Principal Technical Advisor

Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.

• 2 x Ongoing full-time (35 hours per week)
• Office location - NSW wide/Hybrid working supported
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $149,739 to $173,174 + super

Do you have extensive technical expertise in water and wastewater infrastructure and a passion for delivering sustainable outcomes?

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) is seeking to fill two roles for highly experienced Principal Technical Advisors to enhance wastewater expertise and provide strategic and technical leadership to local water utilities (LWUs) across New South Wales.

This is an exciting opportunity to influence the planning, delivery and operation of critical water, sewerage and recycled water infrastructure that supports thriving communities, healthy environments and a strong economy.

The department is seeking to fill two vacant roles in the Technical Advisory and Training team. The roles will have a slightly different focus:

• Wastewater treatment design specialist, with demonstrated experience in sewage treatment plant design, plant investigation and optimisation, recycled water and trade waste.
• Water and wastewater specialist, with demonstrated experience in service planning, infrastructure project feasibility and design, asset management and regulation.

As a Principal Technical Advisor, you will:

• Provide expert technical advice to local water utilities across the full lifecycle of water and wastewater infrastructure planning, project delivery and operations
• Assess and analyse planning and design documentation against regulatory frameworks
• Lead and deliver technical training programs for utilities and industry stakeholders
• Support improvements to policies and processes, including drinking water quality, wastewater and recycled water management, trade waste, water fluoridation, pricing and strategic planning
• Act as a recognised subject matter expert on drinking water, recycled water and sewage services
• Build capability across the sector through knowledge sharing and stakeholder engagement
• You will play a critical role in ensuring safe, efficient and sustainable water and wastewater services for communities throughout NSW.

• Managing complex stakeholder relationships across government, industry and the community
• Navigating competing priorities and tight timeframes in a dynamic environment
• Maintaining up‑to‑date knowledge of legislation, policy and technical standards
• Supporting multi-disciplinary teams to achieve high-quality project outcomes

You are a highly motivated professional who can operate autonomously and deliver high-quality outcomes. You will demonstrate:

• Advanced expertise in water supply, sewerage and recycled water systems
• Strong analytical capability and experience in technical assessment and advice
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to translate complex technical information for diverse audiences
• Proven ability to influence, negotiate and build partnerships
• Commitment to integrity, accountability and public sector values
• Strong problem-solving skills and experience delivering innovative, evidence-based solutions

For more information read the full Role Description: Principal Technical Advisor

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.

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.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Josh Tickell via joshua.tickell@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.

• 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 or contacting Amanda Tantzaris on 02 82751128 (please mention reference number 551008).

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.

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Advertised: 08 Jul 2026 AUS Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: 22 Jul 2026 AUS Eastern Standard Time

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