Senior Field Officer

At the NSW Early Learning Commission we regulate early childhood education and care (ECEC) services to protect childrens health safety and development through rigorous ongoing assessments investigations and compliance monitoring.

• Multiple ongoing and temporary opportunities in a supportive and high performing team who work hard to ensure the high quality and safety of early childhood education and care (ECEC) services across NSW.

• Location: Parramatta Bankstown Sydney City Eastern Suburbs North Sydney Northern Beaches Hawkesbury Hills district Blue Mountains Campbelltown Hurstville Kogarah Sutherland Shire and Wollongong.
• A talent pool may be created through this recruitment process to fill anticipated vacancies over the next 18 months.

• Clerk Grade 7/8 salary range from$113574 to $125720 p.a. plus superannuation and annual leave loading

About the NSW Early Learning Commission

The NSW Early Learning Commission began operation as the independent regulator for early childhood education and care (ECEC) in NSW on 1 December 2025. We are responsible for regulating over 6000 ECEC services across NSW to ensure they meet high standards of safety quality and compliance with the National Law and Regulations. We oversee these services with the paramountcy principle front of mind that is that the safety of children comes first always.

The Early Learning Commission is dedicated to driving quality safety compliance and community

confidence across the NSW ECEC sector. We place the safety wellbeing rights and best interests of children at the very centre of every decision and action.

About the role

Senior Field Officers draw on their expertise and collaborative skills to ensure continuous quality uplift and compliance of the early childhood education and care (ECEC) services so they can deliver the best outcomes for children. Working as a Senior Field Officer is rewarding challenging and impactful you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and their families.

This role is a key part of the NSW Early Learning Commissions critical frontline. By working closely with other team members external stakeholders and the broader community you will contribute to shaping a sector that supports the best outcomes for children attending early learning services. The team operates within a collaborative and supportive environment united by a shared commitment to excellence and regulatory compliance.

Role responsibilities include:

• undertaking assessment and rating against the seven quality areas of the National Quality Standards

• conducting monitoring and compliance checks and recommending regulatory actions to address non-compliance

• conducting investigations of complex complaints and incidents through site visits and evidence gathering
• building strong relationships with stakeholders to promote sector improvement and quality uplift

• Senior Field Officers are required to regularly travel to ECEC services to conduct visits. Depending on business need and officer location this may mean travel across metro Sydney or travel in regional locations requiring overnight stays.

To learn more about the role of an Authorised Officer please visit the Authorised Officer webpage review the Authorised Officer fact sheet and download the role description.

About you

• ECEC sector experience in one or more ECEC service types including implementation of ECEC pedagogy and programs

• Confident in interpreting and applying legislative requirements

• Knowledgeable in early childhood education and care best practice frameworks
• Skilled in conducting quality assessments identifying risk and preparing evidence-based reports

• Experienced in managing stakeholder relationships and communicating clearly youre your excellent verbal and written communication skills including accurate record keeping

• Ability to undertake regular short-term travel to meet business needs and flexibility to work at varied times within the bandwidth

• Self-motivated organised and able to workautonomously
• Confident using technology and IT systems

Applicants will be required to declare and provide details of any investigation(s) that they have been subject to at any time personally as an employee of an Early Childhood Education and Care Service or as a Responsible Person.

Essential requirements of the role

• A valid Working with Children Check clearance for paid employment

• A valid driver license as driving is an essential requirement of this role

• Degree or diploma in a relevant discipline for example Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Education Diploma of Early Education and Care or another early childhood education qualification

Benefits

• Flexible working arrangements
• 35 hour working week
• Competitive pay/remuneration salary sacrificing employers contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading
• Flex Leave entitlements generous holidays & leave conditions
• Opportunities for advancement and mobility across the Department to support your career growth

How to apply

Attach a resume (maximum 5 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining how you meet the requirements and capabilities of this role as well as providing answers to the pre-screening questions below.

Please also attach a copy of your relevant diploma or degree along with an academic transcript if available.

Question 1. Describe a time when you supported a team to identify and uplift quality in an early childhood education and care setting. What did you do How did you gain the support of the team to achieve quality uplift What was the outcome (400 words max)

Question 2. The education and care sector has experienced a great deal of change in recent times including significant changes in legislation at both the state and federal level. Describe a time when you implemented a significant change what was the change what were the steps you took to plan implement review and evaluate the change Upon reflection what further changes would you implement (400 words max)

Applicants are encouraged to prepare their application materials independently. The selection panel values authentic and personally written responses that reflect your own experience insights and alignment with the Departments values and priorities.

Please refer to the Applicants Guide to Applying to assist you with your application.

If you are an existing Education Support Staff (corporate staff) with the NSW Department of Education click here for instructions on how to submit your application.

All other applicants please submit your application by clicking Apply Now.

Note: the selection process will include a range of assessment techniques to assist in determining your suitability for the role. Successful candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening for this role which includes a National Criminal History Check.

This is a child-related role. As a condition of employment you will be required to provide a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) Clearance number (for paid employment). Visit the website for more information.

Candidates must have Australian work rights (citizens permanent residents New Zealand citizens or a valid work visa). Ongoing (permanent) roles are open to Australian citizens and permanent residents and New Zealand citizens while temporary roles welcome applicants with a visa.

Closing date: Tuesday 31 March 2026 at 11:59pm.

For role enquiries please contact Jennifer Smith Statewide Operations Manager via 0 or .

We welcome applications from all ages and genders Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples culturally and linguistically diverse groups the LGBTQIA community veterans refugees and people with disability. If we can make some adjustments to our recruitment/interview process to better enable you to shine please contact the Diversity and Inclusion Team () or visit NSW Department of Education Diversity and Inclusion.

A recruitment pool may be created through this recruitment process. A recruitment pool is a group of applicants who have been assessed and identified as suitable for this role and who may be considered for a range of similar roles including temporary term or ongoing roles over the next 18 months.