Legal Officer -Native Title Practice

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

Together, we create thriving environments, communities and economies. 

• Opportunity for Legal Officer role in Native Title Practice
• Ongoing full-time opportunity, 35 hours per week
• Based in Parramatta with flexible working (other NSW locations are negotiable)
• Salary ranging from $115,853 to $130,547 (depending on experience) + superannuation and annual leave loading
• Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply

About The Practice

The Native Title Practice in the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water supports clients including the National Parks & Wildlife Service and Heritage NSW to reach negotiated outcomes with native title holders, ensure compliance with the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) and achieve Aboriginal outcomes.

All members of our practice have prior experience working for Aboriginal organisations and we strive to work in a respectful and culturally appropriate way. There are many significant projects in the pipeline, and it is an exciting time to join our practice.

About The Role

You would support the Senior Legal Officer and Principal Legal Officers to assist clients with native title negotiations, provide legal advice on native title and related areas and help deliver Aboriginal outcomes.

About You

You are a highly motivated lawyer with a passion to deliver quality legal advice and services to clients and to support Aboriginal outcomes. You have strong analytical and research skills, a collaborative approach and the ability to find creative solutions.

Essential Requirements

• Eligible to hold a practising certificate in New South Wales.
• Experience in native title, land rights, administrative law, environmental law, water law or Aboriginal cultural heritage (or a strong desire to learn).

For more information read the full Role Description: Legal Officer

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 (over 600,000 hectares of land across NSW), 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

We look forward to receiving your application. Your application should include:

• a resume which clearly details your relevant skills and experience (max 5 pages)
• a cover letter addressing how you meet the requirements of the role (max 2 pages)

Applications close on Sunday, 26 Oct 2025 at 11:55 PM

If you would like more information about the role please contact Dylan Orsborn, Principal Legal Officer, Native Title via email to dylan.orsborn@dcceew.nsw.gov.au or on 02 8229 2806.

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 (Nivya Shetty) via nivya.shetty@dcceew.nsw.gov.au or 0437 224 498 (please mention reference number 545722).

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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