Principal Inspector Metals & Extractives

• Full time ongoing role available
• Salary from $245K pa to $254K pa super
• All DPIRD office locations will be considered.

NSW Resources are seeking a dynamic Principal Inspector to join the Resources Regulator. This is your opportunity to make a real difference across the states metalliferous and extractive operations.

About the Role

As Principal Inspector you will:

• Lead a team delivering inspections and targeted assessments statewide verifying effective risk management and WHS compliance.
• Oversee complex incident investigations and complaints including rostered after-hours emergency response to prevent recurrence and improve industry outcomes.
• Manage enforcement actions (improvement prohibition and penalty notices) and drive timely closure of corrective actions.
• Shape and deliver industry campaigns workshops and guidance; represent the Regulator in forums and strengthen stakeholder relationships.
• Provide technical expertise on high-risk activity notifications exemptions and other statutory matters; ensure quality systems planning and transparent reporting.

This role requires a blend of technical mining/WHS expertise strong leadership excellent communication and a commitment to integrity and public safety. The ability to manage complex investigations drive compliance and influence industry outcomes is essential.

Youll be someone with:

• Expert knowledge of mining and/or work health and safety (WHS) legislationespecially as it applies to mines and petroleum sites.
• Strong understanding of mining technology systems and practices.
• Demonstrated team leadership experience to lead motivate develop and manage a team of inspectors and technical experts.
• Sound auditing methodologiesability to assess monitor and review health and safety management systems.
• Proven incident investigationskilled in leading and overseeing complex incident and complaint investigations including after-hours emergency response.
• Demonstrated enforcement and complianceexperience managing enforcement actions (improvement prohibition penalty notices) and ensuring timely closure of corrective actions.

Youll also need:

• A current Class C driver licence.
• To possess and maintain the qualifications to be appointed as an inspector under section 18(2)(a) of the Work Health and Safety (Mines and Petroleum Sites) Act 2013 and in accordance with the Resources Regulator policy on qualifications of mine safety inspectors.
• The willingness and ability to work weekends back-shifts and respond to incidents outside normal business hours.
• To meet integrity and pecuniary interest clearance requirements.

Why Join Us

Working for NSW Resources offers a range of benefits and opportunities that make it an attractive place to build your career. Youll be part of a team that offers:

• Impactful Work
• Professional Development
• A Collaborative Environment
• A Diverse and Inclusive Workplace
• Supportive Leadership

Ready to Apply

Submit your (ideally no more than one-page) cover letter outlining your suitability and interest in this role with your resume (ideally no more than three pages) by 11.55pm Sunday 12 October 2025.

For further information about the role please contact Anthony Margetts Chief Inspector of Mines via or. You can also view the Role Description.

Please note:

• Compliance with pre-employment probity screening is mandatory for all roles within NSW Resources and is a condition of engagement.
• Appointment and ongoing assignment is subject to the satisfactory participation in ongoing health screening.
• A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary roles of the same role or role type that may become available for filling over the next eighteen months.

Diversity equity and inclusion are central to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive reflecting the rich diversity of the communities we serve. We actively encourage individuals of all backgrounds including but not limited to; gender age ethnicity race cultural heritage disability religion and sexual orientation to submit an application. We strive to ensure that every stage of the recruitment process and overall employee experience is accessible welcoming and free from barriers.

If you require adjustments in completing your application interviewing completing any pre- employment testing or otherwise participating in the recruitment process please let us know so we can assist. Send an email to and a member of the team will contact you for a confidential discussion.

What to expect next

Once you submit your application youll receive an email confirmation. After the advertisement closes all applications will be reviewed by the hiring manager and/or selection panel. If shortlisted you may be invited to an interviewthis could be in person over the phone or via video. You may also be asked to complete role-related tasks such as a written assessment skills test video or psychometric assessment. Reference checks will be conducted for candidates progressing to the final stages.

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 and mining industries and regional economies. We actively manage our natural assets: our lands and soils minerals waterways and oceans vegetation and forests.

The department brings together:

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

With nearly 5000 employees 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.