Director Fisheries Research

Ongoing Senior Executive Band 1 role

• Total Remuneration Package starting at: $247,865
• Location: Regional NSW

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) plays a vital role in supporting sustainable primary industries and strong regional communities across NSW. With almost 80% of our workforce based in regional NSW, we are committed to delivering long-term benefits for industry, the environment and communities.

We are now seeking an outstanding executive leader to take on the role of Director, Fisheries Research, within Fisheries and Forestry, to provide strategic scientific leadership and drive innovation in fisheries research and monitoring.

About the role

As Director, Fisheries Research, you will provide world-class scientific leadership and lead a large, multidisciplinary research function delivering evidence-based advice to government.

You will ensure fisheries research investment supports sustainable, productive and resilient fisheries and informs policy, regulation and industry development.

Reporting to the Executive Director, Research & Evaluation, you will:

• Lead approximately 112 FTE
• Manage an operating and capital budget of $23.7 million
• Play a key role as a member of the Fisheries & Forestry Executive team

In this senior executive role, you will:

• Drive the implementation of the DPIRD and Fisheries Strategic Research plans
• Provide strategic leadership for fisheries research, monitoring and evaluation programs aligned with NSW Government priorities
• Lead and inspire a large, geographically dispersed workforce, building capability and high performance
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement in scientific research and data-driven decision-making
• Build and maintain high-level collaborations with universities, research organisations, industry and government agencies
• Identify and secure co-investment and external funding opportunities to maximise return on government investment
• Collaborate with key staff within Fisheries and Forestry to deliver priority outcomes for NSW
• Provide expert, evidence-based advice to the Minister, Deputy Secretary and Executive Leadership Team on fisheries research and policy matters
• Ensure sound financial management, governance, risk management and compliance across the branch

About you

You are a highly respected scientific leader with a strong reputation in fisheries or a related discipline.

You bring a proven ability to operate in complex policy environments and balance scientific integrity with government, industry and community priorities.

You will demonstrate:

• An international reputation as an eminent scientist in fisheries or a closely related field
• Extensive senior leadership experience in a complex research, policy or regulatory environment
• A strong track record of building strategic collaborations and securing research funding
• Highly developed strategic thinking, influencing and negotiation skills
• Experience leading large teams, managing significant budgets and delivering results
• The ability to communicate complex scientific issues clearly to senior decision-makers and stakeholders

Essential requirements

• International standing and reputation as an eminent scientist in a relevant field
• Current NSW Driver Licence and willingness to travel

Why join us?

• Lead research that directly shapes fisheries policy and sustainability outcomes for NSW
• Influence government investment in science at a state and national level
• Work with passionate experts across regional NSW and beyond
• Be part of an inclusive, values-driven organisation committed to integrity, innovation and public value

Application process

To apply, please submit an updated CV and cover letter outlining your relevant experience through the application portal.

Applications close: Tuesday, 26 May 2026 at 11:55 pm AEST

Please view the Role Description for more information.

You may also contact:

Recruitment process

• Kristen Moore, Snr Business Partner DPIRD
• 0400 008 773
• kristen.moore@dpird.nsw.gov.au

Role information

• Thor Saunders, Executive Director Research & Evaluation
• thor.saunders@dpird.nsw.gov.au
• 0428 833 796

If you require adjustments in completing your application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, require information in an alternative format, or otherwise participating in the recruitment process, please let us know so we can assist.

Send an email to:

• talent.advisory@dpird.nsw.gov.au

or contact the hiring manager listed above for a confidential discussion.

About us – together, we are DPIRD

The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) protects, supports and develops primary industries and regional economies.

Collectively we support strong and sustainable:

• agriculture
• forestry
• fishing
• mining industries
• regional economies

We actively manage our natural assets:

• lands and soils
• minerals
• waterways and oceans
• vegetation
• forests

The department brings together:

• Local Land Services
• NSW Resources
• Agriculture and Biosecurity
• Fisheries and Forestry
• Regional Development and Delivery

We have skilled and dedicated teams working in 200 locations across regional NSW and 75 per cent of the DPIRD team living and working in regional NSW, we are embedded in the regions we serve.

Learn more about the benefits of joining our diverse and talented DPIRD team.