Director Conservation Planning and Assessment
Join to apply for the Director Conservation Planning and Assessment role at NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. 1 week ago – be among the first 25 applicants.
About the role
Our Conservation Programs, Heritage and Regulation team is currently seeking to appoint a Director, Conservation Planning and Assessment to lead a critical team to implement the Government’s commitments under the NSW Plan for Nature and the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016. You will established and refine programs that support NSW’s conservation planning and assessment, driving enhanced support for biodiversity certification, front‑load consideration of biodiversity and improving outcomes through conservation planning and assessment.
Working closely with partners, stakeholders and experts, you’ll champion improvements in conservation planning and assessment and establish a cooperative, innovative, outcomes‑focused team culture aligned with the NSW Plan for Nature.
Key responsibilities
• Lead a multidisciplinary team in delivering complex conservation planning and assessment programs.
• Develop and implement strategies that support biodiversity certification and assessment under the NSW Plan for Nature.
• Collaborate with government agencies, industry, technical experts and partners to drive delivery and improve outcomes.
• Lead change management initiatives, guiding staff and stakeholders through reforms and complex work programmes.
• Communicate progress, challenges and results to senior stakeholders, the public and partners.
About you
You have extensive experience in biodiversity, conservation, natural resource management or environmental planning and an expert understanding of how legislation such as the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 applies in practice. You’re comfortable leading large teams, managing complex work programs and delivering reforms. You have a proven ability to navigate competing priorities while keeping conservation outcomes front and centre, bringing people together to achieve results.
You lead with clarity and purpose, support your team, value input, and help them grow. You communicate well—whether writing advice, presenting to senior stakeholders or working through a tricky issue with a partner agency. You are organized, thoughtful and willing to challenge the status quo if it means improving how things are done. Most of all, you care about making a real impact for nature and communities across NSW.
Qualifications
- Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or extensive equivalent professional experience.
- Extensive experience in the delivery of complex government programs and reform initiatives, including change management.
- Expertise in conservation planning, biodiversity certification and biodiversity assessment in NSW or other jurisdictions.
Benefits and compensation
- Ongoing full‑time opportunity.
- Parramatta office location – location negotiable across NSW, hybrid working supported.
- Senior Executive Band 1 – salary relative to experience, ranging from $239,251 to $264,197 TRP.
How to apply
Include a copy of your resume and a cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role. Applications close Sunday, 23 November 2025 at 11:55 PM.
For more information, read the full Role Description: Director Conservation Planning and Assessment. Should you require further information about the role, please contact Louisa Mamouney via
Commitment to diversity and inclusion
- We are committed to building a workforce that reflects and serves the diverse communities of NSW.
- This means we welcome people of all ages, genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, the LGBTQI+ community, and people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
- We encourage and support people with disability and provide 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 or contacting Stacey Cooper on (please mention reference number ).
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 for a yarn.
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