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Principal Policy Officer
Department for Environment and Water
Job reference: 847764
Location: 5000 - ADELAIDE
Job status: Long Term Contract
Eligibility: Open to Everyone


Shape the future of animal welfare in South Australia

Join the Department for Environment and Water and play a pivotal role in delivering one of South Australia’s most significant legislative reforms - the implementation of the Animal Welfare Act 2025.

This is a rare opportunity to lead meaningful regulatory change that will have lasting impacts on animal welfare, government policy, and community outcomes across the state.

About the Role:
As the Principal Policy Officer, you will lead high-profile reform initiatives within a dynamic legislative environment. You will work across government, industry and community sectors to support the implementation of the Animal Welfare Act 2025, providing strategic advice and driving effective regulatory implementation.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead and deliver complex legislative and regulatory reform projects
  • Provide high-level advice on policy, legislation, and implementation approaches
  • Develop and embed processes to support effective regulation and enforcement
  • Interpret and apply policy and legislation in regulatory contexts
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with diverse stakeholders
  • Develop and maintain policies aligned with statutory requirements

To be successful, you will bring:

  • Experience leading stakeholder engagement on complex issues
  • Ability to interpret and apply legislation and policy frameworks
  • Ability to deliver well-planned and practical solutions
  • Strong written communication skills (briefings, reports, correspondence)
  • Ability to provide sound governance and decision-making advice
  • Analytical thinking and clear communication

You’ll thrive in this role if you are a strategic and confident professional who is comfortable working in complex and evolving environments, exercising sound judgement, influencing outcomes, and building effective stakeholder relationships to deliver practical and lasting outcomes.

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.
  • Career development opportunities within the SA public sector
  • 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 till 30 June 2028

Desirable Qualifications:
A degree or post graduate qualification in animal welfare, public policy, agriculture or animal science.

Special Conditions:

  • May be required to participate in responses to state emergencies or associated duties.
  • 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.
  • May be required to undertake intra or interstate travel, occasional overnight absences, and work outside of the normal hours of work.

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: 
ASO7, $112,163 min - $121,246 max p.a.

Enquiries to:
Toni Dalziel, Manager Animal Welfare and Wildlife
toni.dalziel@sa.gov.au

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: 28/06/2026 11:45 PM

Attachments:
- Pre-Employment-Declaration_240522.pdf
- RD ASO7 Principal Policy Officer - May 2026 - Approved.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.