Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?
Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.

Our South East Planning Team is currently seeking to appoint a Senior Regional Biodiversity Conservation Officer to provide environmental assessment advice on proposed large renewable projects.

The Planning Team is part of the South East Regional Delivery Branch based out of the Queanbeyan office, the team has wide and varied roles with people with experience in the Biodiversity Assessment Method and conservation planning. We work closely with our colleagues in the Ecosystems and Threatened Species Team.

One of the main roles of the team is to assess the impacts of developments on native vegetation, threatened species and their habitats. This role provides technical advice and contributes to the delivery of biodiversity conservation, including advice that will inform environmental impact assessments, post approval biodiversity management plans, the exercise of regulatory functions and the setting of conservation priorities.

The role requires an understanding of the relevant planning and biodiversity legislation including the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 , associated regulations and the Biodiversity Assessment Method. The position will be required to liaise with and communicate technical information regarding biodiversity conservation to a wide range of stakeholders.

About You

You will provide high quality technical advice aimed at reducing the impacts of development on biodiversity to colleagues internally within Regional Delivery, the Department of Planning Housing and Industry, developers, consultants and local government.

To succeed in the role you will need have some knowledge of the Biodiversity Assessment Method and experience preparing and/or reviewing biodiversity assessments and biodiversity management plans.

An understanding of the threatened species and plant community types that occur within south eastern NSW would be advantageous as interpreting vegetation mapping within the region is a key part of the role. The ability to use geographic information systems to analyse biodiversity data and aerial photos would also be highly regarded.

Essential requirements

• Current driver’s license

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) & BCT’s Private Land Conservation (PLC) Programs

All 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 conflicts are managed appropriately. In some circumstances this may require divestment of the interest.

The BCT also has restrictions on staff participation in its funded PLC programs. No additional funding, beyond that already agreed to by the BCT, may be sought or approved during time as a BCT employee or for a 12-month period following termination of employment.

The Department is committed to protecting the public interest and public trust in the exercise of its functions. These values, together with transparency and accountability, are integral to the administration of the BOS and PLC programs.

If you (or a close family member) participate in the BOS scheme or already hold a funded agreement with the BCT and require further information before submitting your application, please contact the hiring manager. The BOS protocol is available publicly here.