Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?

Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.

• Principal Project Officer (Environment Officer Class 11)
• Ongoing full-time (35 hours per week) opportunity
• Office location is Parramatta - regional location encouraged/hybrid working supported
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $144,018 to $158,718 + super

Our Biodiversity Assessment Method (BAM) team is currently seeking to appoint a Principal Project Officer to support the delivery of operational policy and guidance in the application of the BAM. Reporting to the Manager, this position provides expert advice, proactively manages risks, and engages with a broad range of stakeholders to ensure timely and effective assessment of impacts to, and gains in, biodiversity from proposed projects.

About You

To be successful in the role, you will have experience in working in a complex operational policy and program environment. You will also have demonstrated experience in collaborating with stakeholders from industry, BAM accredited assessors, conservation planners as well as within government to deliver quality outcomes.

Moreover, you will have experience in operating with high level of autonomy and accountability for the quality and timeliness of advice and deliverables and know when to escalate significant issues or risks to senior staff. You need to enjoy the challenge of solving complex problems, taking a strategic and pragmatic approach while ensuring solutions are underpinned by scientific evidence. You will also need a strong understanding of legislative and regulatory frameworks in NSW. The work is fast-paced and diverse, so you will need to be able to prioritise competing demands.

Key knowledge and experience

• Understanding of the NSW planning system and the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and government decision making
• Experience in the application of the Biodiversity Assessment Method and requirements of the Biodiversity Offset Scheme under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.
• Biodiversity Assessment Method accreditation is preferred.

Essential requirements

• Tertiary qualifications in planning, biodiversity/environmental science or other relevant discipline and relevant experience.
• NSW drivers licence.

For more information read the full Role Description: Principal Project 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.

Participation in the NSW Biodiversity Offsets Scheme (BOS)

Please read the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme Protocol to understand if it applies to your circumstances. All applicants for this role and new employees with an existing defined interest in the BOS will be required to disclose their personal (or a close family member’s) participation to ensure potential conflict of interests are declared and managed appropriately.

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: Wednesday, 10 September 2025 at 11:55PM.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Dr Michelle Cox via [email protected] or 0437 978 425.

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 [email protected] contacting Vithiya Yogarajah on 0482 646 348 (please mention reference number 544836)

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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