Senior Investigator

Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW

Working to protect the states environment and heritage.

• Lead highimpact investigations that protect NSWs vital water resources ensuring fair and lawful access for communities industry and the environment
• Permanent full-time/part-time (35 hours per week) opportunity
• Office location Parramatta. Other NSW regional locations will be considered and a Talent Pool created hybrid working supported.
• Salary relative to experience and ranges from $129464 to $142665 super

NRAR enforces the NSW water laws and offers guidance and education to help water users comply.

Westrive to be an efficient and effective regulator that celebrates and reflects the diversity of the community we serve.

Working with NRAR provides a chance to make sure water is used lawfully so that all communities and the environment get a fair share

The Senior Investigator undertakes complex investigations into alleged breaches of water management legislation gathering and analysing evidence preparing high quality briefs of evidence and making recommendations for regulatory action including court proceedings where required.

The role also coaches and supports other investigators contributes to strategic compliance and enforcement campaigns prepares regulatory responses such as notices and penalty infringements and engages with stakeholders to ensure investigations are conducted fairly consistently and in the public interest helping protect NSWs water resources.

About You

To succeed in this role candidates will demonstrate substantial experience in complex compliance and enforcement investigations preferably within a government or natural resources regulatory setting. This includes practical knowledge of relevant legislation investigative methodologies rules of evidence and court processes as well as proven capability in gathering analysing and managing evidence to prepare clear defensible briefs and recommendations. Experience leading investigations contributing to strategic enforcement initiatives and coaching or supporting other regulatory officers to strengthen compliance outcomes is important alongside tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline such as law science forensics or natural resource management.

Strong technical capability must be matched by welldeveloped soft skills.

The role requires sound judgement integrity and accountability when operating in highpressure and highscrutiny environments often involving sensitive or contested matters. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential for explaining complex issues engaging constructively with stakeholders and reporting outcomes clearly and persuasively. Success also relies on advanced problemsolving skills resilience and the ability to collaborate effectively across teams while managing competing priorities and adapting to changing operational demands including work in remote locations.

Essential Requirements As detailed in the Role Description

• Tertiary qualifications (or equivalent) in one or more relevant fields such as natural resource management science law or forensics.
• Appointment is subject to the successful applicant satisfactorily passing the criminal record check.
• A current NSW Drivers Licence and a willingness to drive to remote locations which may include overnight stays.

For more information read the full Role Description: Senior Investigator NRAR

Who we are

The Department of Climate Change Energy the Environment and Water(DCCEEW) works to protect the states environment and heritage. It leads the way on climate change driving the sustainable transition to a net zero economy powered by affordable reliable and clean energy.

DCCEEW conserves and protects the states natural environment. It manages the NSW national park estate including its rich and diverse biodiversity and Aboriginal cultural heritage for future generations.

DCCEEW also ensures sustainable management of water resources across the state to support the environment communities and industry.

We acknowledge the ongoing custodial responsibilities of the Aboriginal peoples of NSW to care for Country and water and are committed to establishing meaningful partnerships with Aboriginal peoples in the management of the environment.

To Apply

If excited by the information above we look forward to receiving your application including a copy of your resume and cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role.

Please note to be eligible to apply for this position you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident or hold a valid Australian working Visa for the duration of the appointment.

Applications close Friday 29 May 2026 at 11:55PM.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Scott Walker via or on 02 .

A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available over the next 18 months.

Our goal is to build a workforce that not only represents but also understands and serves the diverse communities of New South Wales. We are committed to making our state a vibrant and inclusive place to live work and thrive for everyone. Our workforce represents people of all ages and genders Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people people with disabilities the LGBTQI community and people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

Looking for more information or assistance in applying

• Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace.
• How we encourage and support people with disability
• Information and adjustments for individual needs for the recruitment process and the workplace.

If you require an adjustment for your application process please contact our Talent Acquisition Team by emailing or contacting Celia Luis on(please mention reference number 550317).

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander use our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles or our Aboriginal Career pathways team at for a yarn.

Find us on Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) YouTube and LinkedIn.