How to Get Into NSW Government
Looking for your first role in the public sector? You’re not alone. To help you break in, we’ve collated the best opportunities across NSW Government that either require minimal prior experience or are open to candidates from non‑government backgrounds. Many of these vacancies have multiple positions available, so a single application could land you among several hires. Whether you’re just leaving school, changing careers or ready to leverage your existing expertise at a higher level, you’ll find an option below. Each role includes closing dates and the hiring agency so you know exactly when to apply.
Table of contents
Entry‑level & Career Starters
- Mitigation Crew Member & Leader
- Train Driver – Training Program
- Customer Service Attendant
- Administration Support Officer (Talent Pool)
- Assessment Officer (Talent Pool)
- Customer Service Representative (Talent Pool)
- Assistant Project Officer
Professional‑level roles with multiple vacancies
Entry‑level & Career Starters
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Mitigation Crew Member & Leader
These statewide roles with the Rural Fire Service offer the chance to be part of a hands‑on crew reducing bushfire risk and improving community safety. Both the Mitigation Crew Member and the Crew Leader positions come with comprehensive paid training and are open to applicants with little or no government experience. You’ll work outdoors across Sydney and regional NSW, helping to prepare properties for bushfire season, operate vehicles and equipment and support the Rural Fire Service’s hazard reduction program.
Key responsibilities
- Operate chainsaws, mowers and other machinery to clear vegetation and maintain fire trails.
- Undertake hazard reduction burns, property preparation and fire trail maintenance to support bushfire mitigation.
- Assist with equipment servicing and vehicle maintenance while maintaining WHS standards.
- For Crew Leaders – supervise a small team, plan daily work programs and ensure compliance with safety procedures.
- Submit a CV and a cover letter addressing the essential requirements, plus a copy of your qualifications.
- No page limit is specified; we recommend a 2‑page cover letter. Get a head‑start with our free cover letter template.
- Physically fit with a driver’s licence (MR licence and RFS Crew Leader certification required for leader roles).
- Comfortable working outdoors in varied weather and able to travel across NSW.
- Collaborative team member with good communication and a commitment to safety.
- Experience operating machinery or vehicles is highly regarded but not essential.
Train Driver – Training Program
If you’ve ever dreamt of driving trains, Sydney Trains’ 12‑month trainee program could be your ticket to a long‑term career. You’ll learn to operate passenger services safely across the network, work rotating shifts and master the technical systems that keep services running on time. Traineeships offer a salary while you study and provide a pathway to a permanent driver role once qualified.
Key responsibilities
- Undertake classroom and on‑the‑job training to become a qualified train driver.
- Operate trains safely, following signalling systems and operational procedures.
- Respond calmly to unexpected situations and maintain clear communication with controllers and station staff.
- Deliver excellent customer service and ensure the safety and comfort of passengers.
- As this is an entry level role, we recommend you submit a one‑page cover letter that gives an overview of your experience and at least two clear STAR examples aligned to the capabilities.
- Committed to a long‑term career in rail and able to complete the rigorous training schedule.
- Adaptable, resilient and dependable, with the ability to stay alert during early mornings, nights and weekend shifts.
- Enjoy problem‑solving under pressure and thrive in a safety‑focused environment.
- Previous experience in mechanical, aviation, military or other safety‑critical industries is advantageous.
Customer Service Attendant (CSA)
CSAs are the friendly faces on station platforms – helping customers board safely, answering questions and keeping services running smoothly. This permanent part‑time recruitment is targeted to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates and includes full training. If you enjoy working outdoors, engaging with the public and being part of a team, this is a great entry point into the rail sector.
Key responsibilities
- Assist passengers with boarding and disembarking trains, ensuring safety procedures are followed.
- Operate flagging equipment and communicate with drivers and controllers.
- Provide accurate information about timetables, fares and platform changes.
- Support station security by remaining observant and escalating issues as required.
- As this is an entry level role, we recommend you submit a one‑page cover letter that gives an overview of your experience and at least two clear STAR examples aligned to the capabilities.
- Start your application online early to see if there are additional questions. Preparing your CV and cover letter now will save time later.
- Enthusiastic about frontline customer service and comfortable working rotating shifts.
- Self‑driven with a strong work ethic and commitment to teamwork.
- Positive attitude and willingness to learn; your own transport to travel to different stations is beneficial.
Administration Support Officer – Talent Pool
This talent pool will fill multiple administration roles across Corrective Services NSW. You’ll provide frontline support to correctional centres by answering phone calls, greeting visitors, handling mail and courier services and maintaining accurate records. If you’re organised, calm under pressure and love juggling varied tasks, this is a great way to start a government career.
Key responsibilities
- Provide courier services, switchboard and reception support to correctional facilities.
- Assist with inmate accounts, data entry and records management.
- Process visitor bookings, liaise with staff and maintain confidentiality and security.
- Support general administration, mail distribution and filing as required.
- Submit a CV (maximum 5 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 3 pages) addressing the targeted question about a challenging customer service situation.
- The targeted question response is limited to 300 words; see our NSW target question examples for help.
- We recommend using our cover letter template for a strong structure.
- Highly motivated with excellent attention to detail and ability to multi‑task in a busy environment.
- Strong customer service skills, reliable and able to work both autonomously and as part of a team.
- Confident using computers and maintaining sensitive information with discretion.
Assessment Officer – Talent Pool
The Health Care Complaints Commission is building a pool of Assessment Officers to manage healthcare complaints across NSW. You’ll triage new matters, communicate with complainants and providers and prepare assessment plans that determine how cases proceed. These temporary roles are ideal for people with customer service or case management backgrounds who want to help improve healthcare quality.
Key responsibilities
- Assess and triage healthcare complaints and prepare assessment plans and recommendations.
- Draft correspondence and reports, ensuring sensitive information is handled appropriately.
- Engage with diverse stakeholders, including consumers, health providers and advocacy groups.
- Collaborate with colleagues in Intake, Triage and Assessment to progress cases efficiently.
- Attach a CV (maximum 5 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining your interest and suitability for the role.
- Use our cover letter template to structure your response.
- Experience in complaints management, customer service or regulatory environments.
- Strong analytical skills, sound judgement and the ability to make balanced recommendations.
- Excellent written and verbal communication and a collaborative approach to working with colleagues and stakeholders.
- Tertiary qualifications in health, law, social science or a related field are advantageous.
Customer Service Representative – Talent Pool
This NSW Police talent pool will supply Customer Service Representatives to support the firearms registry, police prosecutions and licensing enforcement. Successful candidates will answer a high volume of urgent and non‑urgent enquiries, so the ability to multitask is vital. If you love delivering great customer service and thrive under pressure, consider applying.
Key responsibilities
- Provide phone, email and face‑to‑face assistance to customers on firearms registration, licensing and prosecutions enquiries.
- Record and update customer interactions in databases and triage urgent matters appropriately.
- Maintain confidentiality and follow NSW Police procedures to ensure compliance.
- Work with internal teams to resolve complex queries and deliver high standards of service.
- Attach a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) and an up‑to‑date CV.
- Answer two target questions (500 words each) about managing multiple high‑priority tasks and a challenging customer service situation. See our target question examples for guidance.
- Use our cover letter template to get started.
- Ability to juggle multiple high‑priority tasks while delivering excellent service and accuracy.
- Confident communicator who can remain calm when dealing with challenging situations.
- Experience in a busy customer service or call centre environment is highly regarded.
Assistant Project Officer
Want to help manage our precious water resources? The Natural Resources Access Regulator is recruiting an Assistant Project Officer to support licensing and compliance projects. You’ll work across a variety of regulatory initiatives, undertaking research and analysis, providing administrative support and liaising with stakeholders. It’s perfect for people who love detail and enjoy juggling multiple tasks.
Key responsibilities
- Coordinate and support projects that deliver water licensing and compliance initiatives.
- Assist with approvals and regulatory processes, ensuring accurate records and data management.
- Research and analyse information to inform policy and decision‑making.
- Prepare reports, briefings and correspondence and provide secretariat services for committees.
- Submit a CV and a cover letter expressing your interest and suitability – no page limits are specified.
- We recommend a 2‑page cover letter; use our cover letter template to get started.
- Strong organisational and project support skills, able to deliver multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Good understanding of regulatory environments and willingness to learn.
- Excellent research, analysis and communication skills.
- Confident working with diverse stakeholders and able to manage competing deadlines.
- Foot in the door: get 3 expert applications and a new government CV.
- Kick in the door: apply to 8 roles, new CV and a bonus of interview coaching.
You usually have no option but to do it yourself – which rarely delivers results. This special offer is only available while we have spare capacity. Get started.
Professional‑level roles with multiple vacancies
Senior Communications Advisor – Talent Pool
Want to influence how the NSW Government communicates with its 400,000‑plus employees? The Premier’s Department is building a talent pool of Senior Communications Advisors to shape internal engagement programs, deliver strategic messaging and oversee high‑impact events. This is a senior role for experienced communicators who can lead teams and coordinate complex projects.
Key responsibilities
- Develop and deliver internal communication strategies and change campaigns.
- Provide high‑level communications advice to senior executives and partner agencies.
- Oversee major events, staff forums and corporate projects from concept to delivery.
- Manage and mentor communication specialists to ensure best practice and consistent messaging.
- Submit a CV (maximum 5 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) addressing the essential requirements of the role.
- Use our cover letter template for structure and tone.
- Proven experience in strategic communications and internal engagement.
- Strong leadership and people management skills with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
- Exceptional writing, editing and project management skills.
- Experience working within government or large organisations is desirable.
Senior Manager Commercial – Sydney Metro West
Sydney Metro West is a once‑in‑a‑century infrastructure program and they’re recruiting four Senior Manager Commercials to manage large contract packages. You’ll lead commercial administration across multi‑billion‑dollar rail projects, oversee payment claims and variations, manage a team of commercial professionals and provide strategic guidance to ensure contracts deliver value for money. It’s an ideal move for experienced professionals from construction, rail or infrastructure sectors.
Key responsibilities
- Administer and manage high‑value infrastructure contracts, including assessment of payment claims and variations.
- Lead and mentor a team of commercial specialists, providing guidance on contract management.
- Engage and negotiate with contractors, engineers and stakeholders to achieve project objectives.
- Contribute to budgeting, reporting and strategic planning across the program.
- It doesn’t specify on the job ad how long your cover letter should be, but for roles like this we always do a strong two‑page cover letter packed with specific examples that show you’ve got the experience needed. Attach your CV as well.
- If the online application includes targeted questions, our guides can help.
- Tertiary qualifications in construction management, quantity surveying or engineering with extensive experience managing high‑value infrastructure contracts.
- Strong commercial acumen, negotiation skills and ability to lead multidisciplinary teams.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Experience within major rail or infrastructure projects is highly regarded.
Manager Reconstruction Engineering & Quantity Surveyors
The NSW Reconstruction Authority is recruiting a Manager Reconstruction Engineering and multiple Senior Engineering Assessment Officers to oversee disaster recovery funding. You’ll assess and process funding applications for essential public assets, emergency works and reconstruction projects, ensuring compliance with federal and state guidelines. With hybrid working and generous salaries, this is a rewarding opportunity for experienced engineers and quantity surveyors.
Key responsibilities
- Lead assessment and processing of disaster recovery funding applications, ensuring compliance with Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) requirements.
- Provide technical advice on engineering and quantity surveying matters and oversee reconstruction program reporting.
- Manage and mentor a team of professionals to deliver high‑quality assessments and approvals.
- Collaborate with councils, agencies and contractors to progress recovery projects and maximise funding outcomes.
- Submit a CV and a cover letter expressing your interest and suitability – no page limits are specified.
- We recommend a 2‑page cover letter; download our template to get started.
- Tertiary qualifications in engineering or quantity surveying and eligibility as a Suitably Qualified Professional under DRFA.
- Demonstrated experience managing disaster recovery funding programs and infrastructure reconstruction.
- Strong understanding of compliance, audit requirements and technical standards.
- Ability to lead teams, negotiate with stakeholders and prepare detailed technical reports.
Assistant State Inspector – SafeWork NSW
SafeWork NSW is recruiting multiple Assistant State Inspectors across areas such as investigations, construction, engineering, operations and more. In this permanent role you’ll manage complex investigations, contribute to prevention initiatives and enforce work health and safety legislation. The position includes a 12‑month New Inspector Training Program and leads to a Diploma in Government (Workplace Inspection).
Key responsibilities
- Lead inspections, investigations and audits to assess risk and make evidence‑based regulatory decisions.
- Provide clear and adaptable communication to translate technical requirements for diverse audiences.
- Respond professionally to serious incidents and high‑profile matters, exercising resilience and sound judgement.
- Build credibility with industry, workers and unions to drive compliance and improve safety outcomes.
- Attach a current CV and a cover letter clearly stating which area(s) of the inspectorate you are interested in and why, and how your skills and qualifications align.
- Use our cover letter template and aim for 2 pages.
- Advanced investigative and analytical capability with the confidence to operate autonomously.
- Strong stakeholder influence, integrity and a collaborative mindset.
- Valid driver’s licence and ability to complete mandatory pre‑employment checks.
- Commitment to completing the 12‑month New Inspector Training Program and Advanced Diploma in Government.
Senior Strategic Intelligence Analyst – Talent Pool
The NSW Police Force is establishing a talent pool of Senior Strategic Intelligence Analysts to research and analyse information and produce high‑level briefings for senior decision‑makers. The role deals with complex and sensitive information and requires strong analytical skills, critical thinking and the ability to lead the production of strategic intelligence products.
Key responsibilities
- Research, collect and analyse data from internal and external sources to develop intelligence briefs and reports.
- Provide timely strategic advice that informs organisational decision‑making.
- Deal with complex and sensitive information and ensure confidentiality.
- Maintain or obtain a Negative Vetting Level 1 security clearance within 12 months of commencing.
- Submit a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) and CV.
- Answer two target questions (500 words each) about leading the production of strategic intelligence products and demonstrating critical analysis. See our target question examples.
- Do not attach qualifications or certificates – bring them to interview if requested.
- Experienced intelligence analyst with proven ability to lead the production of strategic intelligence products.
- Advanced analytical and critical thinking skills, with a focus on producing timely and accurate assessments.
- Excellent written communication and ability to brief senior stakeholders.
- Eligibility to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
Solicitor V (Civil) – Statewide Talent Pool
Legal Aid NSW is looking for experienced civil law practitioners to join a state‑wide talent pool. As a Senior Solicitor you’ll supervise and support Civil Law Practice Managers, provide leadership across housing, tenancy, human rights, consumer protection, disaster response, employment and more, and champion high‑quality civil law services throughout the organisation.
Key responsibilities
- Guide and influence the delivery of civil law services across multiple practice areas, ensuring consistent high‑quality legal work.
- Provide leadership and mentoring to Practice Managers, translating complex legal concepts into accessible guidance.
- Engage with local communities and stakeholders to ensure services meet the needs of people experiencing persistent disadvantage.
- Contribute to strategic planning and innovation across the Civil Law Division.
- Submit a CV (no more than 5 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) responding to two questions.
- The questions ask you to outline your experience managing civil law services for people experiencing persistent disadvantage and your approach to supervising staff.
- Late or emailed applications will not be accepted – apply online before the closing date.
- Use our cover letter template to craft your response.
- Collaborative leader with strong client, stakeholder and team engagement skills.
- Organised and strategic with proven experience supervising legal professionals and managing busy practices.
- Committed to community impact and delivering services to people facing disadvantage.
- Exceptional networking skills and ability to work with diverse communities and stakeholders.
Legal Officer – Talent Pool
The Health Care Complaints Commission is building a talent pool of Legal Officers (Grade III/IV) to support temporary vacancies in its Legal Services Division. These roles manage a diverse legal caseload, provide high‑quality legal advice and contribute to protecting public health and safety in NSW.
Key responsibilities
- Manage varied legal matters including prosecutions and regulatory proceedings.
- Analyse briefs of evidence and determine appropriate legal and enforcement action.
- Prepare legal documents, reports, submissions and correspondence.
- Appear as an advocate or brief and instruct counsel, and liaise with investigators and stakeholders.
- Submit an up‑to‑date CV (maximum 5 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining your interest and suitability.
- Essential requirements include a law degree and admission as a legal practitioner.
- Workplace adjustments are available on request; contact details are in the advertisement.
- Admitted as a legal practitioner of the Supreme Court of NSW and holding a practising certificate.
- Experience managing legal matters in a complex or regulatory environment with strong analytical, written and communication skills.
- Ability to manage competing priorities, exercise sound judgement and work collaboratively with colleagues.
Dream Job Application
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