Manager Water Planning, Coastal & Groundwater

Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW
Working to protect and manage the states water resources.

• Contribute to meaningful water management planning statutory requirements and initiatives that support communities industry and the environment across NSW
• Two ongoing (permanent) full-time (35 hours per week) opportunities
• Office location negotiable across NSW (regional location encouraged) and hybrid working supported
• Salary relative to experience and ranges from $154231 to $178369 super
• Flexible working conditions

Are you an experienced water resource management professional ready to manage and lead a small team to development of Statutory water plans that promote sustainable water management for the environment communities and industry across New South Wales

The NSW Department of Climate Change Energy the Environment and Water Water Group is seeking two highly capable Managers Water Planning professionals to join our Coastal and Groundwater Planning Team within the Water Knowledge and Planning Branch. These roles will lead the development and implementation of complex statutory water planning initiatives across surface water and groundwater systems.

About the role

As Manager Water Planning you will manage and lead a small team of water planning specialists to develop and deliver water management plans and water resource planning initiatives that meet State and Commonwealth legislative requirements.

You will:

• Lead complex water planning projects from development through to implementation.
• Provide expert technical and strategic advice on water planning and management.
• Guide sustainability ecological socio-economic and technical assessments.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with government industry community and Aboriginal stakeholders.
• Represent the department on inter-agency and regional committees.
• Develop the capability performance and engagement of a high-performing team.

About you

We are looking for a strategic and collaborative leader with:

• Significant experience in water planning natural resource management environmental science or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated success leading complex water policy planning or management initiatives across multiple stakeholders and jurisdictions.
• Strong project leadership skills with the ability to deliver quality outcomes in complex and sensitive environments.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement negotiation and influencing capabilities.
• Experience and success in leading and developing professional teams.

Essential requirements

• Tertiary qualifications in hydrology integrated water management water planning natural resource management environmental science or equivalent experience.
• Current NSW Driver Licence.
• Ability to undertake overnight travel as required.

For more information read the full Role Description: Manager Water Planning

Who We Are

The Department of Climate Change Energy the Environment and Water(DCCEEW) works to protect the states 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 states 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.

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.

Applications close Friday 31 July 2026 at 11:55PM.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Anna Bailey via

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.

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 for the recruitment process and the workplace.

If you require an adjustment for your application process please contact our Talent Acquisition Team by emailing or contacting Amanda Tantzaris on(please mention reference number 550880).

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

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