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

• Use your ecological, planning and people management skills to make an important impact in the North East region of NSW!
• Two full-time Team Leader Planning roles: one ongoing and one temporary to 30 June 2027 with the possibility of extension
• Located in Coffs Harbour or other locations in the North East regional branch by negotiation
• Salary relative to experience ranging from $134,445 - $148,168 + super

About the Roles

Our North East Branch is looking to fill two Team Leader Planning roles in our Regional Planning Team

These exciting leadership roles lead small teams to deliver optimal natural, environmental and conservation outcomes through the planning system and the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme. They engage across government and apply contemporary environmental planning and assessment tools to provide advice to external stakeholders on major projects and strategic environmental planning matters to inform decision making processes.

The roles foster cooperative and productive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders to convey advice and represent DCCEEW at meetings and other forums ensuring the corporate position is articulated consistently and appropriately.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Knowledge and experience in ecology and planning including the interpretation of relevant planning legislation for biodiversity in NSW, and in dealing with environmental planning and assessment issues.
• Experience in the assessment and analysis of strategic and complex planning and assessment proposals against legislation, policies, and guidelines to achieve positive outcomes for biodiversity through the planning system and the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme.
• Knowledge of flora and fauna survey techniques, vegetation communities in north-eastern NSW, the NSW Biodiversity Assessment Method and ecological and offsetting principles.
• Capability in leadership and collaboration with the ability to manage small teams.
• High-level verbal and written communication and people skills that enable successful engagement with staff and stakeholders, including proponents, consultants, local government, and state agencies.

Key knowledge and experience:

• Extensive knowledge of the operational and strategic requirements for the successful delivery of statutory planning and development assessment activities in the context of current policy and legislative frameworks for biodiversity.
• Proven ability in influencing stakeholders to take action and deliver agreed outcomes.
• Proven ability to manage and analyse strategic and complex proposals to achieve priority conservation outcomes through the planning system.

Essential Requirements

• Current NSW Drivers Licence

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.

The Biodiversity, Conservation and Science (BCS) Group within DCCEEW seeks to improve biodiversity outcomes, reduce natural hazard risk and enhance a healthy, productive and resilient environment.

The North East Branch of Biodiversity Conservation and Science delivers biodiversity and conservation programs and services across the 18 local government areas within the region and Lord Howe Island.

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.