Senior Aboriginal Programs Officer (Aboriginal Identified)

Working to the protect state’s environment and heritage.

• Senior Aboriginal Programs Officer x 2 positions
• Temporary full-time opportunity until 31 December 2026
• Office location – Office location upon negotiation across NSW, hybrid working supported
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $138,454 to $152,686 + super

Our Aboriginal Outcomes team is currently seeking to appoint 2 x Senior Aboriginal Programs Officers

These roles are responsible for providing strategic policy advice to a range of DCCEEW work areas to enhance their cultural responsiveness and capacity to drive high-quality Aboriginal outcomes.

They will play a vital role in informing best practice by providing support and advice to the Principal Project Officer and Director, to guide implementation of DCCEEW’s Aboriginal Outcomes Strategy

These roles assist with the development and implementation of key Aboriginal outcomes initiatives across DCCEEW, including Aboriginal engagement, governance, reporting, and performance monitoring.  They will support embedding Aboriginal knowledge and perspectives into policy and decision-making, monitor delivery of the Aboriginal Outcomes Strategy, and drive accountability and continuous improvement.

This is an Aboriginal Identified role where Aboriginal identity, cultural knowledge or connections are a genuine aspect of the role. Positions are specifically noted under the provisions of the NSW Anti-discrimination Act (1977).

We are looking for a natural coordinator and collaborator who is passionate about making a positive difference. You will bring deep understanding of Aboriginal culture, a high level of attention to detail and a commitment to cultural integrity.  You can manage multiple priorities and support effective delivery, monitoring and reporting of programs, projects and agreements. Your strong communication and problem-solving and stakeholder engagement skills, combined with your ability to work both independently and as part of a team, will enable you to thrive in this role.

You will be able to provide expert advice to internal teams on how to make their programs more culturally responsive, based on both formal qualifications and deep community connections.

• This is an Identified role under Section 14d of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 and as such Aboriginality is an essential requirement of the role. Aboriginal identified positions are developed where 3 Role Description Senior Aboriginal Programs Officer Aboriginal identity, cultural knowledge or connections are a genuine aspect of the role. Positions are specifically noted under the provisions of the NSW Anti-discrimination Act (1977) for Aboriginal people who meet the following criteria:
  • is of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent, and
  • identifies as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, and
  • is accepted as a such by the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community.
• Sensitivity to and understanding of Aboriginal Culture and an excellent understanding of Aboriginal community governance and structures.
• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline and/or demonstrated equivalent industry or professional experience

For more information read the full Role Description:  EO10 - Senior Aboriginal Programs Officer (Identified) - role description - SPSE

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 (no more than two 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 Melanie Debenham via melanie.debenham@dcceew.nsw.gov.au or on 6229 7149.

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.

• 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 dcceew.ta@dpie.nsw.gov.au or contacting Ronda Swaysland on 0400 288 239 (please mention reference number 551959).

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: 23 Jul 2026 AUS Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: 06 Aug 2026 AUS Eastern Standard Time

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