Principal Policy Officer

NSW Environment Protection Authority; Parramatta; On-site; AUD 134,000 - 163,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working options

Employee benefits

Parramatta-based roles

Job summary

NSW Environment Protection Authority is seeking Principal Policy Officers to develop and implement regulatory frameworks and policy guidance across climate and environmental protection. Roles involve strategic policy analysis, strong communication, and coordinating multi‑stakeholder inputs to achieve timely outcomes.

Two opportunities exist: full-time, temporary until 30 June 2028, and ongoing, full-time. Roles are based in Parramatta, NSW.

Qualifications

• Experience in developing and reviewing public policy and regulatory frameworks.
• Ability to translate complex policy issues into clear guidance.
• Experience with Cabinet and legislative processes is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement regulatory frameworks, policies, projects and guidance to strengthen regulatory approaches.
• Coordinate multi‑stakeholder inputs and deliver outcomes on time.
• Prepare high‑quality briefs, reports, and ministerial/advice documents within tight timeframes.

Skills

Policy analysis

Critical thinking

Communication skills

Strategic policy

Education

Policy degree

Job description

Do you want to protect future generations?
Protect tomorrow together at the NSW EPA

• Join a purpose-led organisation and make a difference to the environment and our community
• Environment Officer Class 11
• Remuneration starting from $148,339 plus superannuation
• Enjoy employee benefits and flexible working options
• Two roles available:
• Full-time, temporary opportunity until 30 June 2028
• Ongoing, full-time opportunity
• Roles based in Parramatta

The opportunity

We have exciting two opportunities for Principal Policy Officers to develop and implement regulatory frameworks, policies, projects and guidance that strengthen the EPA’s regulatory approach and support climate and environmental protection outcomes across NSW.

About you

You are a motivated and highly capable policy professional who thrives in complex, fast-paced environments and is passionate about delivering meaningful environmental outcomes for NSW.

You bring outstanding critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, strong communication skills, and experience in strategic policy analysis.

You have strong analytical skills, sound judgement, and the ability to translate complex issues into clear, practical and high‑quality policy advice.

Climate change, environmental and planning experience would be highly regarded.

You will also bring:

• Knowledge of Cabinet and legislative processes and the ability to understand and interpret a wide variety of legislation and expertise in policy development, implementation and review.
• Experience developing, implementing and reviewing public policy, regulatory frameworks or reform initiatives in complex government environments
• Ability to analyse complex technical, environmental, economic and strategic issues and translate them into clear, practical and evidence‑based policy advice
• Experience preparing high‑quality briefs, reports, correspondence and executive or Ministerial advice within tight timeframes
• Proven experience managing or contributing to policy projects, including coordinating multi‑stakeholder inputs and delivering outcomes on time.

About the team

The Climate and Environment Protection Policy Branch provides strategic policy and regulatory advice to the EPA, Ministers and Government, supporting the EPA Strategic Plan priorities of ‘driving climate action’ and ‘Caring for Country’.

This Branch develops and delivers policy solutions that support decarbonisation, resource efficiency, and environmental protection outcomes across NSW. We work closely with government, industry, regional communities and other stakeholders to develop practical, evidence‑based solutions that deliver environmental, economic and community benefits for NSW.

About us

As the environmental steward and regulator of our State we are committed to a sustainable future.

Our people are proud to play a role in protecting the environment of NSW. We partner with Aboriginal people, industry and the wider community to protect, restore and enhance our diverse ecosystems.

We bring scientific expertise, experience and actions to inspire innovative solutions as we transition our state to a circular economy.

As we respond to urgent current issues, including climate change, we educate and support our stakeholders to create an environmentally healthy future.

Join us on our mission to protect tomorrow together.

Applications close: 11:55 PM, Wednesday 25 November 2026.

Should you require further information about the role, please contact the hiring manager, Lauren Shone, via ************@epa.nsw.gov.au

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion

If you require a reasonable adjustment for your application process, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at ***************@epa.nsw.gov.au and please mention reference REQ# 553754.

If you are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, please use our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles, or contact our Aboriginal Employment Pathways team for a yarn.