Team Leader River Health and Recovery

Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.

• Lead high‑impact river and wetland science programs shaping environmental outcomes and policy across NSW.
• Join a talent pool for future temporary opportunities supporting the Strategic Policy, Science and Engagement team
• Broken Hill or Lidcombe location, hybrid working supported
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $144,018 to $158,718 + super

Our Strategic Policy, Science and Engagement team is establishing a talent pool for Team Leader – River Health and Recovery to lead the design and delivery of major water, wetlands and coastal science programs.

In this role, you will lead the delivery of complex science programs focused on river health, wetlands and recovery initiatives, ensuring high‑quality monitoring, evaluation and reporting. You will provide expert scientific advice, manage project planning, budgets and resources, and work closely with stakeholders across government, research institutions and industry to deliver impactful outcomes. Leading a team of specialists, you will foster collaboration, drive innovation and contribute to strategic science priorities that inform policy and environmental management

You are an experienced scientific leader with a strong background in water, wetlands or coastal science and a proven ability to lead complex programs and multidisciplinary teams. You bring sound project management capability, including planning, resource coordination and managing delivery in complex environments.

You are a confident communicator who builds strong relationships across government, research and industry stakeholders. Adaptable and outcomes‑focused, you lead with integrity, work collaboratively and deliver high‑quality, evidence‑based outcomes that support environmental priorities.

• Experience in developing and leading rigorous science programs and stakeholder recognition of expertise in water, wetlands and coastal science programs such as marine and coastal, water and wetlands or estuaries and catchments science.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Murray-Darling Basin floodplain and wetland ecosystems desirable
• Demonstrated experience developing and leading rigorous, science programs in a relevant scientific discipline.
• A strong track record of scientific publication and preparation of reports for a range of clients and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience in finance and managing large budgets with multiple teams.
• Demonstrated experience working in multidisciplinary teams.

• A science degree or postgraduate degree in a relevant field.

For more information read the full Role Description:  RD Team Leader WWCS.docx

Science & Insights sits within the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), which works to protect the state’s environment and heritage while driving a sustainable future for NSW. 

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 Maura Pigeon via Maura.Pigeon@dcceew.nsw.gov.au or on 02 8275 1411.

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 Gabriella Schulzer on 9585 6521 (please mention reference number 550458).

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: 27 May 2026 AUS Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: 10 Jun 2026 AUS Eastern Standard Time

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