Senior Team Leader Wildlife Licensing and Programs

NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 154,000 - 178,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Talent pool opportunities

Job summary

NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water invites applications for a Senior Team Leader, Wildlife Licensing and Programs. You will lead a high‑performing team delivering wildlife licensing services, conservation programs and strategic initiatives across New South Wales.

You will provide strategic leadership, oversee governance and program performance, and foster partnerships with government, industry, community organisations and wildlife groups to balance biodiversity

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading and developing high-performing teams in complex regulatory environments.
• Strong knowledge of wildlife management, biodiversity conservation and environmental regulation.
• Experience managing complex projects, programs or service delivery functions.

Responsibilities

• Lead wildlife licensing and programs to balance conservation and welfare.
• Provide strategic leadership to a dispersed team; oversee governance and performance.
• Build partnerships with government, industry, communities and wildlife sector to deliver outcomes.

Skills

Team leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Regulatory knowledge

Project management

Communication

Analytical thinking

Job description

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

Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.

• Inspire people, shape strategy, and lead programs that protect NSW's unique wildlife.
• Talent Pool to be created for future ongoing and temporary positions
• Office location upon negotiation across NSW, hybrid working supported
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $154,231 to $178,369 + super
  

The Biodiversity and Heritage Regulator (BHR) was established to deliver fair and consistent regulation by combining modern regulatory capabilities with a contemporary, risk-based approach to support positive outcomes for biodiversity and heritage. We are looking for a Senior Team Leader, Wildlife Licensing and Programs to lead a high-performing team responsible for delivering wildlife licensing services, conservation programs and strategic initiatives that support biodiversity conservation, sustainable wildlife management and positive community outcomes across New South Wales.

This role provides an opportunity to influence state‑wide wildlife policy and program delivery, drive continuous improvement in regulatory and licensing services, and foster strong partnerships with key stakeholders across government, industry, community organisations and the wildlife rehabilitation sector.

You will provide strategic leadership to a geographically dispersed team, ensuring the effective delivery of wildlife licensing and management programs that balance biodiversity conservation, animal welfare, regulatory obligations and stakeholder expectations. You will also oversee governance, resource management and program performance to ensure services remain customer‑focused, compliant and aligned to legislative and departmental priorities.

Working within the Licensing and Approvals branch, you will play a key role in shaping innovative and evidence‑based approaches to wildlife management, supporting the protection and conservation of NSW's unique biodiversity while contributing to the achievement of NSW Government environmental objectives.

A talent pool may be created from this recruitment process and successful candidates may be placed in a talent pool for ongoing and temporary opportunities across the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. Opportunities of the same role or a similar role type that become available over the next 18 months may be filled from this talent pool.

About You

You are an experienced people leader with a strong background in environmental regulation, wildlife management, natural resource management, conservation programs or a related field. You are passionate about delivering positive conservation outcomes and have a proven ability to lead and motivate teams in a complex and evolving regulatory environment.

You bring exceptional leadership and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build strong relationships, influence decision-making and navigate competing priorities across government, industry, community organisations and the wildlife sector. You are a strategic thinker who can translate policy and legislative requirements into practical, efficient and customer‑focused outcomes.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Proven experience leading and developing high‑performing teams, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Strong knowledge of wildlife management, biodiversity conservation, environmental regulation, licensing frameworks or related regulatory programs.
• Experience managing complex projects, programs or service delivery functions, including planning, resource management and performance monitoring.
• Highly developed communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to negotiate, influence and build productive partnerships with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving capabilities, with the ability to assess complex issues, balance competing priorities and make sound, evidence‑based decisions.
• Experience interpreting and applying legislation, policy and regulatory frameworks in a practical operational setting.
• A commitment to delivering customer‑focused services, driving innovation and achieving high‑quality outcomes that support conservation and environmental objectives.
• The ability to lead through change, identify opportunities for improvement and contribute strategically to organisational priorities.
  

You will be motivated by the opportunity to lead impactful programs that contribute to the protection and sustainable management of NSW's unique wildlife and biodiversity, while supporting a collaborative and values‑driven team environment.

• Extensive experience in developing and managing innovative, best practice conservation programs in a protected area or similar context.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the legislative and policy frameworks for conservation of biodiversity and regulation of wildlife.
  

For more information read the full Role Description: Senior Team Leader Wildlife Licensing and Programs

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.

Participation in the NSW Biodiversity Offsets Scheme (BOS)

Please read the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme Protocol to understand if it applies to your circumstances. All applicants for this role and new employees with an existing defined interest in the BOS will be required to disclose their personal (or a close family member’s) participation to ensure potential conflict of interests are declared and managed appropriately.

Applications close

Thursday 29th October 2026 at 11:55PM.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Nicola Taylor via [e-mail]

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 [e-mail] or contacting Lila Snow on 02 9995 5095 (please mention reference number 553471).

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 [e-mail] for a yarn.

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