Principal Legal Officer Legislation & Legal Advice
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 environment and our community
- Work on issues that matter in a supportive, collaborative and creative environment
- Remuneration starting from $152,677 - $167,562 plus superannuation
- Benefits and flexibility recognising work isn’t all you are passionate about
- Two ongoing roles available, 1 temporary maternity leave backfill up to 12 months
- Role based in Parramatta
- A recruitment pool may be created for future roles
The opportunity
The Environment Protection Authority has two ongoing Principal Legal Officers (Environment Officer Class 1 roles available within their Legislation & Legal Advice Team. A temporary up to 12 month maternity leave backfill role will also be available.
The Legislation & Legal Advice Team is a high performing group of specialist in-house lawyers who provide legal advice to the EPA across all areas of its work.
Reporting to a Manager, the Principal Legal Officer Legislation and Legal Advice will manage complex and controversial matters encompassing the provision of comprehensive legal advice, drafting legal documentation, participating in complex legislative reform and providing training and education to assist in the conduct of efficient and effective legal services.
About you
To be successful, you will be a mid or senior level lawyer, with strong experience. In addition, you will ideally have knowledge of the legislation administered by the EPA, the legislation making process and knowledge of environmental principles and practices and exposure to the complexity of the environmental debate.
You will have strong attention to detail and excellent organisational and stakeholder management skills and experience in the provision of complex legal advice, and complex legislative reform, at a senior level. You must be admitted or immediately eligible to hold a practising certificate in NSW.
For more information read the full Role Description –
DOC26 245758 Principal Legal Officer Legislation and Legal Advice - EO12 - Role Description - Generic - March 2026 (.docx
About us
The NSW Environment Protection Authority is committed to a sustainable future as the environmental regulator for our state.
Our people are proud custodians of NSW’s natural environment. We partner with First Nations, regulated industries and the wider community to protect and restore our diverse ecosystems.
We bring our 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 a changing climate, we educate and support our stakeholders to create an environmentally healthy future
Why work for us?
EPA people are energised by our purpose and focussed on the environment and we invite all our team members to:
- Be part of protecting what matters – be purpose led making a meaningful impact to the environment, economy and communities delivering for a better NSW
- Do more and be inspired together – be members of passionate united teams who protect the environment and each other through care, trust and collaboration.
- Bring who you are and grow with us - we put people first creating a culture where everyone can be themselves, respecting and developing our diverse skills & aspirations and prioritising our safety and wellbeing.
Some additional benefits to working for us include:
- A competitive salary and leave entitlements, salary packaging to save tax, fitness passport and free & confidential counselling services
- Opportunities and pathways for learning and developing your skills with access to online and face to face training and mentoring
- Flexible work arrangements
- Opportunities to make an impact and help shape the future for our environment
- Interesting and challenging work aligning with personal values that allow you to reach your full potential
- Recognition programs
In our inclusive and accessible workplace, differences are embraced, contributions are valued, and everyone has a sense of connection and belonging. The EPA supports various employee affinity groups, practice flexible working, offer job share and workplace adjustments.
The EPA is an independent statutory authority which sits within the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW)
For more information on the work we do at NSW EPA, go to www.epa.nsw.gov.au/your-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: Thursday 16 July 2026 at 11.55pm
Should you require further information about the role please contact Mel Bromley at
[email protected] or for 2-9 July inclusive please contact Kathy Caruana at
[email protected].
Good to know
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.
If you are deemed as a recommended candidate following your interview, we will be inviting you to complete various background checks as part of our recruitment process before a final decision is made on the outcome of your application.
Our background checks may include, but are not limited to Reference Checks, National Police Checks, Working with Children and Medical Checks. The background checks will vary depending on the requirements of the role you have applied for and the work and environments you will be working across.
Capability application tool
The capability application tool helps job applicants understand and use the NSW Public Sector Capability Framework when applying for jobs with the NSW government. To access the tool please Our commitment to diversity and flexibility 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 LGBTQIA+ community, and people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
Looking for more information or assistance in applying?
We encourage and support applications from people with disability. We can provide alternative formats to apply, make adjustments to the recruitment process, and offer information about workplace adjustments and support networks, ensuring that you have every opportunity to showcase your talent, skills, and potential. Please refer Here for more information.
If you require an adjustment for your application process, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team by emailing
[email protected] and reference 'Request an Adjustment - Job Title and Reference Number' in the subject.
If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, refer to our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles.
