Principal Project Officer - Planning and Reporting

Our team is currently seeking to appoint a Principal Project Officer – Planning and Reporting

Lead a high-performing team responsible for driving planning, governance, financial forecasting and performance reporting across the Biodiversity Conservation Program, helping deliver critical conservation outcomes for NSW.

This is an exciting leadership opportunity within the Conservation Programs division, where you will oversee project governance, planning and reporting functions that support the delivery of biodiversity conservation initiatives across NSW. Working closely with geographically dispersed delivery teams and key stakeholders, you will drive consistent project management practices, lead the development of planning and reporting frameworks, and provide strategic insights through the analysis of complex project, financial and operational data. You will play a pivotal role in improving program performance, strengthening accountability and enabling informed decision-making that contributes to threatened species conservation and ecosystem management outcomes.

• Demonstrated experience leading project planning, governance, financial forecasting and reporting functions within complex programs or portfolios.
• Strong leadership capability with experience managing and developing high-performing teams.
• Proven ability to analyse complex project, financial and operational data to identify risks, trends and opportunities and inform strategic decision-making.
• Experience designing and implementing project management frameworks, systems and reporting tools that improve performance and accountability.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement, communication and influencing skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across diverse teams and senior stakeholder groups.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to balance competing priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes in a dynamic environment.
• Demonstrated understanding of threatened species conservation, ecosystem management or broader natural resource management frameworks is highly desirable.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in environmental science or a related natural resource discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• A proactive, resilient and solutions-focused approach, with a commitment to continuous improvement and delivering public value

• A degree in environmental science or in a relevant natural resource discipline and demonstrated equivalent, relevant professional experience.

For more information read the full Role Description: Principal Project Officer Planning and Reporting

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. [SC2] [SM3] 

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 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. 

Should you require further information about the role please contact Gordon Cameron - A/Senior Manager PMPS via gordon.cameron@dcceew.nsw.gov.au any time after the 3rd of August. 

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.

• 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 Stacey Cooper on 02 9585 6811 (please mention reference number 552001).

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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Advertised: 29 Jul 2026 AUS Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: 12 Aug 2026 AUS Eastern Standard Time

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