Water Planner

Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.

• Shape the future of water management in NSW by delivering sustainable outcomes that balance environmental, community and industry needs.
• Two Permanent full-time (35 hours per week) opportunities
• Office location upon negotiation across NSW, hybrid working supported
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $116,981 to $129,492 + super

Our Water Planning team is currently seeking to appoint two Water Planners to help shape the sustainable management of water resources across NSW. In this role, you'll contribute to the development of water management plans, provide evidence-based advice on complex water policy and planning matters, and work collaboratively with stakeholders to deliver positive outcomes for communities, industry and the environment.

As a Water Planner, you will support the development, implementation and review of water management arrangements that align with the NSW Government's water reform agenda. Working within a collaborative and multidisciplinary team, you will contribute to the planning, coordination and delivery of water planning projects and programs. This includes managing project milestones, coordinating inputs from technical specialists, supporting stakeholder engagement and consultation processes, and preparing high-quality briefs, reports and communications materials.

You will apply policy and technical analysis to support evidence-based decision-making while helping to ensure projects are delivered on time, meet legislative and policy requirements, and achieve agreed outcomes.

This is an excellent opportunity to work on meaningful projects that influence water management outcomes across NSW while partnering with government agencies, communities and industry stakeholders to support sustainable and resilient water resources.

• Experience or qualifications in water management, natural resource management, environmental science, hydrology, hydrogeology, aquatic ecology, geomorphology, policy or a related field.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data and develop practical, evidence-based recommendations.
• Demonstrated project management and coordination skills, including experience planning and delivering projects, tracking progress against milestones, managing competing priorities, and coordinating contributions from multiple stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare briefs, reports and technical information for a variety of audiences in clear and concise language.
• Proven stakeholder engagement and consultation skills, with the ability to build productive relationships and work collaboratively across teams and organisations.
• Strong organisational skills including the ability to manage project schedules, risks and issues, and the ability to support timely delivery of project outcomes in a dynamic environment.
• A proactive and adaptable approach, with a commitment to continuous learning, accountability and delivering positive customer and community outcomes.
• Experience using project management tools, governance processes or reporting frameworks would be highly regarded.

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.

Please note to be eligible to apply for this position you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident or hold a valid Australian working Visa for the duration of the appointment. 

Should you require further information about the role please contact Amy Halliday via amy.halliday@dcceew.nsw.gov.au or Gordon Cameron via gordon.cameron@dcceew.nsw.gov.au

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.

• How to apply for public service roles and prepare an application.
• 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.
• Information and support for veterans transitioning into government careers.

If you require an adjustment for your application process, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team by emailing dcceew.ta@dpie.nsw.gov.au or contacting Celia Luis  on 02 4904 2746 (please mention reference number 553791).

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander use our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles or our Aboriginal Career pathways team at AEX@dcceew.nsw.gov.au for a yarn. 

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Advertised: 29 Oct 2026 AUS Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 15 Nov 2026 AUS Eastern Daylight Time

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