Apply now

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

Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.

  • Deliver social research to shape environmental policy and outcomes.
  • Temporary full-time (35 hours per week) opportunity up to 31 December 2027
  • Office location upon negotiation within Sydney region, Coffs Harbour or Armidale. Hybrid working will be considered.
  • Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $124,322 pa to $138,494 pa + super


Join DCCEEWs Science Integration Team and help shape the Department’s environmental policy and programs. In this role, you will deliver high-quality social research and analysis to inform program design, evaluation, and strategic decision-making.

You’ll consult across the Department, design and deliver complex research projects, and provide clear and timely advice to stakeholders. A key part of the role is translating technical outputs into practical insights that support effective policy design, implementation and/or evaluation. You will primarily support the NSW Nature Strategy work, for example by delivering and communicating metrics and insights from the Department’s annual Community Appreciation of Biodiversity (CAB) survey, and implications for environmental policy in NSW.

This senior specialist role requires a dual skillset: strong applied quantitative social research and statistics expertise, combined with the ability to understand end-user needs and communicate effectively. You will work within various project teams - policy developers, environmental and social scientists, knowledge brokers - and collaborate with a range of stakeholders to deliver rigorous social research to address organisational priorities. You are comfortable managing your workload, setting priorities, and providing clear progress updates to ensure projects stay on track.

Ideally, you have experience delivering and communicating social or behavioural research to inform public policy, particularly in environmental contexts such as sustainability, environmental education, or climate change. You bring a strong working knowledge of social research best practice and standards, along with advanced skills in quantitative data analysis and interpretation. This may include experience using Q Research software and SPSS (cluster, factor and regression analysis), or creating data stories with data visualisation tools such as Power BI or Flourish. You have well-developed written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated experience preparing clear, accessible research reports and communicating insights to a range of audiences.

If you are passionate about applying social research to real-world challenges and driving impact to help nature get on a path to recovery, we’d love to hear from you.

Essential Requirements

  • Tertiary qualifications in social science, behavioural science or related discipline.
  • Advanced skills in statistical analysis of social research datasets including tracking studies.

For more information read the full Role Description: Senior Scientist Social Research

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 this opportunity excites you, we look forward to receiving your application, including:

  • A copy of your resume and
  • A cover letter (1-2 pages) outlining your interest in the role and demonstrating how your skills and experience meet the key criteria.

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 17 May 2026 at 11:55PM.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Mari Jaervis, A/ Team Leader Social Science via mari.jaervis@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.

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 Alexandra Blair on 02 8275 1761 (please mention reference number 548613).

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.

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), YouTube and LinkedIn.