Principal Project Officer

Job Details; Newcastle; Hybrid; ZAR 1 613 000 - 1 779 000; Full time

Job summary

A government department is seeking a Principal Project Officer to lead strategic business planning and oversee significant environmental projects. The role, based in Newcastle or Gosford, involves managing budgets and stakeholder engagement while ensuring alignment with government priorities. Applicants should possess relevant tertiary qualifications and extensive experience in project management for infrastructure projects. This full-time, four-year position offers a competitive salary based on experience.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in project management for major infrastructure projects.
• Experience in all stages of complex infrastructure project life-cycle.
• Demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement on complex issues.

Responsibilities

• Drive day-to-day project management and coordinate resources.
• Manage budgets to ensure deliverables are achieved within timeframes.
• Align project outcomes with Government priorities.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Policy advice

Infrastructure projects

Education

Relevant tertiary qualifications

Job description

Overview

Principal Project Officer (Environment Officer Class 11) – Temporary four years full-time (35 hours per week), commencing February 2026. Office location: Newcastle or Gosford with hybrid working supported. Salary relative to experience: from $144,018 to $158,718 super.

Role is based in the Marine Coast Estuary & Flood Branch and involves leading strategic business planning and overseeing the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of projects that deliver on the NSW Government’s commitment to repair Stockton Beach.

Responsibilities

• Drive day-to-day project management, coordinate resources and contracted services.
• Manage budgets and ensure all deliverables and milestones are achieved within required timeframes.
• Align outcomes with Government priorities while meeting customer and community expectations.

About you / Key knowledge and experience

• Significant experience in project management for major infrastructure projects and/or capital works programs.
• Experience in all stages of a complex infrastructure project life-cycle, particularly project development, business case development, environmental approvals, procurement, delivery and completion processes.
• Demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement on complex and high-profile issues.
• Demonstrated experience in providing policy, strategic and operational advice and recommendations at a senior level.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or extensive experience in similar roles delivering complex projects.

Essential requirements

• Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or extensive experience in similar roles successfully delivering complex projects.

To Apply

Applications close: Wednesday 17 December 2025 at 11:55 PM. The Department will be closed from Wednesday 24 December 2025 to Sunday 11 January 2026. Interviews will be scheduled in the week beginning 19 January 2026.

To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest and suitability for the role. For ongoing NSW Public Sector roles you must be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident. For temporary and casual roles you need a valid visa giving you permission to work in Australia as required by the role.

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 climate change action and the sustainable transition to a net zero economy powered by affordable, reliable, and clean energy. DCCEEW conserves and protects the state’s natural environment, manages the NSW national park estate and Aboriginal cultural heritage for future generations, and ensures sustainable management of water resources across the state.

We acknowledge the ongoing custodial responsibilities of the Aboriginal peoples of NSW to care for Country and water and are committed to meaningful partnerships with Aboriginal peoples in environmental management.

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 during recruitment and in the workplace.

If you require an adjustment for your application process please contact our Talent Acquisition Team or Vithiya Yogarajah (reference number 546412).

If you are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, use our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying or contact our Aboriginal Career pathways team for a yarn.

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These details are provided for candidate information and reflect the role context contained in the description.

Expiry notice: This role description references application dates in 2025. Please verify current status with the department.