Plantations Assessment Officer

NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development; Queanbeyan-Palerang; On-site; AUD 117,000 - 129,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Field-based work across NSW

Sustainable plantation management

Stakeholder engagement

Regulatory improvement

Job summary

NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development in Southern NSW is seeking a Plantations Assessment Officer (Clerk Grade 7/8) for a 12-month temporary full-time role. You will conduct on-site assessments and audits of forestry plantations under the Plantations and Reafforestation Act 1999, preparing reports and advising on regulatory processes.

The role involves travel across NSW, collaboration with industry and government partners, and contributing to continuous improvement in

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification as listed in Essential requirements.
• Knowledge of the Plantations and Reafforestation Act 1999 and associated Code.

Responsibilities

• Undertake on-site assessments, audits and investigations of forestry plantations under the Act.
• Assess plantation proposals, prepare reports and recommendations.
• Provide regulatory and compliance advice and support consistent plantation approval processes across NSW.

Skills

GIS (Esri ArcMap)

Analytical reporting

Stakeholder engagement

Independent travel across NSW

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Tertiary qualification in Forestry, Forest Science, Natural Resource Management or equivalent experience

Tools

Esri ArcMap

Job description

Temporary Full Time 12 month opportunity

Location: Southern NSW Queanbeyan, Tumut or Albury preferred.

Clerk Grade 7/8, Salary from $116,981 - $129,492 per annum (FTE) plus super and leave loading

Additional benefits:

• Varied field-based work across NSW
• Opportunity to support sustainable plantation management
• Work with industry, community and government stakeholders
• Contribute to regulatory practice, policy implementation and continuous improvement

About the Role

As the Plantations Assessment Officer, you will undertake on‑site assessments, audits and investigations of forestry plantations under the Plantations and Reafforestation Act 1999 and associated Code. You will assess plantation proposals, prepare reports and recommendations, provide regulatory and compliance advice, and support consistent plantation approval processes across NSW.

Working with plantation owners, industry participants, community stakeholders and government partners, you will provide specialist advice, maintain accurate regulatory documentation and contribute to the improvement of plantation assessment services. The role involves travel and operating safely in remote locations.

About You

The ideal candidate will have/bring:

• Knowledge of the Plantations and Reafforestation Act 1999 and the associated Code, including their application to plantation assessment and audit processes
• Practical experience in one or more of the following areas: forest soil and water, vegetation identification, plantation management, or audit processes and procedures
• Experience or proficiency in Geographic Information Systems, preferably Esri ArcMap
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to prepare clear reports, recommendations and regulatory documentation
• Effective communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to provide clear technical and regulatory advice
• The ability to work independently, travel throughout NSW and operate safely in remote locations

Essential requirements

• Tertiary qualification in Forestry, Forest Science, Natural Resource Management or equivalent experience
• Current and valid NSW Class C Driver Licence and ability to travel throughout NSW

For further information about the role please contact Graeme White [e-mail] You can also view the role description. Role Description - Clerk 7-8 - Plantations Assessment Officer - DPI Forestry (2).DOCX

About Us

Together, we are DPIRD

The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) protects, supports and develops primary industries and regional economies.

Collectively we support strong and sustainable agriculture, forestry, fishing and mining industries, and regional economies. We actively manage our natural assets: our lands and soils, minerals, waterways and oceans, vegetation and forests.

The department brings together:

• Local Land Services
• NSW Resources
• Agriculture and Biosecurity
• Fisheries and Forestry
• Regional Development and Delivery.

With the majority of the DPIRD team living and working in regional NSW, we are embedded in the regions we serve.

Learn more about the benefits of joining our diverse and talented DPIRD team.

Applications close

20th October 2026 at 11:55pm AEST

Additional Information

We are committed to ensuring every stage of the recruitment process is accessible and free from barriers. If you require adjustments or information in an alternative format toparticipate, please contact [e-mail] or the hiring manager listed for a confidential discussion.

Please note to be eligible to apply for this position you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or an Australian permanent resident, or hold a valid Australian working Visa for the duration of the appointment.

Pre-Employment Checks Statement

You may be requiredto undergo reference checks, a national police check, bankruptcy check, healthassessmentand/or other assessments asrequired.

Talent Pool Statement

A talent pool may be created for ongoing and temporary roles of the same type that may arise within the next 18 months.

Disability Confident Recruiter Statement

At DPIRD, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds – including, but not limited to, gender, age, ethnicity, cultural heritage, disability, religion and sexual orientation.

DPIRD is a proud Disability Confident Recruiter, Family Inclusive Employer and Carer Friendly Employer

We also understand that work is just one part of life. Our Family Inclusive Employer and Carers + Employers Accreditations reflect our commitment to supporting employees to balance work and family responsibilities.