Senior Legal Officer - Environment and Strategic Advice

Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?  
Providing legal services that support the DCCEEW vision of creating thriving environments and communities for every generation. 

• Senior Legal Officer - Environment and Strategic Advice 
• One temporary full-time role, 35 hrs/week for a period up to November 2027 (parental leave cover) 
• Office based in Parramatta (flexible working offered) - other established work locations deemed suitable across NSW may be considered
• Salary relative to experience ranging from $ 142,695 to $152,731 + superannuation & annual leave loading
• A recruitment pool will be created for ongoing and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available over the next 18 months

We are looking for one Senior Legal Officer to join the Environment and Strategic Advice legal team at DCCEEW.  The successful candidate will play a critical role in providing high-quality legal services to various clients across DCCEEW to support its work in sustaining and improving the environment and heritage of NSW. 

About the role  

The Senior Legal Officer roles are suited to experienced lawyers keen to utilise their strong analytical skills and expertise to provide high-quality legal advisory services and crucial legal support within DCCEEW. With the support of senior lawyers within the Environment and Strategic Advice Legal team, the work of a Senior Legal Officer will include:

• preparing legal advice,
• legislative reform, including instructing on the drafting of Bills and regulations,
• working closely with teams within DCCEEW to deliver long-term projects supporting the Department to achieve its strategic objectives, including protection of NSW’s environment and heritage

As an experienced professional, you will support the Principal Legal Officers, the Director and General Counsel to drive delivery on initiatives and goals and contribute to an inclusive, responsive and effective working environment.

About the team

The Environment and Strategic Advice team provides strategic legal advice on environment and heritage portfolio matters as well as whole of Department matters. The team works closely with business areas to support delivery of some of the Department’s most complex and strategically significant projects, including legislative reform projects. The team brings together expert advice and projects lawyers in the areas of environmental law, heritage law, native title, government law and legislative reform.   

About You 

To be successful in this role you will be a highly motivated professional, with a drive and passion to deliver quality legal advice and services to clients.  You will have strong analytical and research skills with the ability to identify key issues and think critically to find strategically focused and evidence-based solutions.

We welcome applications from passionate lawyers with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• planning, environmental, heritage or natural resource management law;
• administrative law;
• statutory interpretation; and
• legislative reform and policy development.  

Undertaking a wide range of tasks with often tight or competing timeframes, our Senior Legal Officers require excellent organisational and prioritisation skills. You will have strong verbal and written communication skills to prepare and deliver clear, authoritative and practical advice. You will also have confidence and the ability to build strong, collaborative relationships with a variety of stakeholders and team members.  

This is an excellent opportunity for dynamic and motivated lawyers, eager to progress their legal careers, to join these dedicated and highly regarded teams and be a key contributor in supporting the delivery of outcomes for the people of NSW.  

Essential Requirements  

Applicants must be:  

• admitted as an Australian Legal Practitioner in NSW or another eligible jurisdiction,  
• hold, or be eligible to hold, a NSW Practising Certificate,  
• have experience in one or more of the following areas: planning, environmental, heritage or natural resource management law; administrative law; statutory interpretation; legislative reform and policy development.  

Candidates with at least 3 years post admission experience are preferred, however this is not essential.

For more information, read the full Role Description: Senior Legal Officer  

Who we are  

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water 

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.  

To Apply  

If excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application. Your application should include:  

• a resume which clearly details your relevant skills and experience (maximum 5 pages)
• a cover letter outlining your legal experience and addressing how you meet the focus and legal capability requirements of the role (maximum 2 pages)  

Please also note, to be eligible for an ongoing role in the NSW Public Sector you need to be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident. For temporary and casual roles, you need to hold a valid visa giving you permission to work in Australia as required by the role.  

Applications close on Sunday 13 September 2026 at 11:55 PM  

Should you require further information about the role please contact Michael Levy via  michael.levy@dcceew.nsw.gov.au   

A recruitment pool will be created for ongoing and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available over the next 18 months.  

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.  

Looking for more information or assistance in applying?  

• Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace.  
• How we encourage and support people with disability  
• Information and adjustments for individual needs for the recruitment process and the workplace.  

If you require an adjustment for your application process, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team by emailing dcceew.ta@dpie.nsw.gov.au or contacting (Nivya Shetty) via 0437 224 498 or nivya.shetty@dcceew.nsw.gov.au (please mention reference number 552192).