The NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) is made up of approximately 3700 staff based in over 130 locations across the state. There is a broad range of occupations within the organisation, staffed by a diverse and talented group of people. See also Careers with Forests NSW.

Current vacancies

NSW DPI is required to fill positions by competitive merit selection. This means we can only accept applications that relate to specific advertised positions.

• All vacant positions are listed at the jobs.nsw website.
• Depending on the type of position and its location, many positions are also advertised in the print media. This may include The Sydney Morning Herald, The Daily Telegraph, The Financial Review, The Australian, or the local media. Some positions may also be advertised in the journals of professional associations.

Applying for a position

It is important that you contact the person named in the advertisement, if you have not already done so, in order to obtain further information to assist you in deciding whether you want to apply for the position, and to help you in preparing your application. The contact officer can supply you with an information package, which will include a copy of the job description and a guide for applicants.

Preparing your application

The selection committee decides who to interview based on the written application, so prepare it carefully. Your application should include: 

• a covering letter (optional);
• your claim for the position, summarising your experience, knowledge and skills relevant to the selection criteria specified in the advertisement; and
• your résumé/curriculum vitae, including details of education, employment, training and referees.

Addressing the selection criteria

Your 'Claim for the position' is the most important component of the application. Make sure it is clear, concise and easy to read, and that you address individually, in sufficient detail, each selection criterion listed in the advertisement, bringing together all aspects, including your work history, experience and qualifications, to show how you meet these criteria.

Online application

You can apply for the position online at the jobs.nsw website — just follow the instructions provided.

Applicant's checklist

Use this list when preparing your application:

• Call the contact person to get an information package and clarify specific details of the position. 
• Attach a covering letter (optional) and your claim for the position, outlining your relevant knowledge, skills and experience.
• Include a current résumé/curriculum vitae.
• Provide the names and contact numbers of your referees.
• Address all of the selection criteria identified in the advertisement.
• Keep a copy of your application for your personal reference.
• Make sure the application is received by the closing date.

Lodging your application

You can lodge your application online through the jobs.nsw website.

What happens to your application

After the closing date, all applications are forwarded to the Convenor who forms a Selection Committee. This Committee looks at each application and assesses how the applicants meet the selection criteria of the position. From this assessment, the decision is made about who will be interviewed.

The interview

Be prepared for the interview by reading the material in the information package. You'll be asked questions that relate to the selection criteria for the position, so make sure you're familiar with the requirements of the job. Think about possible questions and how you'd answer them. Be prepared to give examples of your work experience, skills and knowledge and to talk about why you're interested in the job.

As part of your interview preparation, you might want to familiarise yourself with the work of NSW DPI. Look on this website and in current and previous Annual Reports and our other publications.

At the interview you'll be given the chance to ask questions about the position. This will allow you to demonstrate your interest in the job and your understanding of the position and its duties.

The Committee must base its decision on material presented by the applicants and on information provided by their referees. So even if a member of the Selection Committee knows you and your work, that committee member cannot introduce this information. It's your responsibility to convince the Committee that you're the best candidate for the job.

After the interview

When the Selection Committee has made its decision, it will make a recommendation as to who should be offered the position. When the most suitable candidate has accepted the offer of employment, all other applicants will be notified.

If you accept a position with NSW DPI you must agree to support core NSW Public Sector principles of cultural diversity, equity and ethical practice, and a healthy, safe and fair workplace. See the NSW Government's Equal Employment Opportunity website for information on these principles.

If you are unsuccessful, you are entitled to post-interview feedback from the Convenor of the Selection Committee as to why your application was unsuccessful. This may help you in future job applications.