EOI - Principal Policy Officer, Fisheries & Forestry

Impacted ongoing employees affected by change management plans will be given priority consideration for at grade positions.

• Ongoing Full Time, 35 hours per week
• Location: 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
• Clerk Grade 11/12 – salary from $149,739 up to 173,174 per annum plus super and leave loading

About the Role

Lead strategic policy projects to protect and grow regional economies and primary industries. This role requires comprehensive policy development experience, including steering complex issues through Cabinet and Parliament. You will provide high-level advice to the Minister and senior executives, demonstrating strong influencing skills to manage critical multi-agency partnerships and deliver government priorities for regional NSW.

About You

As our ideal candidate, you will have:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications or equivalent professional experience in a related field
• Extensive track record leading the development of complex policy initiatives, with a preference for experience in forestry, fisheries and native title policy frameworks
• Demonstrated ability to build and leverage high-level partnerships across government and industry to achieve strategic outcomes
• Demonstrated ability and experience providing concise, authoritative strategic advice to Ministers and Senior Executives on complex issues
• Ability and willingness to travel for work purposes.

Applying is easy

Submit your current Resume/CV and a Cover Letter (max. 2 pages) outlining your relevant skills and experience, and why you're our ideal candidate.

If you'd like to know more about the role, please view the role description here.

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Clem Harris on or email

This is an internal EOI opportunity. To be considered for an appointment for over 12 months or ongoing, applicants must be ongoing at either an equivalent or higher grade than this advertised vacancy (Clerk Grade 11/12) OR on a current and valid talent pool at this grade or higher. Alternatively, if you do not meet the requirement for an ongoing appointment, you may only be considered for a temporary appointment of up to 12 months.

EOI Applications close: Wednesday 19 November 2025 at 11:55pm AEDT

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, and other relevant checks as part of the recruitment process.

At DPIRD, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds – including, but not limited to, gender, age, ethnicity, cultural heritage, disability, religion and sexual orientation.   

DPIRD is a proud Disability Confident Recruiter, Family Inclusive Employer and Carer Friendly Employer. We also understand that work is just one part of life. Our Family Inclusive Employer and Carers + Employers Accreditations reflect our commitment to supporting employees to balance work and family responsibilities.  

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.