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Together we shape thriving communities, public spaces, places and economies.

  • Drive high‑impact planning reform by leading complex policy projects that shape NSW’s response to climate change.
  • Temporary (Up to 30 June 2027) full-time (35 hours per week) opportunity,
  • Office location based in Parramatta with flexible working supported
  • Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $151227 to $176,110 + super

What’s in it for me?

Join our team for a fantastic culture with dynamic collaboration and high impact work. We offer flexibility in work arrangements, diverse and fulfilling assignments, and prioritise work/life balance and wellbeing with initiatives like flex leave and access to support programs. Additionally, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome, respected, and empowered to succeed.

The role

This role leads policy projects that shape the government’s response to climate change and drive delivery of the NSW Government’s net‑zero targets through a new Net Zero Plan. It requires analysing emerging challenges, developing evidence‑based policy options, and working with legal, technical and external experts to produce high‑quality advice. Success depends on navigating a fast‑moving planning system, balancing diverse stakeholder expectations, and translating complex technical material into clear, accessible language. The role also builds strong partnerships, manages consultants, and helps set the strategic direction for sustainability in the built environment.

For more information read the full Role Description: Principal Policy Officer

What you will bring to the role

  • Experience leading complex policy projects with a strong grasp of planning and climate change legislation, and government policy processes.
  • Advanced ability to research, analyse and interpret complex or sensitive planning and climate change issues, and translate them into clear, evidence‑based policy advice.
  • Strong stakeholder engagement skills, including managing competing interests, negotiating outcomes and building productive relationships across government, industry and community.
  • Proven capability in project management, delivering high‑quality policy outputs under pressure, balancing tight timeframes and shifting priorities.
  • Skilled communicator with the ability to present complex technical information in plain English while demonstrating integrity, sound judgement, and effective problem‑solving.

What is an essential requirement:

  • Degree in a relevant discipline, including but not limited to planning, law, environmental sciences, economics, political science.

About us

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) improves the liveability and prosperity of NSW. To achieve this, we: create vibrant, productive spaces and precincts; manage lands, assets and property effectively and deliver affordable and diverse housing. We strive to be a high-performing, world-class public service organisation that celebrates and reflects the full diversity of the community we serve and builds the cultural capability of our department to improve outcomes with and for Aboriginal people, communities and entities.

We are an inclusive and accessible workplace, where your individual contributions are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to feel a sense of connection and belonging. DPHI supports various employee affinity groups, practices flexible working, offers job share and workplace adjustments.

Join us

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 Wednesday 1 April 2026 (11:55PM)

Should you require further information about the role please contact Maria Kwiatkowska, Director Green and Sustainable Cities - Planning on email Maria.Kwiatkowska@planning.nsw.gov.au

To enhance your account security, PageUp is introducing two-factor authentication (2FA). You can follow the step-by-step guide here. If you experience any issues, please reach out on (02) 63637676 - HR Support, option 2, DPHI People Advisory, option 1.

A talent 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.

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.

We encourage and support applications from people with disability. Please reach out to us to discuss any accommodations or adjustments that may be needed during the recruitment process, ensuring that you have every opportunity to showcase your talent, skills, and potential. Contact the Talent Team via talent.acquisition@dpie.nsw.gov.au or (02) 63637676​ - HR Support, option 2, DPHI People Advisory, option 1 and reference 'Request an Adjustment - Job Title and Reference Number'.

Check out our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for the role or contact our Aboriginal Career pathways team for a yarn.