Principal Policy Officer Do you want to protect future generations?

Protect tomorrow together at the NSW EPA

- Join a purpose-led organisation and make a difference to the setting and our community
- Setting Officer Class 11
- Remuneration starting from $148,339 plus superannuation
- Enjoy employee benefits and flexible working options
- One temporary role available until 30 June 2027
- Role based in Parramatta

The opportunity

We have an exciting temporary opportunity available for a Principal Policy Officer to join the NSW EPA. In this role you will develop and implement regulatory frameworks, policies and projects, guidance and strategic and innovative solutions to improve the EPA’s ability to regulate environmental matters and achieve environment protection more generally across NSW.

About you

The ideal candidate will possess the following:

- Demonstrated experience developing, implementing and reviewing regulatory frameworks, policies and projects that support effective environmental regulation.

- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate complex technical, economic and environmental issues into practical, evidence-based policy advice and innovative solutions.
- Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to prepare high-quality briefings, reports, correspondence and guidance on complex matters within agreed timeframes.
- Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build productive relationships, provide expert advice and represent the EPA in internal and external forums.

- Experience leading or contributing to multidisciplinary projects,



balancing competing priorities and connecting policy objectives with operational requirements to deliver effective environmental outcomes.

About the team

This role sits within the EPA’s Circular Economy Policy branch, which leads transformational and strategic projects to support NSW’s transition to a circular economy. A circular economy is where we minimise what we throw away, we use and reuse our resources as efficiently as possible, and we ensure our waste is managed safely to prevent it becoming a problem for future generations. Key priorities for the branch include delivering innovative policy and legislative development such as the product stewardship legislation for problematic products such as batteries and solar panels, the Remake of the Waste Regulation, planning the phase-out of single-use and unnecessary plastics, and developing new policy proposals to drive more reuse and repair.

The Circular Economy Branch sit within the Policy, Programs and Finance Division, which leads the EPA’s strategic and regulatory policy functions for all issues that fall within the EPA’s remit.

For more information about the role, please read the Role Description – Principal Policy Officer - EO11 - Role Description - Generic - March 2026.docx

About us





As the environmental steward and regulator of our State we are committed to a sustainable future. Our people are proud to play a role in protecting the environment of NSW. We partner with Aboriginal people, industry and the wider community to protect, restore and enhance our diverse ecosystems.

We bring scientific expertise, experience and actions to inspire innovative solutions as we transition our state to a circular economy.

As we respond to urgent current issues, including climate change, we educate and support our stakeholders to create an environmentally healthy future.

Join us on our mission to protect tomorrow together.

To apply

If excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application, including a copy of your resume and cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role. For more information about working at the EPA and what to expect in our recruitment processes, please read our Candidate Information Pack - Candidate Information Pack.pdf

Applications close: 11:55pm 22 November 2026

Should you require further information about the role, please contact Zac Auton at [email protected]

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion

If you require a reasonable adjustment for your application process, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at [email protected] and please mention reference REQ # 554492. If you are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, please use our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles, or contact our Aboriginal Employment Pathways team for a yarn.

For more information on reasonable adjustments to recruitment processes, please click here.

📌 Principal Policy Officer (New South Wales)
🏢 DCCEEW NSW
📍 New South Wales