Department for Setting and Water
Job reference: ******
Location: **** - ADELAIDE
Job status: Long Term Contract
Eligibility: Open to EveryoneShape the future of animal welfare in South Australia
Join the Department for Setting and Water and play a pivotal
role in delivering one of South Australia's most significant
legislative reforms - the implementation of the Animal Welfare Act
****.
This is a rare opportunity to lead meaningful regulatory change
that will have lasting impacts on animal welfare, government
policy, and community outcomes across the state.
About the Role:
As the Principal Policy Officer, you will lead high-profile
reform initiatives within a dynamic legislative environment.
You
will work across government, industry and community sectors to
support the implementation of the Animal Welfare Act ****,
providing strategic advice and driving effective regulatory
implementation.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead and deliver complex legislative and regulatory reform
projects
Provide high-level advice on policy, legislation, and
implementation approaches
Develop and embed processes to support effective regulation
and enforcement
Interpret and apply policy and legislation in regulatory
contexts
Build and maintain strong relationships with diverse
stakeholders
Develop and maintain policies aligned with statutory
requirements
To be successful, you will bring:
Experience leading stakeholder engagement on complex
issues
Ability to interpret and apply legislation and policy
frameworks
Ability to deliver well-planned and practical
solutions
Strong written communication skills (briefings, reports,
correspondence)
Ability to provide sound governance and decision-making
advice
Analytical thinking and clear communication




You'll thrive in this role if you are a strategic and
confident professional who is comfortable working in complex
and evolving environments, exercising sound judgement,
influencing outcomes, and building effective stakeholder
relationships to deliver practical and lasting outcomes.
What can we offer you!
Working in an organisation that is contributing to
significant environmental outcomes in the great state of South
Australia!
Be part of a fun, collaborative and supportive team.
Hybrid working model with flexible working options
including work from home available to promote work life
balance.
Free entry into DEW managed Parks in South Australia.
Salary Sacrifice Benefits.
Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Access to our Fitness Passport Program.
Meaningful and rewarding career.
Contract: Term Contract up to 30 June ****
Desirable Qualifications: A degree or post
graduate qualification in animal welfare, public policy,
agriculture or animal science is considered highly desirable.
Special Conditions:
May be required to participate in responses to state
emergencies or associated duties.
You must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or
provide evidence that you hold a valid working visa that allows
you to work in Australia without restrictions.
Prior to being employed, the successful candidate will be
required to provide a valid Nationally Coordinated Criminal
History Check (NCCHC),



which is required to be renewed every
three years.
DEW will cover the cost of renewal.
May be required to undertake intra or interstate travel,
occasional overnight absences, and work outside of the normal
hours of work.
A successful applicant who is not currently employed by the
Department for Environment and Water will be required to have an
original photo identification document sighted and provide a valid
Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) issued within
the last 12 months.
This information must be supplied by all
applicants who are shortlisted for interview.
Remuneration: ASO7($116,089 min - $125,490 max)
p.a.
Enquiries to:
Toni Dalziel, Manager, Animal Welfare & Wildlife
******
******** ***
Application Instructions:
Applications are to be submitted online through I WORK FOR SA.
Applicants are to submit a pre-employment declaration, current CV
with 2 referee details and letter of application (max. 3 pages)
addressing the Essential and Desirable Criteria (including
qualifications) as outlined in the Role Description.
The Department for Environment and Water is committed to
building a diverse and inclusive workplace.
We encourage
applications from people with diverse backgrounds including all
ages and gender identities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander,
people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse and
LGBTIQA+.
Applications close: 04/09/2026 11:00 PM
Attachments:- ASO7 Principal Policy Officer- RD.pdf
- Pre-Employment-Declaration_******.pdf
Flexibility Statement
The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time.
Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.

📌 Principal Policy Officer (Adelaide)
🏢 Department for Environment and Water
📍 Adelaide