Principal Project Officer

About this role

Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW? Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage. • Play a pivotal leadership role in delivering projects and programs that help protect NSW's environment, support sustainability outcomes and create lasting benefits for communities across the state. • Temporary until 30 June 2029 full-time (35 hours per week) opportunity • Newcastle Office location, hybrid working supported • Environment Officer Class 11 • Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $148,339 to $163,480 + super Our Ecosystems and Threatened Species (EaTS) branch is currently seeking to appoint a Principal Project Officer to lead the delivery of high-impact programs and projects that support NSW's climate change, sustainability, environmental and conservation objectives. As a Principal Project Officer, you will play a key leadership role in the planning, development and delivery of complex projects and policy initiatives across the Biodiversity and Conservation division. Working in a collaborative and multidisciplinary environment, you will oversee project outcomes from inception through to implementation, manage project resources, budgets and reporting requirements, and provide strategic advice on complex and often sensitive issues. You will build strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, influence decision-making, and lead a small team to deliver meaningful outcomes that support communities, the environment and future generations across NSW. The role will lead and manage a team responsible for the planning and delivery of threatened species and biodiversity projects. In addition, the position will support the broader Hunter Central Coast EaTS team by strengthening project management capacity, improving systems and procedures, and providing mentoring and guidance to casual and junior staff. The role reports to the Senior Team Leader to provide overall coordination and oversight to the teams’ activities and other branch, divisional or strategic processes. About You • Extensive experience leading and delivering complex programs and projects in a large and dynamic environment. • Proven ability to manage multidisciplinary teams, develop capability in others and foster a high-performing team culture. • Strong project management skills, including planning, governance, budgeting, risk management and reporting. • Demonstrated experience influencing and engaging a diverse range of stakeholders to achieve agreed outcomes. • Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to prepare high-quality reports, briefings, submissions and presentations for varied audiences. • Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities, with experience navigating complex, sensitive or contentious issues. • Ability to build collaborative relationships across government, industry, community and partner organisations. • Resilient, adaptable and able to manage competing priorities while maintaining a focus on results and quality outcomes. • Experience developing, implementing and evaluating policy, programs or initiatives is highly desirable. Essential Requirements • A science degree or a degree in a relevant natural resource discipline. • A valid Australian driver’s licence, with four-wheel drive experience and training preferable. For more information read the full Role Description: Principal Project Officer 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. Participation in the NSW Biodiversity Offsets Scheme (BOS) 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. 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 Wednesday, 12th August 2026 at 11:55PM. Should you require further information about the role please contact Joe Thompson via joe.thompson@dcceew.nsw.gov.au 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 Stacey Cooper on 02 9585 6811 (please mention reference number 551935). 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 . Role Description