Local recruitment: Senior Natural Resource Officer, Floodplain Management

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

Together, we create thriving environments, communities and economies.

• Apply your specialist water engineering skills to make a real difference to flood risk and waterway health management in South East NSW
• Be part of a friendly and supportive multi-disciplinary team of experts in floodplain, coastal and estuary management
• Temporary (up to 28 January 2026) full time role (35 hours/week) with opportunity for extension
• Reduced hours considered for the right candidate
• Wollongong or Queanbeyan Office location preferred however other office locations and hybrid working arrangements supported.
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $116,094 to $128,059 + super

Our Water, Floods & Coast team (South East Branch, BCD) is currently seeking to appoint a Senior Natural Resource Officer (Floodplain Management) to support delivery of the NSW Floodplain Management Program. 

If hydrology, climate change adaptation, working with councils and stakeholders to reduce flood risks in the community and the environment is your thing, please look over this opportunity and reach out to the hiring manager for a confidential chat. 

About the Role

DCCEEW – BCS is the lead agency in delivering the NSW Flood Risk Management Program to local government councils and provide expert technical and policy advice regarding land-use planning processes, particularly in relation to the NSW Government’s Flood Prone Land Policy as set out in the Flood Risk Management Manual and the NSW Coastal Management framework.

The Senior Floodplain Officer supports the delivery of the NSW Floodplain Management Program through technical and financial support to councils and specialist advisory support throughout government on the management flood risk and waterway health. This includes the delivery of grant funded studies and plans.

The role involves:

• Working closely with Councils to facilitate and influence the timely delivery of high-quality studies and plans, consistent with policy and best practice including the engagement of the community and other relevant agencies.
• Supporting the development and implementation of Floodplain Risk Management Plans that are consistent with risk management principles, integrated with coastal risk and estuarine/riverine management processes and with consideration to broader community needs and environmental outcomes.
• Providing specialist advice on floodplain and waterway health management for inclusion in responses to environmental planning and assessment matters and contributes to region-wide strategies as required.
• Maintaining a high level of technical expertise in floodplain risk management, relevant technology and translating this into high quality projects and strategies.
• Working as part of a team of floodplain, coastal and estuary management specialists, fostering a collaborative approach with agencies and stakeholders to natural hazard and waterway health management in the South East Region.

About You

To be successful in the role, you will have:

• Sound knowledge of floodplain risk assessment methods and floodplain management strategies;
• Sound knowledge of the Government’s Flood Prone Land Policy, Flood Risk Management Manual and related guidelines and legislation;
• Understanding and experience in the application of hydrological and hydraulic models in analysing flood behaviour and flood hazards;
• An understanding of the application of NSW Government policy related to the application of flood risk and waterway health management in land use planning.
• Great communication and project management skills.
• Experience or knowledge in waterway health management and integrated catchment management will be highly regarded.

Essential requirements:

• Tertiary Qualifications in Civil / Environmental Engineering (or equivalent) and eligible for membership of Engineers Australia. 
• Current driver’s licence (Class C)

Further information about the NSW Floodplain Management Program and Flood Manual can be found at:

Floodplain Management Program | NSW Environment and Heritage

For more information read the full Role Description: Senior Natural Resource Officer (Floodplain Management) – Engineer Grade 3

For more information from LinkedIn hit Apply to visit the iworkfor.nsw.gov.au website.

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)

Please read the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme Protocol to understand if it applies to your circumstances. All applicants for this role and 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 conflict of interests are declared and managed appropriately.

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.

Applications close Sunday 27 October at 11:55PM.

Should you require further information about the role please contact the Hiring Manager John Bucinskas via john.bucinskas @environment.nsw.gov.au or on 4224 4153.

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.nsws.gov.au

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander use our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles or contact our Aboriginal Career pathways team for a yarn