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

Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.

Shape resilient coastlines, influence state-wide outcomes, and help safeguard NSW's coastal future

Ongoing full-time opportunity

Office location upon negotiation across NSW, hybrid working supported

Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $

138,454 to $152,686 + super

As a

Senior Project Officer, Coastal Engineer , you will play a key role in shaping the strategic direction of coastal management in NSW by providing specialist advice that informs the development and implementation of coastal management policy, legislation, programs and risk management approaches.

Working within a collaborative, multidisciplinary government team, you will apply your expertise in coastal engineering, coastal processes and hazard assessments to provide specialist technical advice and solutions that support the assessment and management of coastal infrastructure, hazards and risks across NSW.

You will deliver evidence-based advice to inform policy development, legislative reform and strategic decision-making, translating complex technical information into policy and regulatory approaches that strengthen coastal resilience and deliver sustainable environmental, social and economic outcomes.

A key focus of the role is contributing specialist technical expertise to the development, review and implementation of coastal management legislation, policies, guidance and programs. You will work collaboratively with government agencies, local councils, industry and technical specialists to address complex coastal management issues, reconcile competing interests and deliver creative evidence-based solutions aligned with government priorities.





This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced coastal engineering professional to influence coastal management at a state-wide scale, working at the intersection of technical expertise, public policy and government decision making. Through your work, you will help shape the frameworks and approaches that guide coastal management across NSW and build resilience across NSW’s communities and environment.

Ideal candidates will bring:

Knowledge of coastal processes, engineering and hazard management.

Experience contributing to policy, legislation, strategies, guidelines or programs.

Strong analytical skills and the ability to translate technical evidence into practical recommendations.

Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Relevant engineering qualifications and a commitment to professional development.

About You

You are an experienced coastal engineering professional who understands how technical evidence, legislation, policy and government decision-making come together to deliver effective coastal management outcomes. You bring sound technical judgement and the ability to apply your expertise to complex policy and regulatory challenges, balancing coastal processes, hazard risks, environmental considerations and community needs.

You have experience contributing to the development,



implementation or evaluation of policies, strategies, programs or guidance, and can translate complex technical information into clear, practical and defensible recommendations. You understand the importance of ensuring that legislation, policy and guidance are informed by robust evidence, are technically sound and can be effectively implemented in practice.

You are a strong communicator who can confidently prepare high-quality policy advice, technical reports, submissions and briefings for a range of audiences, including senior decision makers. You build effective relationships across government and with councils, industry and technical specialists, and can navigate competing priorities to deliver coordinated and integrated coastal management outcomes.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

Tertiary qualifications in Coastal, Civil, Environmental or a related Engineering discipline.

Demonstrated knowledge of coastal processes, coastal hazards, risk management and coastal infrastructure.

Experience delivering complex projects, program or policy initiatives and providing specialist technical advice.

Strong analytical, problem-solving and report-writing skills, including preparing clear and defensible advice on complex issues.

Demonstrated ability to develop policy advice, reports, submissions and briefings to support government decision-making.

The ability to build effective relationships, influence stakeholders and negotiate solutions across multidisciplinary teams.

The ability to manage competing priorities, exercise sound judgement and deliver high-quality outcomes in a dynamic environment.

Eligibility fo

📌 Senior Project Officer Coastal (Sydney)
🏢 NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
📍 Sydney