Job Planning Policy Officer, Parramatta

Together we shape thriving communities, public spaces, places and economies.

• Develop and evaluate policy and reform initiatives aligned with government planning objectives, backed by rigorous research and analysis to deliver evidence-based recommendations that shape resilient and sustainable outcomes. 
• Ongoing full-time (35 hours per week) opportunities
• Office location – Parramatta with flexible working supported by the Working Flexibly Policy                              
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $115,853 to $130,547 + super 

What’s in it for me?

Join our team for a fantastic culture with dynamic collaboration and genuine long-term career support. We offer flexibility in work arrangements, diverse and fulfilling assignments, and prioritise work/life balance and wellbeing with initiatives like flex leave and access to support programs. Additionally, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome, respected, and empowered to succeed.

The Role

The Department is recruiting for multiple roles across the Resilience and Sustainability Division, including in the:

• BASIX Policy team,

• BASIX Operations team, and

• Policy and Strategy team

The BASIX Policy and BASIX Operations teams work collaboratively to drive sustainability in new homes through the delivery, reform, and improvement of the BASIX framework and online tool. The Building Sustainability Index (BASIX) is aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, water use and energy use in new residential developments.

The Planning Policy Officers in the BASIX Policy and Operations teams will play a vital role in the development, evaluation, and refinement of policy to ensure it aligns with government priorities, emerging technologies, climate imperatives, and industry needs. This high-impact roles will undertake policy analysis, data analysis and provide technical advice to support the development of evidence-based policy and process improvements. There are opportunities to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders on exciting projects such as the triennial review of the Sustainable Buildings State Environmental Planning Policy and the new Net Zero Plan. Likewise, there will be opportunities to analyse and improve the formulations which inform the BASIX engine, in the BASIX Operations team. The BASIX roles will also provide direct customer support to BASIX users on technical, or policy issues as needed.  

The Planning Policy Officer in the Policy and Strategy team will contribute to the development, evaluation, and refinement of policy to ensure it aligns with government priorities and climate imperatives and supports decision-makers to embed sustainability and resilience into planning. This Planning Policy Officer will play a key role in producing high-quality guidance material to support greening and urban cooling policies and undertake research and analysis to support the development of evidence-based policy improvements.

Please indicate in your cover letter which role you are applying for.

Please note that a recruitment pool will be created to fill multiple similar positions across the Division.

For more information read the full Role Description: Planning Policy Officer   

What you will bring to the Role  

• Demonstrated knowledge of relevant planning processes and familiarity with relevant policy areas such as energy and water efficiency, thermal performance and embodied emissions associated with building materials

• Proven ability to develop well-researched and practical policy advice aligned with government priorities—demonstrated by delivering high-quality, evidence-informed recommendations with consideration of stakeholder needs 

• Skilled in translating complex technical and planning information into plain English that supports decision-making, from briefing notes to stakeholder correspondence and Ministerial advice 

• Adept at applying qualitative and quantitative research methods, including data analysis and evaluation, to assess emerging issues, evaluate policy effectiveness, and formulate forward-thinking solutions under pressure and competing priorities 

What is an essential requirement:

• Tertiary qualification in public policy, planning, law, economics, ecology, geographical information systems or other relevant discipline or equivalent experience

About us

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) improves the liveability and prosperity of NSW. To achieve this, we: create vibrant, productive spaces and precincts; manage lands, assets and property effectively and deliver affordable and diverse housing. We strive to be a high-performing, world-class public service organisation that celebrates and reflects the full diversity of the community we serve and builds the cultural capability of our department to improve outcomes with and for Aboriginal people, communities and entities.

We are an inclusive and accessible workplace, where your individual contributions are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to feel a sense of connection and belonging. DPHI supports various employee affinity groups, practices flexible working, offers job share and workplace adjustments.

Join us

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 Sunday 10 August 2025 at 11:55PM

Should you require further information about the role please contact Anna Schlunke (Write to the company)

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.

Please note to be eligible to apply for this position you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident or hold a valid Australian working Visa for the duration of the appointment.

We encourage and support applications from people with disability. Please reach out to us to discuss any accommodations or adjustments that may be needed during the recruitment process, ensuring that you have every opportunity to showcase your talent, skills, and potential. Contact the Talent Team via Write to the company or (02) 63637676 - HR Support, option 2, DPHI People Advisory, option 1 and reference 'Request an Adjustment - Job Title and Reference Number'.

Check out our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for the role or contact our Aboriginal Career pathways team for a yarn