Director Fisheries Compliance

• Full-time ongoing Senior Executive, Band 1 role TRP from $240,651 to $266,345 Total per annum including superannuation  
• Location Sydney or regional NSW – Hybrid working
• Lead People. Shape Fisheries Compliance. Deliver Impact.

About the Role

The Director Fisheries Compliance leads the delivery of an integrated, intelligence-led and risk-based regulatory program that supports compliance with the Fisheries Management Act 1994, the Marine Estate Management Act 2014 and associated legislation, policies and regulatory frameworks.

The Director provides strategic leadership to a diverse and dedicated workforce, drawing on its deep operational expertise and experience to deliver an effective, contemporary compliance function. As a core member of the Fisheries & Forestry Executive team, the Director works closely with fisheries management, policy and research leaders to shape priorities and deliver sustainable fisheries and marine estate outcomes for NSW.

About You

You are an accomplished executive leader with extensive experience leading complex regulatory, compliance, enforcement or integrity functions within government or a similarly complex environment.

You have a strong track record of developing and leading high-performing teams, manage significant operational programs and respond to emerging risks in dynamic and often high-profile environments.

You are committed to protecting aquatic resources and strengthening community confidence in fisheries compliance. You act with the highest integrity and bring a strong commitment to public service, continuous improvement and balancing environmental, community and industry interests.

You have a collaborative approach and a proven ability to work across government, industry and community sectors, to foster strong and trusting partnerships that support a coordinated, contemporary and accountable approach to compliance and enforcement.

You will be able to

• Lead and inspire a large, diverse and geographically dispersed workforce to deliver strong regulatory outcomes.
• Build trust and credibility with stakeholders and partner effectively to deliver sustainable fisheries outcomes.
• Exercise sound judgement, balancing emerging risks, government priorities and operational realities.

Why us?

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is dedicated to growing primary industries and supporting regional economic development to deliver long-term benefits for NSW. Our focus is to protect, support and develop primary industries, the mining sector and regional communities.

DPIRD brings together Agriculture and Biosecurity; Forestry and Fishing; Local Land Services; Mining, Exploration and Geoscience; Regional Development and Delivery; the Regional Growth NSW Development Corporation; NSW Public Works; and the Soil Conservation Service. We have nearly 5,000 employees, with almost 80 per cent living and working in regional NSW.

How to Apply

For further information about the role, please contact hiring manager Clem Harris at clem.harris@dpird.nsw.gov.au, or Felicity Gillard, Manager Talent Acquisition, at felicity.j.gillard@dpird.nsw.gov.au or 0410 318 002. Alternatively, view the role description for Director Fisheries Compliance

Sounds interesting—want to apply?

To apply, please submit your curriculum vitae and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.

Applications close:  8^th November 2026 at 11:55 pm.

If you require adjustments to complete your application, attend an interview, undertake pre-employment testing or otherwise participate in the recruitment process, please email capability.talent@regional.nsw.gov.au. A team member will contact you for a confidential discussion.

Additional Information

A talent pool may be created from this recruitment action for ongoing and temporary roles of the same standard that become available over the next 18 months. The successful applicant may be required to undergo a police check, health assessment and other assessments as required.

Diversity and inclusion are core values of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. We are committed to a workplace where everyone can contribute and participate to their full potential, and we are proud to have a team that reflects the richness and complexity of the regional NSW communities we serve.

 Role Description - BAND 1 - Director Fisheries Compliance - FF - Policy Compliance.docx