Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?
Working to the protect state’s environment and heritage.

• Aboriginal Identified opportunities
• Talent pool recruitment for future Temporary and Permanent opportunities
• Office location - regional locations across NSW
• Hybrid working supported
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $110,266 to $122,058 + super

The Water Group is currently seeking to identify a talent pool of Aboriginal Cultural Officers (Aboriginal Identified) for future temporary and permanent opportunities to work within the Water Communications, Media & Engagement division.

The Water Group leads the NSW Government in providing confidence to communities and stakeholders with the transparent stewardship of water resources, provision of services and reforms that support sustainable and healthy environments, economies and societies across NSW.

This is an Aboriginal Identified role where Aboriginal identity, cultural knowledge or connections are a genuine aspect of the role. Positions are specifically noted under the provisions of the NSW Anti-discrimination Act (1977).

About You

The role contributes to the design and implementation of community and stakeholder engagement strategies for projects delivered by the Water NSW Division of DCCEEW Water Group. These strategies involve building relationships with stakeholders and key regional, metropolitan and first nations communities; and communications to support this engagement in collaboration with the Water Communications team. The role effectively engages with various community stakeholders to plan and deliver infrastructure across the water sector.

Key accountabilities of the role include:

• Work closely with Water staff to facilitate input by Aboriginal Communities on issues, policy positions and planning development to ensure outcomes are identified, discussed and resolved within Water to a point where negotiation with other relevant stakeholders can proceed.
• Share and transfer community and cultural knowledge, expertise and skills to colleagues and clients, including conducting information, training and briefing sessions to contribute to continuity of knowledge across the agency.
• Assist the team to develop and maintain communication networks with Aboriginal communities and stakeholders to ensure delivery of project objectives and milestones.
• Establish networks for Aboriginal stakeholders to gain their input and inform the water management planning processes and improve the ability of Water to integrate Aboriginal heritage, views and values into water management planning.
• Provide and contribute to advice, analysis of options and briefings to the Water senior management to maintain information flow about Government and water resource management policy, legislation and initiatives that affect Aboriginal communities.
• Contribute to the development of policies, strategies and programs that balance complex and multiple issues with sensitivity to relationships with stakeholders, resource requirements, and service delivery impacts.

Key Knowledge & Experience

• Knowledge, respect and understanding of Aboriginal cultural and water issues.
• Knowledge of water resource management issues and the State and Commonwealth Government's water reform agendas.

Essential Requirements

• is of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent, and
• identifies as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, and
• is accepted as a such by the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community.

• Aboriginal identified positions are developed where Aboriginal identity, cultural knowledge or connections are a genuine aspect of the role. Positions are specifically noted under the provisions of the NSW Anti-discrimination Act (1977) for Aboriginal people who meet the following criteria:

For more information read the full Role Description: Aboriginal Cultural Officer (Aboriginal Identified)

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 Sunday 30 March 2025 at 11:55PM.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Warren Mayers via [email protected].

A recruitment pool will 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 [email protected] or contacting Mariam Barakat via [email protected] (please mention reference number 541871).

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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