Senior Water Policy Officer

Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.

• Play a key role in shaping water policy across NSW, driving initiatives that deliver lasting environmental, economic and community benefits.
• Multiple Ongoing and Temporary full-time (35 hours per week) opportunities
• Office location upon negotiation across NSW, hybrid working supported
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $133,348 to $146,945 + super 

The Water Policy and Legislation team is seeking experienced Senior Policy Officers to contribute to the development and implementation of evidence-based water policy and legislative frameworks that support the sustainable management of NSW's water resources.

Working on complex and high-profile policy issues, you will lead the development of policy advice, reform initiatives and strategic recommendations for the Department Executive and Minister. You will undertake detailed research and analysis to identify practical policy solutions, prepare high-quality briefings, reports and discussion papers, and contribute to reforms that balance the needs of communities, industry, Aboriginal stakeholders and the environment.

You will also lead policy projects from initiation through to delivery, preparing project proposals, managing risks, resources and milestones, and ensuring outcomes are delivered within agreed timeframes. Working collaboratively across government, you will build and maintain strong stakeholder relationships, represent the department in interagency forums and working groups, and help drive coordinated policy outcomes across the water sector.

This is an excellent opportunity for a strategic and motivated policy professional to work on significant water policy and legislative initiatives that support healthy environments, resilient communities and sustainable economies across NSW.

• Demonstrated experience developing policy, legislation, regulatory frameworks and strategic advice within government, water, environmental, natural resource management or related sectors.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and written communication skills, with the ability to research, evaluate and synthesise complex information into practical policy recommendations, ministerial briefings, reports and correspondence.
• Proven project management capability, including planning and delivering projects, managing risks, coordinating stakeholders and achieving outcomes within competing priorities and timeframes.
• Highly developed stakeholder engagement, relationship management and collaboration skills, with experience working across government and external stakeholders to deliver shared, evidence-based outcomes.
• Sound judgement, initiative and resilience, with a commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes that support the sustainable management of water resources across NSW.

For more information read the full Role Description: Senior Policy Officer

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.

If excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application, including a copy of your resume (maximum 5 pages) and cover letter (maximum 2 pages) 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 Mark Harris via alice.campey@dcceew.nsw.gov.au on 0412 377 917.

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 553262).

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: 09 Nov 2026 AUS Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 23 Nov 2026 AUS Eastern Daylight Time

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