Company description:

The Department of Education is the largest provider of public education in Australia with responsibility for delivering high-quality public education to two-thirds of the NSW student population. For more information about the Department of Education, please visit http://www.dec.nsw.gov.au/

Job description:

• Full-time and ongoing employment opportunity in a vibrant and supportive team
• Based in Parramatta CBD with flexible working arrangements available
• Remuneration of $125,720 - $146,831 plus super & leave loading

About the Department of Education

At the NSW Department of Education, we educate and inspire lifelong learners - from early childhood, through schooling to vocational education and training.

About the team

The School Infrastructure Legal Team (within the Commercial and School Infrastructure Legal Team) provides advice to schools and business units on a vast range of property matters including drafting, negotiating and advising on a wide range of contracts and disputes (including compulsory acquisitions, other acquisitions, disposals, licensing and other property rights). The team also draft agreements with other government agencies and various external providers to support priority projects, reform initiatives and collaborative programs that span the complete education life cycle (pre-school to vocational and higher education).

The team also provides property and construction legal services to assist the department to build and maintain our schools, operate out of hour school care services, canteens and uniform shops and share school space with the community. This includes drafting and advising on leases and licences, easements and construction contracts.

About the role

The Legal Officer Grade 3/4 provides legal advice, briefings and correspondence in areas of law relevant to the NSW Department of Education, particularly property law, with key accountabilities that include:

• Interpreting, analysing and preparing complex legal documents
• Representing the department in contract and settlement negotiations
• Providing legal advice and recommendations on the development and implementation of legal standards and practices, strategies, systems, procedures and processes for the practice area
• Supporting the practice area team in delivering legal education and training programs
• Helping to collect and analyse legal data to deliver reports that inform and improve the department's operations.

For further information please view the role description.

Benefits

• Flexible working arrangements, including - hybrid/work from home arrangements.
• 35 hour working week
• Competitive salary, salary sacrificing, employer's contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading
• Flex Leave entitlements, generous holidays & leave conditions
• Opportunities for advancement and mobility across the Department to support your career growth

Essential requirements of the role

• Legal qualifications and a current NSW practising certificate.
• Demonstrated property law experience.
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the value of public education.

Key knowledge and experience

• Knowledge and experience in the relevant area/s of law impacting on the NSW Department of Education, with the ability to provide targeted and high-quality advice and casework services.
• Knowledge of and commitment to implementing the Department's Aboriginal Education Policy and upholding the Department's Partnership Agreement with the NSW AECG and to ensure quality outcomes for Aboriginal people.

How to apply

Please attach your resume (maximum 5 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) explaining why you would be a great fit for this role including areas of relevant experience.

Please refer to the Applicant's Guide to Applying to assist you with your application. If you are an existing Education Support Staff (corporate staff) with the NSW Department of Education, click here for instructions on how to submit your application.

All other applicants please submit your application by clicking ‘Apply Now'.

Note: the selection process will include a range of assessment techniques to assist in determining your suitability for the role. Successful candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening for this role which includes a National Criminal History Check.

This is a child-related role. As a condition of employment you will be required to provide a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) Clearance number (for paid employment). Visit the website for more information.

Candidates must have Australian work rights (citizens, permanent residents, New Zealand citizens or a valid work visa). Ongoing (permanent) roles are open to Australian citizens and permanent residents and New Zealand citizens, while temporary roles welcome applicants with a visa.

Closing date: Wednesday 15 October 2025 at 11:59pm.

For role enquiries please contact George Demetriou, A/Principal Legal Officer at [email protected] or on 0499 868 901 and for recruitment process enquiries please contact Alexis Katombe at [email protected]

We welcome applications from all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse groups, the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, refugees and people with disability. If we can make some adjustments to our recruitment/interview process to better enable you to shine, please contact the Diversity and Inclusion Team ([email protected]) or visit NSW Department of Education Diversity and Inclusion.

A recruitment pool may be created through this recruitment process. A recruitment pool is a group of applicants who have been assessed and identified as suitable for this role, and who may be considered for a range of similar roles, including temporary, term or ongoing roles, over the next 18 months.