Executive Director Conservation and Aboriginal Partnerships

• Executive Director Conservation & Aboriginal Partnerships, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
• Temporary full-time opportunity 1 June 2026 - 10 July 2026
• Parramatta - regional location encouraged/Hybrid working supported
• PSSE Band 2

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

Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.

About the role

An exciting short-term opportunity is available to step into role of Executive Director Conservation & Aboriginal Partnerships. In the six-week backfill, you will provide executive leadership across statewide and strategic national park programs, maintaining momentum on priorities and strong decision-making across the division. You will work closely with operational leaders to implement key projects

The role offers a unique chance to contribute to threatened species conservation, climate and ecological health programs, expanding the conservation network, feral animal management, and partnerships with Aboriginal communities that will help shape the future of national park management across NSW. 

You will oversee the continuation of key priorities: 

• Creation of the Great Koala National Park including development of an Improved Native Forest Management method and registration of the GKNP carbon project
• Development of a new Reserve Establishment Plan to guide strategic expansion of the national park estate 
• A project to enhance Aboriginal Joint Management of national parks 

About You

To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate:

• The ability to deliver outcomes and maintain momentum of priorities in complex and fast-paced environments
• Strong judgement and problem-solving capability, with a focus on achieving practical outcomes
• Effective stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships across diverse teams, government areas, and stakeholders
• A track record of balancing competing demands to deliver strategic programs and outcomes within tight timeframes
• A collaborative leadership approach, with the ability to align diverse teams around shared priorities and outcomes
• Sound communication skills, including the ability to provide clear advice on sensitive, complex and high-profile issues.

NPWS is committed to building a robust pipeline of talent and ensuring strong representation of women in leadership roles. We aim to achieve a balanced and diverse leadership team. As such, we strongly encourage female candidates who possess the necessary capabilities and experience for these roles to apply.

Demonstrated skills and Experience

• Extensive experience in delivering state-wide/national programs associated with national parks, land management and/or conservation, and achievement of planned outcomes within specified timeframes, resource and budget.
• Demonstrated senior level experience in developing innovative, targeted, cost effective and rigorous science based environmentally sound and conservation focused programs; delivering customer focused results and return on funded investment to the organisation.

Essential Requirements

• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline and/or relevant experience in conservation and restoration science; leading the successful development, delivery and improvement of innovative, best practice conservation of natural and cultural heritage programs in a complex, geographically dispersed and potentially contentious operating environment.

For more information read the full Role Description: Executive Director Conservation Aboriginal Partnerships NPWS Band 2

Who we are

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) works to protect the state’s 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 state’s 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.

What we can offer you

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is a great place to expand your career and grow your skills and knowledge.

What we do

About NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service

Visit a park

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 Tuesday 26^th May at 11:55PM.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Catie Khan via catie.khan@dcceew.nsw.gov.au or on 0436 680 097.

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 dcceew.ta@dpie.nsw.gov.au or contacting Graeme Ellis on 0437 236 477 (please mention reference number 550615).

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander use our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles or our Aboriginal Career pathways team at AEX@dcceew.nsw.gov.au for a yarn. 

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