program delivery
• Lead and manage strategic projects to uplift staff capability and respond to skill shortages
• Facilitate and lead organisation wide responses to engagement activities such as People Matter Employee Survey (PMES)
• Collaborate with senior leaders to build internal capability through targeted learning and training programs that support the professional growth of staff
• Analyse data to identify trends, inform decision-making, and monitor project success and impact
• Provide high-level advice to senior management and contribute to the continuous improvement of our project management methodologies.

About You

Our ideal candidate will be results-driven with proven experience in delivering strategic programs in complex, customer and people focused environments.

You will also have:

• Proven expertise in program management and quality assurance, with a commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes on time and within budget
• Demonstrated ability to lead and deliver organisational change initiatives in a people-centred environment, focusing on engagement and sustainable outcomes
• Experience facilitating strategic workforce planning activities
• A passion for mentoring and developing staff to achieve their full potential
• An ability to balance diverse stakeholder interests while meeting tight deadlines
• An understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing rural landholders and apply this understanding to shape practical, customer-focused solutions
• Relevant skills to tackle complex negotiations, and a commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes
• A NSW drivers licence and be willing & able to travel, as required.

Why Join Us? This is your chance to play a key role in transforming the way we support rural communities. You'll lead innovative projects, influence meaningful change, and work alongside a passionate and respected team.

You'll have the opportunity to lead innovative projects, influence key decisions, and make a lasting impact on the environment and communities we serve.

Applying is Easy
To apply, please submit a copy of your CV (approx. 4 pages) and a cover letter (approx. 2 pages) that tells us about your relevant skills and experience and how these make you an ideal candidate for this role.

Closing Date: Thursday 5th June 2025.

For more information you can reach out to Jesse Caldwell (Principal Program Manager Organisational Programs) on *** or **************

You can also view the role description.

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, over the phone, or via 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 may also be required to undergo a police check, health assessment, probity and other relevant checks as part of the recruitment process.

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.

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 and inclusion are core DPIRD values. Everyone has the right to contribute and participate to their full potential. We are committed to supporting a diverse and inclusive culture that is respectful, welcoming and flexible – a workplace where our people feel supported, valued, and part of our collective success.

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

Additional Information

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.