Director Environment, Biodiversity and Heritage Advisory

• Seeking expressions of interest. Due to this being an ongoing opportunity only candidates who are at a Public Sector Senior Executive Band 1 or equivalent are eligible to apply.
• Ongoing full-time role available
• Location negotiable with flexible working arrangements supported
• Senior Executive Band 1 role. TRP from $247K to $272K including superannuation

The Department of Planning Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) are seeking to appoint a Director Environment Biodiversity and Heritage Advisory as part of the establishment of the Development Coordination Authority (DCA).

About the Development Coordination Authority

The DCA has been established to strengthen how NSW Government agencies work together within the development assessment system. Acting as a central coordination point for agency advice the Authority will streamline referral processes resolve issues earlier and deliver clearer more consistent input to consent authoritiessupporting faster better-informed planning outcomes across NSW.

Joining the DCA presents a unique opportunity to help shape and embed a new operating model for planning coordination contributing directly to system reform and the delivery of housing infrastructure and sustainable communities across the State.

About the Role

As the Director Environment Biodiversity and Heritage Advisory you will provide strategic and technical leadership for the DCAs advisory function across environmental biodiversity and heritage matters within the Technical Advisory service area. This team is responsible for the provision of expert advice within the DCA on environmental marine waste and pollution management biodiversity and Aboriginal natural and cultural heritage considerations as part of the development assessment process.

As the Director you will lead the provision of authoritative environmental biodiversity and heritage advice across a diverse portfolio of development proposals including complex rezoning initiatives and State significant projects. This includes biodiversity impacts environmental management marine and coastal considerations pollution and waste matters and the protection of Aboriginal natural and cultural heritage. Through this work you will help ensure development outcomes appropriately balance growth with environmental stewardship and cultural heritage protection.

You will also oversee the technical governance and quality assurance frameworks that underpin this advice ensuring consistency rigour and defensibility in environmental and heritage assessments across the system. Working closely with senior stakeholders across government and local councils you will help resolve complex matters early in the assessment process support coordinated planning outcomes and lead a high-performing specialist team delivering trusted technical advice within the planning system.

To be successful in this role you will bring:

• Deep expertise in environmental planning biodiversity heritage or related disciplines within a planning infrastructure or regulatory context.
• Strong understanding of the NSW planning and development assessment system and the integration of environmental biodiversity and heritage considerations within land use planning.
• Demonstrated ability to provide authoritative technical advice on complex development proposals major projects local development applications or policy matters involving environment biodiversity or heritage.
• Proven capability to engage and influence senior stakeholders across government and local councils to achieve coordinated outcomes.
• Experience leading specialist teams and establishing governance and quality frameworks to ensure consistent high-quality technical advice.

For more information read the full Role Description:Director Environment Biodoversity & Heritage Advisory

About Us

The Department of Planning Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) improves the liveability and prosperity of NSW. To achieve this we: create vibrant productive spaces and precincts; manage lands assets and property effectively and deliver affordable and diverse housing. We strive to be a high-performing world-class public service organisation that celebrates and reflects the full diversity of the community we serve and builds the cultural capability of our department to improve outcomes with and for Aboriginal people communities and entities.

We are an inclusive and accessible workplace where your individual contributions are valued and where everyone is encouraged to feel a sense of connection and belonging. DPHI supports various employee affinity groups practices flexible working offers job share and workplace adjustments.

To Apply

If excited by the information above we look forward to receiving your expression of interest including a copy of your resume and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.

Expressions of interest close on Monday 4 May 2026 at 11:55pm

Should you require further information about the role please contact Matthew Dwyer Talent Acquisition Partner on email

Looking for more information or assistance in applying
We encourage and support applications from people with disability. Please reach out to us to discuss any accommodations or adjustments that may be needed during the recruitment process ensuring that you have every opportunity to showcase your talent skills and potential. Contact the Talent Team via or (02) - HR Support option 3 DPHI People Advisory option 1 and reference Request an Adjustment - Job Title and Reference Number.