Principal Status Officer

Current Jobs; Dubbo; On-site; AUD 117,000 - 129,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) NSW is seeking a Principal Status Officer to lead and coordinate detailed land status investigations and provide reliable, defensible advice on Crown land matters.

You will analyse historical and contemporary data, mentor junior staff, and collaborate with government agencies and councils to support strategic objectives and legislative requirements.

Qualifications

• Thinks for themselves and takes ownership of their work.
• Motivated, proactive and reliable.
• Balances competing priorities and meets critical deadlines.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret complex information.
• Excellent communication with a range of stakeholders.
• Ability to lead others while maintaining quality and accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Analyse and assess complex land information from records.
• Determine data validity for land status outcomes.
• Provide expert advice to internal/external customers on land matters.
• Assess scope and methodology for investigations.
• Prepare high-quality reports and documentation supporting outcomes.
• Manage projects and contribute to improved investigation practices.
• Provide technical guidance and review investigations by Senior Status Officers.
• Collaborate with stakeholders while focusing on strategic objectives and legislative requirements.

Skills

Analytical skills

Independent work

Problem solving

Communication

Leadership

Prioritisation

Ownership

Job description

Shape your world, in the team that shapes NSW communities, spaces and economies

• Principal Status Officer
• Temporary Full Time Opportunity up to 30 June 2027
• Office location – Newcastle preferred, other locations (Parramatta/Dubbo/Orange) considered.
• Salary ranges from $116,981 - $129,492 plus super

We're looking for a Principal Status Officer who thrives on solving complex problems, digging into the details, and finding answers where others see roadblocks.

We're seeking a self-starter who can think critically, work independently, and confidently navigate complex land status investigations. If you're naturally curious, motivated, and enjoy piecing together historical records, legislation, data, and evidence to solve challenging problems, we'd love to hear from you.

The Role

As a Principal Status Officer, you'll play a critical role in supporting the State's position on Crown land matters by leading and coordinating detailed land status investigations and providing reliable, defensible advice and information.

What You'll Be Doing

You will:

• Analyse and assess complex historical and contemporary land information from both manual and computerised records.
• Determine the validity and reliability of data used to establish land status outcomes.
• Provide expert advice and support to internal and external customers, including government agencies and local councils, on land status matters.
• Assess the scope and methodology required for investigations, ensuring research is thorough, accurate and fit for purpose.
• Prepare high-quality reports, correspondence and documentation supporting investigation outcomes.
• Manage projects and contribute to the development of systems and processes that improve investigation practices.
• Provide technical guidance, mentoring, quality assurance and review of investigations undertaken by Senior Status Officers.
• Work collaboratively with stakeholders while maintaining focus on strategic objectives and legislative requirements.

For more information, please visit the Role Description: Principal Status Officer

About You

We're looking for someone who:

• Thinks for themselves and takes ownership of their work.
• Doesn't just identify problems but actively works towards solutions.
• Is motivated, proactive and reliable.
• Can balance competing priorities and meet critical deadlines.
• Has strong analytical skills and can make sense of complex or incomplete information.
• Enjoys investigating, researching and uncovering facts.
• Communicates clearly and confidently with a range of stakeholders.
• Exercises sound judgement when dealing with complex or sensitive matters.
• Can lead others while maintaining a strong focus on quality and accuracy.

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

Applications close 11:55pm, Sunday 16th August 2026.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Catherine Stokes, Manager Status via [e-mail]

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 (including an alternate format of the application form), ensuring that you have every opportunity to showcase your talent, skills, and potential. Contact the Talent Team via [e-mail] or [phone] - 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 CareerPathways team for a yarn.

Please note to be eligible to apply for this position you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanentresident orhold a valid Australian working Visa for the duration of the appointment. This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including a criminal record check.

Role Description

Advertised: 31 Jul 2026 AUS Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: 16 Aug 2026 AUS Eastern Standard Time

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