Sydney Water: A Legal Role That Respects Country, Culture, and Community
Join an organisation where law meets legacy, and water connects with culture.
At Sydney Water, reconciliation is not a checkbox—it’s a commitment embedded in every corner of their operations, governance, and relationships. As they continue their journey through their second Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), Sydney Water is actively inviting First Nations professionals to be part of shaping how the law is practiced in the spaces where land, water, and culture intersect.
They’re currently recruiting for a Legal Counsel – Property to join their Legal & Governance division. And this isn’t just another legal job—this is a chance to do work that matters.
Why This Role Matters
As the Legal Counsel – Property, you’ll be working on complex matters related to land access, compulsory acquisition, infrastructure development, and government compliance. You’ll be part of a legal team that upholds Sydney Water’s commitment to ethical practice, equity, and cultural awareness—especially around Aboriginal land rights and Native Title.
What makes this role stand out is the organisation’s growing efforts to embed Caring for Country principles and First Nations knowledge in its land, planning, and infrastructure decisions. Your expertise in law will be matched by your understanding of—or interest in learning about—how legal practice intersects with culture, Country, and community.
Sydney Water’s Cultural Commitments
Sydney Water’s 2024–2026 Innovate RAP outlines a bold vision: blending modern science with First Nations knowledge to sustainably manage Sydney’s waterways and support thriving First Nations futures.
Key highlights from their RAP and cultural strategy include:
37 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander staff employed across diverse roles, with a growing First Nations employee network.
A dedicated First Nations Employee Network, cultural immersion programs, and training modules open to all staff.
Active partnerships with the NSW Indigenous Chamber of Commerce, Supply Nation, and various Aboriginal land councils.
A Caring for Country approach to project design, exemplified by initiatives like the Malabar Fence Renewal Project and the Healthy Ngurra burn workshops.
Procurement practices that promote First Nations business engagement and economic growth.
A workplace culture that recognises Sorry Business, offers cultural leave, and embraces cultural protocols in day-to-day operations.
“Creating space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to lead, be seen, and shape decisions is how we build a truly inclusive future—not just within our walls but in every community we serve.” — Sydney Water RAP Committee
About the Role: Legal Counsel – Property
Location: Parramatta (Hybrid)
Salary: $210,000 + benefits
Closing: 21 June 2025
Apply here: Sydney Water Talent Community
Key Requirements:
4–6 years post-admission experience in property law
Expertise in land acquisitions, property transactions, and stakeholder negotiations
Strong understanding of legal risks, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively
Desirable experience: Native Title, Aboriginal Land Claims, Land and Environment Court litigation
Benefits Include:
Hybrid work arrangements
18 weeks fully paid parental leave
Discounted health insurance
Fitness Passport
Career development support
24/7 employee wellbeing services
Is This You?
If you’re a First Nations legal professional—or someone who understands the importance of cultural integrity in land and infrastructure decisions—this is your opportunity to bring your whole self to work, be valued for your perspective, and help shape how law and Country come together.
“At Indigenous Job Match, we believe that organisations like Sydney Water are leading the way—not just by hiring First Nations talent but by embedding cultural safety into their systems and projects. This isn’t tokenism. It’s transformation.” — Eddie Solien, Founder, Indigenous Job Match
