Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?

Working to protect the state's environment and heritage.

• Deliver meaningful biodiversity outcomes through regionally focused programs.
• Permanent, full-time (35 hours per week) opportunity.
• Preferred office location is Newcastle, but may be negotiable for the right candidate, hybrid working supported.
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $124,322 to $138,494 + super.

Our Conservation Programs Heritage & Regs team is currently seeking to appoint a Senior Project Officer, Accredited Assessor (accredited under the NSW Biodiversity Assessment Method) to support the delivery of regional conservation programs by working directly with landholders and partners to establish voluntary biodiversity stewardship agreements (BSAs).

This role plays a key part in delivering biodiversity outcomes and supporting the effective operation of the NSW biodiversity offset framework.

As a Senior Project Officer, Accredited Assessor you will support the regional delivery of biodiversity offset programs by providing technical advice and project coordination to enable landholders to participate in voluntary BSAs. You will manage and undertake ecological field work across NSW, as well as prepare assessment documentation including BSSARS, land management plans and TFDs.

Your role will also support the development of operational policies and guidance, whilst working with internal and external stakeholders to achieve conservation outcomes under the NSW Biodiversity Offset Scheme.

You will work collaboratively across multidisciplinary and geographically dispersed teams, contribute to capacity building and knowledge sharing, and support consistent, regionally focused program delivery aligned with policy and legislative frameworks.

About You

You are a motivated and delivery‑focused professional who enjoys working at the intersection of technical assessment, project coordination and stakeholder engagement. You bring a practical and solutions‑oriented approach to your work and are comfortable working autonomously and in teams, within a fast‑paced environment. You take pride in delivering high‑quality outcomes that support effective program delivery.

You have strong experience in undertaking ecological field work, data analysis and report preparation in line with the NSW BAM, such as the preparation of BSSARs, BDARs, Management Plans and TFDs. In addition, you have strong experience in applying legislative and policy frameworks in an operational setting.

You are confident engaging with landholders, program partners and internal teams. You communicate clearly, work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams, and can translate complex requirements into practical guidance. Well organised and adaptable, you manage competing priorities effectively and provide sound, well‑reasoned advice that supports consistent and regionally focused programs.

Key knowledge and experience

• Extensive experience in planning, implementing and managing ecological field surveys.
• Experience in the application of the NSW Biodiversity Assessment Method.
• Demonstrated knowledge, skills and experience managing budgets and expenditure in relation to programs and projects.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the operational and strategic requirements for the successful delivery of programs in the context of current policy and legislative frameworks.

Essential requirements

• Appropriate tertiary qualifications.
• Current Driver's Licence.
• Willing and able to lead ecological fieldwork which involves travel across NSW sometimes to remote areas for multiple days.
• Biodiversity Assessment Method accreditation.

For more information read the full Role Description: RD - Senior Project Officer Accredited Assessor CPHR EO9.docx.

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.