Senior Conservation Planning Officer

Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.

• 2 x Senior Conservation Planning Officers (Environment Officer Class 9)
• Ongoing full-time opportunities
• Located at Newcastle (hybrid working supported)
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $128,052 to $142,649 p.a. + super

The Conservation Planning and Assessment Branch are seeking two highly motivated and experienced Senior Conservation Planning Officers to provide expert advice on strategic and statutory planning matters that support environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and natural resource management across New South Wales.

In this role, you will work closely with local and state government agencies, project proponents, and community stakeholders to assess biodiversity impacts, contribute to major planning initiatives, and influence policy and planning reforms. You will play a key role in reviewing biodiversity certification applications, biodiversity assessments, strategic planning documents and environmental planning instruments, analysing biodiversity and threatened species data using GIS and other spatial tools, and preparing high-quality briefings and advice to support informed decision-making. Success in this role will require strong analytical and communication skills, sound knowledge of environmental planning frameworks, and the ability to build productive relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders while championing positive conservation outcomes.

You will bring demonstrated experience in biodiversity, environmental, conservation or strategic land use planning, with a strong understanding of the legislative and policy frameworks that guide environmental assessment and biodiversity conservation in New South Wales. Accreditation in the Biodiversity Offset Scheme, experience in ecological survey and GIS skills will be advantageous.

Your ability to analyse complex environmental information, including biodiversity, threatened species and spatial data, will enable you to provide sound and evidence-based advice. You will be a skilled communicator with proven experience preparing high-quality reports, briefing notes and stakeholder advice, and the confidence to represent organisational positions in a range of forums.

Strong relationship-building skills, sound judgement and a collaborative approach will allow you to work effectively with government agencies, industry and community stakeholders to deliver balanced planning outcomes and positive conservation results for the environment and future generations.

• Knowledge of and experience in the interpretation of legislation, and experience in dealing with biodiversity planning and assessment issues.
• Experience in the assessment and analysis of strategic and complex conservation proposals.

• Current Driver’s Licence

For more information read the full Role Description: Senior Conservation Planning 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.

Please read the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme Protocol to understand if it applies to your circumstances. All applicants for this role and new employees with an existing defined interest in the BOS will be required to disclose their personal (or a close family member’s) participation to ensure potential conflict of interests are declared and managed appropriately. 

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 Sarah Warner via sarah.warner@dcceew.nsw.gov.au or on 0447 760 203.

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 Tori Basnet on (02) 9585 6402 (please mention reference number 553000).

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: 25 Sep 2026 AUS Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: 11 Oct 2026 AUS Eastern Daylight Time

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