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

• Apply your ecological assessment skills to major infrastructure projects
• Office location: Albury/Wagga Wagga/South West NSW/hybrid working supported
• Salary relative to experience and ranges $134,445 to $148,168 + Super

About the role

We have an opportunity for an ongoing EO11 Principal Conservation Planning Officer (2 positions) to support the technical review of biodiversity assessments for a variety of projects in our busy South West team.

The South West includes the Snowy Mountains, the quintessential farming lands of the wheat-sheep belt, the majestic Murray, Murrumbidgee and Lachlan Rivers heading across the red earth of the western plains, and so much more.

You will tackle complex issues where the Biodiversity Assessment Method is being applied to large-scale infrastructure projects including rail and transmission lines, as well as solar, wind and energy storage projects in the South West Renewable Energy Zone. You will also provide advice to local government and contribute to the implementation of the NSW Biodiversity Offsets Scheme.

Key knowledge and experience:

• Experience in leading project teams
• Extensive knowledge of and experience in interpreting legislation and in providing technical advice on complex environmental planning and assessment issues
• Proven ability in influencing stakeholders to act and deliver agreed outcomes

To be successful in this role you will:

• have a working understanding of the Biodiversity Assessment Method
• have knowledge of and field experience in identifying the flora of South West NSW
• have experience in assessing biodiversity impacts for complex infrastructure projects

Our team works flexibly, but you will need to be able to access sites in South West NSW to conduct field inspections.

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.

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.