Team Leader Climate Projects - 554086

Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water; Parramatta; Hybrid; AUD 148,000 - 163,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water in NSW seeks a Team Leader - Climate Projects to drive high-profile climate programs. You will lead a multidisciplinary team, translate complex science for decision-makers and collaborate with government, industry, and communities to strengthen resilience.

The role emphasizes mentoring, stakeholder engagement, and delivering evidence-based recommendations that inform adaptation strategies and policy across NSW.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering complex climate, environmental or scientific projects in government, research, consulting or related technical environment.
• Ability to translate complex scientific information into practical advice and outcomes.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and engaging with diverse stakeholders to drive policy and resilience.

Responsibilities

• Lead climate projects that shape NSW's resilience and future.
• Oversee design, delivery and evaluation of climate-focused programs.
• Mentor and develop technical capability within the team and build strategic relationships across government and industry.

Skills

Leadership

Project-management skills

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Education

Tertiary qualifications in science, planning, or related fields

Job description

Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW? Working to protect the state's environment and heritage.

• Lead climate projects that shape NSW's resilience and future
• Temporary full-time (35hours per week) opportunity up to 30 November 2028
• Parramatta office location upon negotiation across NSW, hybrid working supported
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $148,339 to $163,480 pa + super

This Climate and Atmosphere Science team is currently seeking to appoint a Team Leader - Climate Projects. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced scientific leader to play a key role in shaping how climate science informs decision-making across NSW. Leading a team of specialists, you will drive the delivery of high-profile climate projects and programs that provide critical data, insights and scientific advice on climate extremes, climate risks, impacts and adaptation strategies. You will work at the intersection of science, policy and stakeholder engagement, helping government, industry and communities respond to the challenges and opportunities presented by a changing climate. As Team Leader - Climate Projects, you will lead the design, delivery and evaluation of complex climate-focused programs while building strong relationships across government, industry, local councils and community stakeholders. Working within a collaborative and multidisciplinary team, you will oversee project planning, manage sensitive and high-profile issues, develop evidence-based recommendations and contribute to NSW's climate adaptation and resilience objectives. This role offers the opportunity to mentor and develop technical capability within the team, influence strategic decision-making and represent the department in forums where climate science plays a critical role in shaping future outcomes for communities across the state.

About you

You are a collaborative and influential leader with strong experience delivering complex climate, environmental or scientific projects in a government, research, consulting or related technical environment. You can translate complex scientific information into practical advice and outcomes, balancing strategic thinking with a strong focus on delivery. Your experience leading multidisciplinary teams, managing competing priorities and engaging with diverse stakeholders allows you to drive projects that inform policy, strengthen resilience and support evidence-based decision-making. Just as importantly, you are an outstanding communicator and relationship builder who thrives in a collaborative environment. You bring excellent project-management skills, sound judgement and a proactive approach to problem-solving, with the ability to navigate complex issues and deliver results in a dynamic operating environment. Passionate about climate science and its application, you enjoy developing and mentoring others while fostering a positive, high-performing team culture that delivers meaningful outcomes for the people and environment of NSW.

Essential Requirements

• Tertiary qualifications in science, planning, or related fields. For more information read the full Role Description: Team Leader Climate Projects.

About the Team – Science & Insights

Science & Insights sits within the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), which works to protect the state’s environment and heritage while driving a sustainable future for NSW. Working at the intersection of science, policy and delivery, Science & Insights collaborates across government, academia, industry and communities to identify priority issues and deliver practical, high-impact solutions. The division brings together six specialist branches spanning conservation and restoration, climate and atmospheric science, environmental protection, remote sensing and landscape science, science impact and assessment, and water, wetlands and coastal science. Together, these teams provide the evidence, expertise and insights needed to understand NSW’s environment, manage risks and drive sustainable outcomes. The division’s work is focused on building a strong evidence base, advancing innovation in how data is gathered and used, and translating complex scientific information into clear, actionable insights and advice. Through scientific rigour, partnerships and knowledge sharing, Science & Insights plays a critical role in protecting, restoring and strengthening the resilience of NSW’s environment for future generations.

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.

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.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Jocelyn Dela Cruz, Senior Team Leader - Adaptation Impact & Risk Science via [e-mail]

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.

Applications close 11 November 2026 at 11:55PM.