Principal Project Officer

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

Working to protect the state's environment and heritage.

• Principal Project Officer (Environment Officer Class 11)
• Temporary four years full-time (35 hours per week) opportunity – role to commence in February 2026
• Office location is Newcastle or Gosford - hybrid working supported
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $144,018 to $158,718 + super

Our Marine, Coast, Estuary & Flood Branch is seeking a Principal Project Officer to lead strategic business planning and oversee the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of projects that deliver on the NSW Government's commitment to repair Stockton Beach.

In this role, you will drive day-to-day project management, coordinate resources and contracted services, manage budgets, and ensure all deliverables and milestones are achieved within required timeframes. You'll play a key role in aligning outcomes with Government priorities while meeting customer and community expectations.

About You

The role is expected to operate with some level of autonomy, making day to day decisions relating to work priorities and workload management, for themselves and any staff supervised. The position is accountable for the quality, integrity and accuracy of content of advice provided.

Key knowledge and experience

• Significant experience in project management for major infrastructure projects and/or capital works programs.
• Experience in all stages of a complex infrastructure project life-cycle particularly project development, business case development, environmental approvals, procurement, delivery and completion processes
• Demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement on complex and high-profile issues
• Demonstrated experience in providing policy, strategic and operational advice and recommendations at a senior level

Essential requirements

• Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or extensive experience in similar roles successfully delivering complex projects.

 For more information read the full Role Description: Principal Project Officer Stockton Beach Repair CPHR EO11 RD

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.

Please also note, to be eligible for an ongoing role in the NSW Public Sector you need to be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident. For temporary and casual roles, you need to hold a valid visa giving you permission to work in Australia as required by the role.

Applications close: Wednesday, 17 December 2025 at 11:55PM.

 Please note that the Department will be closed from Wednesday, 24 December 2025 to Sunday, 11 January 2026. The interviews will be scheduled in the week beginning 19 January 2026.

Should you require further information about the role please contact, Joe Thompson, Director, Hunter Central Coast Branch via   or on

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 or contacting Vithiya Yogarajah 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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