Aboriginal Project Officer

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

Working to the protect state’s environment and heritage.


Aboriginal Identified opportunity
Temporary (two years) full-time at 35 hours per week
Parramatta location (flexible working options are available to work from other locations within NSW)
Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $112,444 to $126,861.00 + super (Environment Officer Class 8)

Exciting opportunity to join the Major Projects team within the Grants Branch at the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW)!

The Grants Branch sits within the Strategic Priorities and Coordination Division and supports the NSW Environmental Trust (Trust) in the administration and governance of grant programs, as well as DCCEEW-funded Coastal, Estuary and Floods programs.


About the role

The Major Projects team is responsible for co-designing and managing long-term, multi-million-dollar grant projects on behalf of the Trust. With a strong focus on the natural environment, our projects range from funding innovative biocontrol research to supporting threatened species and managing feral animals.

As an Aboriginal Project Officer you will be responsible for developing and overseeing the management of grant projects throughout their lifecycle. This can include project scoping and co-design with the grantee, collaborating with Aboriginal stakeholders and communities, financial management, evaluation of projects and continuous process improvement. This role focuses on projects intended to prioritise healthy Country and recognise and value Aboriginal peoples, their traditional knowledge and practices, and connection to Country.

This is an exciting opportunity to work alongside a passionate group of people managing projects that have tangible, on-the-ground environmental outcomes. You’ll be joining a dynamic branch committed to collaboration, innovation, and a culture of inclusivity.

This is an Aboriginal Identified role where Aboriginal identity, cultural knowledge or connections are a genuine aspect of the role. Positions are specifically noted under the provisions of the NSW Anti-discrimination Act (1+77).


About You

You will have strong project management skills, Aboriginal stakeholder engagement experience, sound judgement and attention to detail. Experience related to natural environment projects and/or grants management will be highly regarded.

Knowledge and experience

Demonstrated understanding of the needs and challenges of Aboriginal communities with regards to caring for Country.
Demonstrated experience in providing supportive information to Aboriginal communities, particularly about their land management needs.
General understanding of environmental issues impacting Aboriginal communities, and the ability to assist Aboriginal communities/groups to identify and prioritise their land management needs.

Essential Requirements

This is an identified role under Section 14d of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1+77 and as such Aboriginality is an essential requirement of the role. Aboriginal identified positions are developed where Aboriginal identity, cultural knowledge or connections are a genuine aspect of the role. Positions are specifically noted under the provisions of the NSW Anti-discrimination Act (1+77) for Aboriginal people who meet the following criteria:

is of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent, and
identifies as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, and
is accepted as such by the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community.

For more information read the full Role Description: Aboriginal Project Officer (Identified)


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.

Applications close Monday 14 July 2025 at 11:55 PM.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Lara Trimming, Manager Major Projects on 02 +++5 5146 or at lara.trimming@environment.nsw.gov.au.

A recruitment pool will 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.


Information session

We will be running an optional online information session for applicants to discuss the role, application process and answer questions.

Date: Thursday 3rd July 2025

Time: 12:00pm – 12:45pm on Microsoft Teams

If you are interested in attending the session, please contact Adam Stone at adam.d.stone@dpie.nsw.gov.au


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.nsw.gov.au or contacting (Nivya Shetty) via nivya.shetty@dcceew.nsw.gov.au or 0437 224 4+8 (please mention reference number 543433).

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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