- Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
- Reference number: 550895
- Occupation: Estuary, Marine and Coastal Management, Environmental Science
- Work type: Full-Time
- Location: Sydney – West, Statewide
- Salary Information: From AUD $100,000.00 to $109,999.00 per year
- Closing date: 12 June 2026 at 11:55pm
Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?
Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.
- Contribute to meaningful water planning initiatives that support communities, industry, and the environment across NSW
- Multiple permanent full-time (35 hours per week) opportunities
- Office location upon negotiation across NSW, hybrid working supported
- Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $99,938 to $110,271 + super
Our Water Planning Team within the Water Group is currently seeking to appoint multiple Assistant Water Planners on an ongoing basis across our Coastal, Groundwater and Inland Surface Water teams.
The Assistant Water Planner plays an important supporting role in delivering NSW Government water planning outcomes by undertaking research and analysis, coordinating information, and providing administrative and project support to the Planning Team.
The role works closely with internal teams, other government agencies and external stakeholders to contribute to the development and replacement of water sharing plans, including preparing briefs, reports and consultation materials. It requires strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities while supporting collaborative, cross-agency initiatives that promote sustainable water management for the environment, communities and industry across NSW.
About You
Successful candidates will bring relevant experience and knowledge in water planning, natural resource management, environmental science, aquatic ecology, geomorphology, hydrogeology, hydrology, legislation, regulation and policy or equivalent.
A sound understanding of how NSW water sharing plans are developed, implemented and reviewed, along with familiarity with briefing processes, record management and administrative systems is highly desirable. Experience working in government or complex organisational environments, contributing to policy or planning projects, and supporting consultation and stakeholder engagement activities would be well regarded.
Strong technical skills such as research and data analysis, document and briefing preparation, project tracking, and the use of digital systems and databases are essential for success in this role. Equally important are well‑developed soft skills, including clear written and verbal communication, attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast‑paced environment. The role requires a collaborative and customer‑focused approach, with the capacity to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, adapt to change, take accountability for tasks, and contribute positively to team‑based, cross‑agency work supporting sustainable water management across NSW.
For more information read the full Role Description: Assistant Water Planner
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, highlighting:
- your relevant work experience,
- your knowledge and understanding of water management and regulation in NSW
Please note to be eligible to apply for this position you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident or hold a valid Australian working Visa for the duration of the appointment.
Applications close Friday 12 June at 11:55PM.
Should you require further information about the role please contact Clare Purtle via clare.purtle@dcceew.nsw.gov.au or on 0429 322 659.
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?
- 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 (Celia Luis) on 02 4904 2746 (please mention reference number 550719).
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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