Senior Project Officer Coastal

Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.

• Shape resilient coastlines, influence state-wide outcomes, and help safeguard NSW's coastal future
• Ongoing full-time opportunity
• Office location upon negotiation across NSW, hybrid working supported
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $ 138,454 to $152,686 + super

As a Senior Project Officer, Coastal Engineer, you will play a key role in shaping the strategic direction of coastal management in NSW by providing specialist advice that informs the development and implementation of coastal management policy, legislation, programs and risk management approaches.

Working within a collaborative, multidisciplinary government team, you will apply your expertise in coastal engineering, coastal processes and hazard assessments to provide specialist technical advice and solutions that support the assessment and management of coastal infrastructure, hazards and risks across NSW.

You will deliver evidence-based advice to inform policy development, legislative reform and strategic decision-making, translating complex technical information into policy and regulatory approaches that strengthen coastal resilience and deliver sustainable environmental, social and economic outcomes.

A key focus of the role is contributing specialist technical expertise to the development, review and implementation of coastal management legislation, policies, guidance and programs. You will work collaboratively with government agencies, local councils, industry and technical specialists to address complex coastal management issues, reconcile competing interests and deliver innovative evidence-based solutions aligned with government priorities.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced coastal engineering professional to influence coastal management at a state-wide scale, working at the intersection of technical expertise, public policy and government decision making. Through your work, you will help shape the frameworks and approaches that guide coastal management across NSW and build resilience across NSW’s communities and environment.

 Ideal candidates will bring:

• Knowledge of coastal processes, engineering and hazard management.
• Experience contributing to policy, legislation, strategies, guidelines or programs.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to translate technical evidence into practical recommendations.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Relevant engineering qualifications and a commitment to professional development.

You are an experienced coastal engineering professional who understands how technical evidence, legislation, policy and government decision-making come together to deliver effective coastal management outcomes. You bring sound technical judgement and the ability to apply your expertise to complex policy and regulatory challenges, balancing coastal processes, hazard risks, environmental considerations and community needs.

You have experience contributing to the development, implementation or evaluation of policies, strategies, programs or guidance, and can translate complex technical information into clear, practical and defensible recommendations. You understand the importance of ensuring that legislation, policy and guidance are informed by robust evidence, are technically sound and can be effectively implemented in practice.

You are a strong communicator who can confidently prepare high-quality policy advice, technical reports, submissions and briefings for a range of audiences, including senior decision makers. You build effective relationships across government and with councils, industry and technical specialists, and can navigate competing priorities to deliver coordinated and integrated coastal management outcomes.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Tertiary qualifications in Coastal, Civil, Environmental or a related Engineering discipline.
• Demonstrated knowledge of coastal processes, coastal hazards, risk management and coastal infrastructure.
• Experience delivering complex projects, program or policy initiatives and providing specialist technical advice.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and report-writing skills, including preparing clear and defensible advice on complex issues.
• Demonstrated ability to develop policy advice, reports, submissions and briefings to support government decision-making.
• The ability to build effective relationships, influence stakeholders and negotiate solutions across multidisciplinary teams.
• The ability to manage competing priorities, exercise sound judgement and deliver high-quality outcomes in a dynamic environment.
• Eligibility for membership of Engineers Australia and Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) status, or a commitment to obtaining chartership.

Most importantly, you are motivated by the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the future of NSW's coastal environments and communities through innovative, evidence-based and sustainable coastal management practices.

Essential Requirements

• Appropriate degree level tertiary qualifications in civil or environmental engineering or related disciplines and eligibility for membership of Engineers Australia
• Eligibility for National Engineering Registration (NER) or Chartered Engineer status (CPEng) or working toward chartership.
• Current drivers licence (Class C).

For more information read the full Role Description: Senior Project 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 Marc Daley via Marc.Daley@dcceew.nsw.gov.au or on 02 6670 8663

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 Lila Snow on 02 9995 5095 (please mention reference number 554166).

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: 03 Nov 2026 AUS Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 17 Nov 2026 AUS Eastern Daylight Time

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