Principal Legal Officer, Property

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

Working to protect the State’s environment and heritage. 

• Lead a team of property lawyers on interesting and significant projects for the Department 
• Ongoing and Temporary full-time opportunity, 35 hrs per week (part-time considered) 
• Based in Parramatta (flexible hybrid working supported; other office location considered subject to availability) 
• Salary relative to experience ranging from $155,764 to $181,393 + superannuation and annual leave loading  

Opportunity for 2 experienced Principal Legal Officers to join the Commercial and Property Law team at the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW). 

About the role 

The role involves providing specialist Property Law advice to the Department and its portfolio agencies.  Key client groups for these Principal Legal Officer roles include:  

• National Parks and Wildlife Service;  
• Water Group Infrastructure Development and Delivery; and 
• Energy, Climate Change and Sustainability. 

Delivering expert and timely legal advice to Ministers, senior executives, and staff, you will manage major projects and stakeholder relationships to ensure outcomes align with NSW Government goals. You will collaborate with State agencies and local governments to support reform projects, while drafting, reviewing, and finalising legal documents for leases, licences, contracts for sale, infrastructure development, commercial contracts and more. You will conduct thorough research, provide recommendations and develop solutions for complex legal matters. Additionally, you will lead training sessions and create materials to share specialist knowledge and skills within the Department. 

About You  

You are a passionate lawyer with expertise and experience in Property Law. You also have: 

• Experience providing high-standard advisory and legislative services independently, managing legal risks in complex and sensitive property matters. 
• Expertise in delivering solution-focused legal services and advice within tight timeframes, balancing competing stakeholder priorities while meeting statutory and legal obligations. 
• Proficiency in maintaining up-to-date knowledge of various legal matters, quickly understanding issues, and providing timely, consistent advice and solutions in line with applicable legislation, policies, and procedures. 
• Experience in managing and mentoring a small team of lawyers in their development whilst meeting client expectations in the delivery of legal services. 

Essential Requirements 

• Admitted or qualified for admission as a Solicitor or Barrister in the Supreme Court of NSW and hold, or be eligible to hold, an unrestricted NSW Practicing Certificate

For more information read the full Role Description: Principal 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, including a copy of your resume (max 3 pages) and cover letter (max 2 pages) expressing your interest and suitability for the role. 

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 Monday, 31 August 2026 at 11:55pm 

Should you require further information about the role please contact Lauren Bathur Director Commercial Government & Property via lauren.bathur@dcceew.nsw.gov.au.

A recruitment pool may 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 on 02 9585 6607or via nivya.shetty@dcceew.nsw.gov.au (please mention reference number 552174).

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, use our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles or our Aboriginal Career pathways team at AEX@dcceew.nsw.gov.au for a yarn.

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