Senior Policy Officer

Planning; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 143,000 - 153,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Parramatta office

Job summary

Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure in Sydney seeks a Senior Policy Officer to lead development, implementation, and evaluation of complex environmental policy initiatives. You will provide evidence-based advice and collaborate with internal units, regional stakeholders and government agencies.

The role is based in Parramatta with flexible working arrangements and a focus on delivering policy outcomes that improve NSW liveability and resilience.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical and strategic thinking.
• Ability to collaborate with internal teams and stakeholders.
• Experience in policy development or evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation, review and evaluation of environmental policy initiatives.
• Provide evidenced-based advice contributing to government priorities.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams, legal and assessment units, regional stakeholders and agencies to build consensus.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Project management

Education

Degree in public policy, planning, law, ecology, or environmental science

Job description

Shape your world through impact, growth and opportunity

• Work on what matters to communitiesas a Senior Policy Officer with DPHI
• Temporary full time until 30 June 2029 + creation of Talent Pool
• Parramatta office location with flexible working supported
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $142,695 to $152,731 + super

Join the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure and play a key role in shaping planning policy that supports environmental outcomes, sustainable development and resilience across New South Wales. As a Senior Policy Officer, you will lead the development, implementation, review, and evaluation of complex environmental policy initiatives, providing evidence-based advice that contributes to government priorities.

Our team works best when collaborating, so we are seeking a strategic thinker with strong analytical, communication, and project management skills to work closely with internal business units, legal and assessment teams, regional stakeholders, and government agencies to build consensus, provide expert policy advice, and support informed policy development. Your tenure will spread across two interconnected business streams within the one division where your expertise will be valued.

A degree in public policy, planning, law, ecology, environmental science, or a related discipline is essential. If you are passionate about influencing public policy and delivering outcomes that improve the liveability and prosperity of NSW, we encourage you to apply.

Read the full role description here: Senior Policy Officer

Want to know more? Shape your world – Flexibility: A workplace that works with you

Join us in shaping thriving communities across NSW!

What’s in it for me?

Join our team for a fantastic culture with dynamic collaboration and genuine long-term career support. We offer flexibility in work arrangements, diverse and fulfilling assignments, and prioritise work/life balance and wellbeing with initiatives like flex leave and access to support programs. Additionally, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome, respected, and empowered to succeed.

Applications close Tuesday 22 September 2026 at 11:55PM.

A talent 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.

Check out ourAboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for the role or contact ourAboriginal Career Pathways team for a yarn.

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, 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'.

Please note to be eligible to apply for this position you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident or hold 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.