Senior Policy Officer, Aboriginal Water Outcomes

Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?

Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.

• Aboriginal targeted opportunity
• Temporary (Up to 30 June 2027) full-time (35 hours per week) opportunity
• Office location upon negotiation across NSW, hybrid working supported

• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $133,348 to $146,945 + super

Our Aboriginal Water Outcomes team is currently seeking to appoint a Senior Policy Officer, Aboriginal Water Outcomes.

This role offers the opportunity to work on complex and high-profile water policy initiatives that influence water management outcomes across NSW, with a particular focus on Aboriginal Water Outcomes. As part of a collaborative and supportive team, the successful candidate will lead policy development, research and analysis, prepare briefings and advice for senior executives and Ministers, and manage projects that contribute to water reform and legislative frameworks.

The role involves extensive engagement with Aboriginal communities, government agencies and key stakeholders, requiring strong relationship-building, communication and project management skills to deliver evidence-based policy solutions in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

This is a targeted role under GSE Rule 26 and Aboriginal people are encouraged to apply.

About You – You will bring

• Experience developing water policy, legislation and regulatory reform initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of water management, natural resource management and public policy.
• Proven ability to build effective relationships with Aboriginal communities, government agencies and key stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills, including report writing, briefings and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong project management, problem-solving and organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver results.

For more information read the full Role Description: Senior Water Policy Officer Water AWO (Targeted)

Who we are

 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.

 To Apply

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.  

Applications close Tuesday 08 September 2026 at 11:55PM.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Katrina McClelland via katrina.mcclelland@dcceew.nsw.gov.au or on 0417021942.

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.

Looking for more information or assistance in applying?

• 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 Celia Luis on 02 4904 2746 (please mention reference number 550882)

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.