Principal Policy Officer

Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.

• Principal Policy Officer | Environment Officer Class 12 Talent Pool
• Talent pool opportunities for future ongoing and temporary roles
• Roles may be based across NSW, subject to business needs and negotiation, with hybrid working supported
• Salary ranges from $157,257 to $172,589 pa + super, dependent on experience

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) is seeking experienced policy professionals to establish a talent pool for future Principal Policy Officer opportunities. The talent pool will provide a pipeline of suitably qualified candidates who may be considered for future ongoing and temporary vacancies as they arise across DCCEEW.

Opportunities available through the talent pool may involve leading teams responsible for complex policy, governance and strategic initiatives. Successful candidates may provide strategic direction, establish priorities, manage people and resources, and work collaboratively across government to deliver high-quality outcomes. The work may also involve supporting complex decision-making processes, managing significant stakeholder relationships and providing authoritative advice to senior leaders.

You are an experienced policy professional and collaborative leader with a strong record of developing and delivering complex strategic policy, legislative or regulatory reform. You think critically, use evidence to develop practical solutions and provide clear, authoritative advice on complex and sensitive matters.

You have demonstrated experience leading and supporting high-performing teams. You can establish clear priorities, manage people and resources, build capability and foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.

You are comfortable working in a fast-paced and complex environment and can navigate competing priorities, significant stakeholder interests and matters subject to government, community or media scrutiny. You exercise sound judgement and maintain momentum while ensuring advice and outcomes are accurate, timely and aligned with legislative and government requirements.

You build trusted relationships across government and work effectively with senior executives, subject-matter experts, advisory groups and other stakeholders.

You can communicate complex information clearly, manage differing perspectives and influence outcomes through Cabinet, Parliamentary and other government decision-making processes.

You also bring strong program and project leadership skills, including the ability to manage risks, allocate resources and guide multidisciplinary teams to deliver quality outcomes within agreed timeframes.

For more information read the full Role Description:  Principal 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 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 Shanay Rokotavaga via shanay.rokotavaga@dcceew.nsw.gov.au or on 02 9585 6520

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 (including an alternate format of the application form), please contact our Talent Acquisition Team by emailing dcceew.ta@dpie.nsw.gov.au or contacting (Shanay Rokotavaga on 02 9585 6520 (please mention reference number 554568).

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. 

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), YouTube and LinkedIn.

Advertised: 11 Nov 2026 AUS Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 25 Nov 2026 AUS Eastern Daylight Time

Back to search results Apply now Refer a friend