Water Regulation Officer

Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.

• Make a meaningful impact by ensuring fair, transparent, and sustainable access to NSW’s water resources.
• Temporary (Up to Date 30 June 2027) full-time (35 hours per week) opportunity
• Office location upon negotiation across NSW, hybrid working supported
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $116,981 to $129,492 + super

Our Water Operations and Resilience team is currently seeking to appoint a Water Regulation Officer.

As a Water Regulation Officer, you will work within a collaborative and geographically dispersed team responsible for administering water licensing and approvals across NSW. The role involves assessing complex applications, providing expert advice on water management legislation and policy, reviewing environmental impact documentation, and contributing to regulatory decisions that support sustainable water use. You will engage with a diverse range of stakeholders—including local councils, government agencies, industry representatives, landholders and community groups—to facilitate outcomes, resolve issues and build understanding of water regulation requirements. The team fosters a culture of integrity, collaboration and continuous improvement, offering opportunities to work on high-profile water resource projects that balance environmental, community and economic needs.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

•  Demonstrated communication and stakeholder engagement skills are essential, as the role requires working closely with community groups and members, government agencies, local councils, industry representatives, and landholders to provide advice, negotiate outcomes, and resolve issues.
• Experience interpreting and applying legislation, policy, and regulatory frameworks, ideally within water, natural resource management, environmental regulation, planning, or a similar government context.
• A sound understanding of sustainable natural resource management principles, coupled with the ability to assess complex applications and analyse technical information, will be highly regarded.
• Experience preparing detailed reports, recommendations, correspondence, and defensible decisions in a compliance or regulatory environment will enable you to effectively contribute to licensing, approvals, and water management outcomes across NSW. 
• You will be a proactive and solutions-focused professional with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, capable of balancing competing priorities and making informed decisions in complex and sometimes politically sensitive environments.
• Success in the role also requires a collaborative approach, a commitment to customer service, integrity, accountability, and the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a geographically dispersed team.

• Occasional intra-state travel requiring periods of being away from home

For more information read the full Role Description:  Water Regulation Officer

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.

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 Ben Hanks via ben.hanks@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.nsw.gov.au or contacting Celia Luis on 02 4904 2746 (please mention reference number 550875).

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: 24 Jul 2026 AUS Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: 07 Aug 2026 AUS Eastern Standard Time

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