Senior Investigator

NSW Resources

Reference number

509643

Occupation

Regulatory and Compliance, Safety

Work type

Full-Time

Location

Newcastle, Hunter & Region, Regional NSW, Sydney - West, Sydney City

Salary Information

Inspector Grade 2

Closing date

25 June 2026 at 11:55pm

Be part of the department that works to protect, support and develop NSW primary industries, mining sector and regional communities.

x1 temporary opportunity to 25 September 2026, with possibility of extension

x1 temporary opportunity to 20 November 2026, with possibility of extension

Full-time roles at 35 hours per week
Location: Newcastle, Maitland, Paramatta or Sydney – hybrid working supported
Inspector Grade 2 | Salary ranges from $164,015.00 base to $189,842.00 + super & leave loading

About the Role

As a Senior Investigator with the Resources Regulator’s Major Safety Investigations, you will undertake critical regulatory work in the mining sector, leading investigations into fatalities, serious incidents and complex safety matters, to determine non-compliance, evaluate outcomes and recommend action to be taken in line with legislation administered by the Regulator, including statutory functions and powers under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, the Work Health and Safety (Mines and Petroleum Sites) Act 2013 and associated regulations.

Working across diverse mine environments and alongside multidisciplinary specialists, legal representatives, emergency services and industry leaders, you will gather evidence, analyse failures in safety systems and translate complex technical findings into clear, credible reports and practical preventative actions. Beyond each investigation, you will help educate stakeholders, contribute to targeted safety initiatives and provide evidence in legal and coronial proceedings, ensuring lessons learnt have the power to protect lives and strengthen confidence in the sector.

About You

We are seeking 2 accomplished and resilient investigative professionals who combine technical expertise with sound judgement, personal integrity and the confidence to operate independently in sensitive and often high-pressure environments. You will be motivated by public safety, committed to factual and impartial inquiry and capable of navigating challenging stakeholder interactions with professionalism, empathy and authority.

To be successful in these roles, our ideal candidates will have the following:

Proven experience in undertaking complex investigations, including interviewing witnesses and gathering evidence in a manner that withstands legal scrutiny, and the preparation of factual, high-quality legal and published reports
Strong ability to communicate technical findings clearly to a wide range of audiences, including industry stakeholders, legal representatives and senior decision makers
Demonstrated resilience, sound judgement and professionalism when managing emotionally charged or contentious matters
Ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams while maintaining independence and investigative integrity
Confidence interpreting legislation, evaluating safety systems and contributing to regulatory, legal or preventative outcomes
A proactive mindset, strong personal accountability and willingness to travel and respond to matters at short notice
Strong skill set and experience in examining incident scenes with the ability and willingness to respond to incidents in challenging environments including underground and surface mines sites, quarries and remote workplaces across New South Wales.

Essential Requirements

Relevant tertiary qualifications or extensive experience in one or more of the following areas: work health and safety, environmental science, business, law or forensics (or equivalent).
Be eligible to be appointed as an Investigator under NSW mine safety legislation.
Hold and maintain a current Class C driver's licence and have the ability to travel state-wide at short notices.
Compliance with the Resources Regulator Integrity Clearance policy is mandatory, and a condition of engagement for staff engaged after 3 December 2019.
Compliance with the Resources Regulator Pecuniary Interests in the Regulated Sector policy is mandatory.
Appointment and ongoing assignment is subject to the satisfactory participation in ongoing health screening.

Should you require further information about the role please contact the hiring manager, Steven Brock – Principal Investigator via ***email_hidden*** or on 0417 098 064. You can also view the role description.

Who We Are

NSW Resources, a division of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, is responsible for the strategic management, regulation, and sustainable development of New South Wales' mineral and energy resources. We support safe, responsible exploration and mining, working closely with communities, landholders, and industry stakeholders to balance economic growth with environmental protection.

Our main activities include:

regulating exploration and mining through licensing, compliance and enforcement
enforcing safety regulations to ensure the safety of workers in the industry
developing policies for responsible and sustainable resource use
managing geoscientific data and geological mapping via the Geological Survey of NSW
supporting investment and economic development in the resources sector
overseeing mine rehabilitation
engaging with communities to promote transparency and land access collaboration.

NSW Resources comprises of:

Assessments and Systems
Business Operations and Programs
Resources Regulator
Strategy, Performance and Industry Development
Geological Survey of NSW

Why Join Us?

At DPIRD, we’re committed to protecting and growing NSW’s primary industries while supporting regional communities. When you join us, you’ll:

Work on meaningful projects that shape the future of agriculture and biosecurity.
Enjoy flexible work arrangements and the option to work from regional locations.
Access professional development opportunities to grow your career.
Be part of a collaborative, inclusive team that values diversity and innovation.

To Apply

Applying is easy! Please apply via our online portal and submit:

A CV (maximum 5 pages)
A cover letter (maximum 2 pages) Tell us how your experience and skills make you a great fit for this role.

Applications close Thursday, 25 th June at 11:55pm AEST.

What to Expect Next

After applying:

You’ll receive a confirmation email
We’ll review all applications once the ad closes
If shortlisted, you may be invited to interview (in person or Microsoft Teams video)
Further assessments will follow (e.g. writing task, skills test, psychometric test)
Reference checks will be completed for final candidates
The preferred candidate for this role may be required to undergo reference checks, a national police check, bankruptcy check, health assessment and/or other assessments as required.
A talent pool may be created for ongoing and temporary roles of the same type that may arise within the next 18 months.

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.

We have skilled and dedicated teams working in 200 locations across regional NSW. With the majority 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.

At DPIRD, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds – including, but not limited to, gender, age, ethnicity, cultural heritage, disability, religion and sexual orientation.

DPIRD is a proud

Disability Confident Recruiter,

Family Inclusive Employer and Carer Friendly Employer

We are committed to ensuring every stage of the recruitment process is accessible and free from barriers. If you require adjustments or information in an alternative format to participate, please contact [email protected] or the hiring manager listed for a confidential discussion.

We also understand that work is just one part of life. Our Family Inclusive Employer and Carers + Employers Accreditations reflect our commitment to supporting employees to balance work and family responsibilities.