Each week we scan the iWorkForNSW job board to surface opportunities that might fly under the radar. Government roles can be fiercely competitive—especially in mega departments like Education or Health where hundreds of applicants already work in schools or hospitals and easily transfer into corporate roles. If you’re coming from outside government, it can feel near impossible to break through.
One way to level the playing field is to look at smaller and lesser-known agencies. Their talent pools are smaller, meaning less direct competition with long‑tenured insiders. Below we’ve highlighted seven positions across such agencies. They’re still competitive, but with fewer internal candidates you may have a better chance to stand out. If you’re new to government recruitment, don’t miss our guides on writing a cover letter for government jobs, understanding the NSW public sector process and how talent pools work.
Want an extra edge on your application? Throughout this post you’ll see reminders that our Write It For Me service can take the guesswork out of your submission. It pairs you with an experienced NSW Government hiring manager who crafts your cover letter and targeted responses so you can focus on interview preparation.
Jump to a Role
- Nutrition Officer – Taronga Zoo
- Lead Preparator – Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences
- Media Advisor – Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences
- Technical Officer – Operational Technology and Design (Natural Resources Access Regulator)
- Senior Climate Risk Officer – Enabling Services
- Cyber Security Analyst – NSW Electoral Commission
- Safety and Facilities Partner – NSW Electoral Commission
Nutrition Officer – Taronga Zoo
Taronga Conservation Society Australia is seeking casual Nutrition Officers to join their team at Sydney’s iconic Taronga Zoo. Reporting to senior zoo nutritionists, you’ll prepare and coordinate the supply and delivery of animal diets—managing inventory, maintaining a hygienic food preparation area and adhering to strict food safety and hazard‑analysis protocols. As a casual role, it’s a perfect entry point for candidates keen to build experience within a government agency even if they have limited public‑sector background. The role sits under the TCSA Salaried Employees Award and offers Monday‑to‑Friday casual rates starting around $45 per hour.
- Casual positions based at Taronga Zoo, Mosman (North/North West Sydney)
- Prepare diets and manage supply chains to meet nutritional needs of the animal collection
- Follow Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) processes and assist with food safety audits
- Up‑to‑date résumé/CV
Lead Preparator – Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences
The Powerhouse museum is recruiting a Lead Preparator (Clerk Grade 5/6) for a temporary full‑time appointment of up to four years. This hands‑on role supports Production Managers in planning and delivering high‑quality exhibitions across the museum’s sites. You’ll coordinate construction, fabrication and installation of exhibition components (such as walls, furniture and mounts), supervise workshop staff and contractors, and ensure compliance with museum standards and workplace health and safety.
- Based in the Sydney region, full‑time temporary up to four years
- Total remuneration package around $124k including base salary and super
- Requires strong skills in carpentry or cabinet‑making and experience coordinating exhibition builds
- Résumé (detailing relevant fabrication experience)
- 1–2 page cover letter summarising your leadership and safety credentials
Media Advisor – Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences
The Powerhouse communications team is looking for a Media Advisor (temporary, Clerk Grade 7/8) for up to four years. You’ll craft media releases, event briefings and social content that tell the museum’s stories across broadcast, print and digital channels. The role involves pitching stories to journalists, coordinating media at announcements and launches, and ensuring consistent messaging across all communications platforms. Salary package is around $142k including base salary and super.
- Sydney‑based full‑time role within a collaborative communications team
- Opportunity to shape narratives for one of Australia’s leading cultural institutions
- Leverage strong writing, pitching and stakeholder‑management skills
- Résumé (max 3 pages)
- Up to 2‑page cover letter summarising your media and communications experience
Technical Officer – Operational Technology and Design (Natural Resources Access Regulator)
The Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR) is hiring two permanent Technical Officers (Clerk Grade 7/8) to join its Operational Technology and Design team. Working closely with frontline investigators, you’ll develop, operate and improve the specialised equipment and systems that NRAR uses to collect water‑compliance data in the field. The positions offer hybrid working and can be based in Sydney, Tamworth, Maitland, Newcastle or other NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) offices.
- Permanent full‑time roles, 35 hours per week with FlexTime
- Salary range $113,574–$125,720 plus super, based on experience
- Develop and improve operational technologies supporting sustainable water management
- Résumé outlining your technical or engineering experience
- Up to 2‑page cover letter summarising your skills and suitability
Senior Climate Risk Officer – Enabling Services
Enabling Services within the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is seeking a full‑time Senior Climate Risk Officer (Clerk Grade 9/10) to embed climate risk into the department’s operations. Reporting to the Climate Change Risk Manager, you’ll lead projects that integrate climate risk into business processes, develop tools and resources, analyse emerging risks and support risk owners across the organisation. The role is ongoing and can be based anywhere in NSW, with a preference for candidates in regional hubs like Queanbeyan, Armidale, Dubbo, Nowra or Coffs Harbour.
- 35‑hour week, ongoing appointment with salary range $129,464–$142,665 plus super
- Embed climate risk into enterprise risk frameworks and support operational risk management
- Collaborate with stakeholders to build awareness and capability across the organisation
- Résumé
- Cover letter (up to 2 pages) summarising your climate risk or project management experience
Cyber Security Analyst – NSW Electoral Commission
The NSW Electoral Commission is recruiting an ongoing Cyber Security Analyst (Clerk Grade 7/8) to strengthen its security posture. In this full‑time role you’ll administer and enhance critical security systems—including Identity and Access Management (IAM) and Privileged Access Management (PAM) solutions—while providing L2/L3 support and broader security analysis. You’ll work with a passionate team to protect democratic systems from evolving cyber threats. Salary range is $113,574–$125,720 plus super.
- Ongoing full‑time opportunity based in Sydney CBD with hybrid working
- Manage IAM/PAM systems and contribute to security analysis and incident response
- Work in a non‑partisan environment supporting NSW’s electoral integrity
- Résumé
- Cover letter (up to 2 pages)
- Responses to targeted questions about security incidents (max 300 words each)
Safety and Facilities Partner – NSW Electoral Commission
Also at the NSW Electoral Commission, the organisation’s Work Health and Safety team is seeking a Safety and Facilities Partner (Clerk Grade 9/10). This ongoing role plays a critical part in safeguarding people, property and processes across all Commission sites. You’ll develop, implement and continuously improve the Work Health and Safety Management System, provide expert WHS advice, monitor compliance, manage workers’ compensation and oversee facility services delivered by contractors.
- Full‑time ongoing position based in Sydney CBD with hybrid work options
- Salary range $129,464–$142,665 plus super
- Lead WHS system development, risk management and facility management across multiple sites
- Résumé
- 2‑page cover letter
- Responses to targeted questions (max 300 words each)
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