Department for Environment and Water
Job reference: 848921
Location: 5000 - ADELAIDE
Job status: Long Term Contract
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

About the Role:

The Principal Biodiversity Policy Advisor is a rare opportunity to lead the implementation of once in a generation legislative reform on native vegetation and to secure better environmental outcomes for all South Australians.

Working closely with the Branch Director and a team of experts across the Department, the Principal Biodiversity Policy Advisor is responsible for leading the development of policy and regulation for the transition from the Native Vegetation Act 1991 to the new Biodiversity Act 2025. The role is also responsible for the provision of expert legislative, regulation, policy and management advice to ensure timely implementation and efficient operation of the new Act. The role will also provide advice and lead related consideration of legislation and system reform, strategies and projects within the Native Vegetation Unit.

The role will lead the development, review and coordination of policy and legislative advice as it relates to native vegetation, biodiversity, and related natural resource management matters and support the Director, Native Vegetation and Pastoral Management in planning, reporting and project management. 

Key role outcomes will include:

• Biodiversity legislation, regulations, policies and strategies are developed and implemented.
• Innovative policy initiatives are developed, high-level technical information is interpreted and analysed, high-level policy advice provided and succinct evidence and advice products are developed.
• Major biodiversity policy projects are developed and assessed to ensure projects have a clearly defined scope, with outcomes measured, monitored and resources allocated and managed appropriately.
• Strategic partnerships within the Department and with state and Commonwealth agencies, Native Vegetation Council, Landscape Boards and Green Adelaide, local government, industry and development sector, environmental and land management NGOs are developed, and maintained to ensure legislation, policies and strategies benefit South Australia.
• The interests of statutory boards and councils, agencies and Government are advanced through leading, or contributing to, project teams, working groups and committees.
• Accurate and timely advice and recommendations on biodiversity policy is provided to Ministers, Chief Executives and Senior Officers.

What can we offer you!

• Working in an organisation that is contributing to significant environmental outcomes in the great state of South Australia!
• Be part of a fun, collaborative and supportive team.
• Hybrid working model with flexible working options including work from home available to promote work life balance.
• Free entry into DEW managed Parks in South Australia.
• Salary Sacrifice Benefits.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Access to our Fitness Passport Program.
• Meaningful and rewarding career.

Contract: 
Contract for up to 30/06/2028

Special Conditions:

• A current class “C” driver’s is desirable.
• Some out of hours work may be required.
• Intra and Interstate travel with overnight absences may be required.
• You must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or provide evidence that you hold a valid working visa that allows you to work in Australia without restrictions.
• Prior to being employed, the successful candidate will be required to provide a valid Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC), which is required to be renewed every three years. DEW will cover the cost of renewal.

A successful applicant who is not currently employed by the Department for Environment and Water will be required to have an original photo identification document sighted and provide a valid Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) issued within the last 12 months.

Remuneration: 
ASO8, $125,649 min - $130,392 max p.a.

Enquiries to:
Dr Cassandra Star, Director, Native Vegetation and Pastoral Management
cassandra.star@sa.gov.au
0434 887 998

Application Instructions:
Applications are to be submitted online through I WORK FOR SA.

Applicants are to submit a pre-employment declaration, current CV and letter of application (max. 3 pages) addressing the Essential and Desirable Criteria (including qualifications) as outlined in the Role Description.

The Department for Environment and Water is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds including all ages and gender identities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse and LGBTIQA+.

Applications close: 07/07/2026 11:45 PM

Attachments:
- Pre-Employment-Declaration_240522.pdf
- RD ASO8 Principal Biodiversity Policy Advisor, P68434 -20260512-FINAL.pdf

Flexibility Statement
The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.