Commissioner (Part-time) - Natural Resources Commission NSW
Independent advice. Complex challenges. Lasting impact.
A rare opportunity to lead expert advice on natural resource management in New South Wales. The NSW Government is seeking an exceptional leader to serve as Commissioner of the Natural Resources Commission (NRC), an independent statutory office responsible for providing independent, evidence-based advice on some of the state's most complex and contested environmental, land use, water and natural resource management issues.
As Commissioner, you will lead a respected independent statutory body and provide advice to help inform government decision-making across areas including water management, forestry, native vegetation, biodiversity, conservation and land management. You will provide strategic leadership to the Commission while ensuring its advice remains rigorous, evidence-based, transparent and independent.
Reporting directly to the Premier of New South Wales, the Commissioner is the sole decision-maker on advice provided by the Commission and plays a critical role navigating complex policy settings and competing priorities across natural resource management. Examples include drought management, land clearing, the Commonwealth’s environmental protection reforms and delivery of the NSW Government’s Plan for Nature.
About the role
This is a statutory officer appointment for a five-year term on a part-time basis. The role offers considerable flexibility in how it is delivered. As Commissioner, you will serve as the independent decision-maker for advice provided to the NSW Government on natural resource management issues. Working closely with the Executive Director and Assistant Commissioners, you will provide strategic oversight, exercise judgement on complex and contested issues, and ensure the Commission's advice remains rigorous, balanced, evidence-based and credible.
The role may suit a contemporary leader from a wide range of career pathways, including an executive, commissioner, regulator, scientist, policy leader, board or advisory body member, practitioner or recognised subject-matter expert. Candidates who have built influence through innovation, collaboration and measurable impact, including those considering taking on their first statutory appointment or board chair role, are encouraged to apply. It is not a full-time operational leadership role. Day-to-day management, stakeholder engagement, project delivery and corporate operations are led by the Executive Director and the Commission's executive team.
Key responsibilities include:
- Acting as the statutory decision-maker for advice and recommendations to Government on natural resource management issues.
- Reviewing Commission findings and recommendations to ensure they are evidence-based, balanced and analytically robust.
- Providing strategic leadership and guidance to the Executive Director and Commission.
- Building confidence and credibility with government, industry, environmental organisations, landholders and community stakeholders on complex and often contested issues.
- Chairing Commission meetings and, where appropriate, expert advisory panels.
- Representing the Commission in public, parliamentary and government forums.
- Maintaining the Commission's reputation for independence, transparency and evidence-based advice.
About you
We are seeking a respected, contemporary and forward-looking leader who can exercise independent judgement, assess complex evidence and build trust across diverse and often competing stakeholder groups. Candidates may come from science, regulation, public policy, government, industry, agriculture, environmental management, natural resource management or other relevant fields. We welcome applicants whose leadership has been demonstrated through formal senior roles or through significant influence, innovation and impact. Success will depend on credibility, curiosity, diplomacy, sound judgement, adaptability and the ability to navigate complex public policy issues.
You will likely demonstrate:
- Strong expertise, insight or demonstrated impact in natural resource management or a related discipline, gained through professional, research, community, industry or public sector experience.
- Demonstrated leadership, influence and accountability in complex settings; previous service as a commissioner, board chair or statutory office holder is valued but not essential.
- A track record of providing independent, evidence-based advice on complex issues.
- A strong track record operating in complex stakeholder environments.
- Outstanding communication and influencing skills.
- Sound governance capability and the capacity to chair boards, committees, advisory bodies or comparable decision-making forums effectively.
- Strategic thinking and an ability to balance environmental, social, economic and cultural considerations.
- A forward-looking approach, including openness to new evidence, emerging technologies and innovative ways of addressing longstanding challenges.
- An inclusive leadership style that draws on diverse perspectives and creates constructive challenge.
- The resilience, integrity and judgement to make difficult decisions in highly contested environments.
Why this role?
This rare appointment offers the opportunity to provide expert advice on some of the most significant environmental, social and economic decisions facing New South Wales. It will suit a leader seeking a strategic, portfolio-style role where independence, judgement and public purpose are central to success. Applications are encouraged from leaders who can demonstrate the capability and impact required
How to apply:
- Please send an application quoting Ref No A006393 to Watermark Search International at [email protected]. We will reply to the email address used for your application. Please do not apply via the application portal. For a confidential discussion, please call Bronwen Kerr on 02 9233 1200.
Closing date: Thursday, 17 September 2026 (10:00am) AEST
