Senior Strategy Officer, Aboriginal Water Outcomes (Aboriginal Targeted)

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

• Aboriginal targeted opportunity
• Temporary full-time opportunity to 30 June 2028
• Office location negotiable across NSW, hybrid working supported
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $133,348 to $146,945 + super

Our Aboriginal Water Outcomes team is currently seeking to appoint a Senior Strategy Officer, Aboriginal Water Outcomes (Aboriginal Targeted) in a fixed term full-time capacity to 30 June 2028.

Join a passionate and purpose-driven team leading implementation of the Aboriginal Water Strategy across NSW. In this role, you will contribute to coordinated action across government to improve Aboriginal water outcomes, support progress against Closing the Gap commitments, and help deliver initiatives that advance Aboriginal ownership, access and participation in water management and decision-making.

Working in partnership with Aboriginal communities, organisations, government agencies and stakeholders, you will play an important role in delivering projects, supporting reporting and accountability requirements, and contributing to community-led outcomes that improve Aboriginal water outcomes across NSW.

This is a targeted role under GSE Rule 26 and Aboriginal people are encouraged to apply.

About You

• Experience delivering projects, programs or strategic initiatives within government or a similarly complex environment.
• Proven ability to build and maintain productive relationships with Aboriginal communities, organisations and stakeholders, applying culturally safe and respectful engagement approaches.
• Knowledge of issues affecting Aboriginal peoples in relation to water, land and Country, and an understanding of relevant community structures, networks and governance arrangements.
• Experience preparing reports, briefings and advice, and supporting implementation monitoring, reporting or accountability processes.
• Strong communication, stakeholder engagement and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across organisations and communities to achieve outcomes.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver quality outcomes in a complex and changing environment.
• A commitment to delivering meaningful outcomes for Aboriginal communities and advancing Aboriginal participation in water management and decision-making.

Key Knowledge & Experience

• Knowledge of issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in relation to water, land and Country, and an understanding of relevant community structures, networks and governance arrangements.
• Lived experience as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person and the ability to draw on that experience to build trust and work effectively with Aboriginal communities and organisations.

Essential Requirements

• This employment opportunity is designed to promote equal or improved access of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to water management careers and to contribute to a workforce that reflects the communities the function serves. It is an equal opportunity measure under section 21 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW). Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.

For more information read the full Role Description: Senior Strategy Officer AWO (Targeted)

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.

To Apply

If excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application, including a copy of your resume and cover letter 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 Monday 7 September 2026 at 11:55PM.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Katrina McClelland via katrina.mcclelland@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 Amanda Tantzaris via amanda.tantzaris@dcceew.nsw.gov.au (please mention reference number 552600).

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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