Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?
Together, we create thriving environments, communities and economies.

Do you want to work in a supportive work environment, with multi - disciplinary people, providing expert advice to support planning and conservation outcomes in the South East

• Two Conservation Planning Officer roles available

The Biodiversity Conservation & Science branch is currently seeking to appoint 2 Conservation Planning Officers in the South East Planning team.

This is an opportunity for someone with a passion for achieving biodiversity conservation outcomes through the NSW planning framework. As a team member you will get to be part of a very experienced team, learn new skills and develop your capabilities while assisting on a diverse range of projects including state significant development and infrastructure project assessments, local development applications and strategic planning matters.

You will work in collaboration with other team members and technical matter experts from across the Department to support, and provide advice to external stakeholders on major projects and on strategic environmental planning matters to ensure optimal natural, environmental and conservation outcomes.

As part of the role, you will provide timely, high quality and accurate information to inform decision making processes and undertake data analysis and related research on biodiversity conservation (e.g., vegetation mapping) using tools such geographical information systems. It will be important to develop cooperative and productive working relationships and seek and convey advice to enhance the effectiveness of strategic and environmental planning

What does the Role look like?

Key accountabilities of the Role include:

• Achieve optimal natural, environmental conservation outcomes by assisting with the review of strategic environmental planning matters and development assessment proposals, including desktop assessment of reports and databases. Liaison with internal experts, and fieldwork as required, and contribute to advice for external stakeholders and management.
• Assist with the review and development of strategic planning documents and Environmental Planning Instruments, such as State, Regional and Local Environmental Plans in accordance with department responsibilities.
• Progress reforms to achieve optimal threatened species outcomes by assisting in the development of natural resource conservation and management for the Government’s threatened species and biodiversity conservation reforms.
• Draft briefing notes and other written materials on statutory and strategic planning matters ensuring high quality and accurate information to inform decision making processes.
• Provide input on statutory and strategic planning and assessment proposals by playing an active role in data analysis and related research on threatened species and biodiversity conservation (e.g. vegetation mapping) including fieldwork and the use of databases and geographical information systems.
• Participate in meetings and committees dealing with strategic conservation management to ensure that the corporate position is articulated consistently and appropriately.

To be the successful applicate for this position you will:

• Have an understanding of Biodiversity policy and Legislation in NSW. Including the Biodiversity Assessment method.
• Assist with identifying and resolving complex and controversial issues related to threatened species. For example, some proposals require major re-design to reduce impacts on threatened species which would require the position to contribute to the identification of innovative solutions in a politically and socially sensitive context.
• Assist with the interpretation of regulations, policies and guidelines within a complex statutory framework to ensure that accurate and consistent whole-of-government advice is provided.

Essential Requirements

• Current 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.

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.

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.