Principal Lawyer, Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and

We're looking for a PO6 Principal Lawyer to join In-house Legal's Advice & Litigation team supporting the Department of Natural Resources, Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development, and our partner agencies. Based at 1 William Street, Brisbane, you'll provide expert legal advice on public law matters and manage complex and high-profile matters across three departments. If you thrive on intellectually challenging legal work, enjoy building positive working relationships and delivering practical, solutions-focused advice, this role offers variety, autonomy and genuine impact.

Discover a purpose driven career with the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development, and unleash your potential to grow.

As Principal Lawyer working in In-house Legal, you'll provide expert legal services to the Department of Natural Resources, Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development, the Department of Primary Industries, and the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation. This is a unique opportunity to work on some of the Queensland Government's most interesting and diverse in-house legal matters within a collaborative, professional and supportive environment.

You will work independently to provide timely, high-quality legal advice and services to officers across three Queensland Government agencies, with a particular focus on providing advice on public law issues and the exercise of statutory powers, as well as managing civil litigation for the three agencies. This dynamic mix of responsibilities ensures your work remains varied, meaningful, and central to supporting government decision-making and key government priorities.

This role is best suited to a legal professional who enjoys varied and intellectually engaging work. You'll need to balance independence with teamwork, manage multiple matters simultaneously, and deliver accurate, practical advice under pressure. A Bachelor of Laws and eligibility for admission as a legal practitioner in Queensland are mandatory.

To apply, please provide:

• A current resume detailing your relevant experience 

• A cover letter addressing: 

o Experience in public law, including advising on the interpretation and application of legislation and the appropriate exercise of statutory powers; and/or experience in environmental and resources law.

o Ability to efficiently provide unsupervised expert and authoritative written and oral legal advice on complex and sensitive matters.

o Building and maintaining positive and effective working relationships with clients and colleagues.

Why work for us?

The Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development (NRMMRRD) plays a critical role in supporting Queenslanders across the state—from Cairns to Mount Isa to Warwick—by delivering strong regional outcomes, fostering local economies, and strengthening government community partnerships. As stewards of over 60% of Queensland's land and key supporters of industries such as mining and manufacturing, our reach and impact are vast.

We are committed to putting our people first—empowering staff, celebrating success, and encouraging innovation. Our workplace is mobile, flexible, inclusive and respectful, and we are focused on growing united, capable leaders. For more information, visit: ( )

We offer:

• Competitive superannuation and salary sacrificing options 

• Flexible working options supporting work-life balance 

• Generous leave provisions across the Queensland public sector 

• Professional career development and training opportunities 

• Relocation assistance and provisions 

• The chance to help #DeliveringforQueensland and be part of Queensland's long-term prosperity

To learn more about the benefits of working with the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development, visit: ( )

Applications to remain current for 12 months

Job Ad Reference:QLD/665374/25

Closing Date:Wednesday, 29th October 2025