Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW? 
Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage. 

Use your investigation skills to contribute to sustainable and fair water for the environment and communities of NSW.

• Permanent full-time role and creation of Statewide Talent Pool for future opportunities 

• Full-time at 35 hours per week plus FlexTime 

• Located in Gosford or within North-Eastern NSW by negotiation with hybrid working supported

• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $113,574 to $125,720 plus super 

Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR) enforces the NSW water laws and offers guidance and education to help water users comply and ensure water is used lawfully so that all communities and the environment get a fair share. 

Our Investigations and Enforcement team is currently seeking to appoint an Investigator to undertake a range of compliance-related activities, including inspections and investigations, and provides technical and educative advice to enhance compliance standards in accordance with Natural Resources Access Regulator Act 2017 and natural resources management legislation including the Water Management Act. 

About You

To be successful in the role, you will have the capacity to undertake investigations and experience in interviewing witnesses and suspects and in applying knowledge of investigative methodologies, rules of evidence and court procedures. Experience in Water Management and knowledge of Water Management legislation is preferred. 

You will be self-motivated and have a genuine interest in maintaining a detailed and current knowledge of rules, regulations and operational guidelines, and applying them in an impartial manner. 

You will have good interpersonal and communication skills with the demonstrated ability to undertake compliance activities in an effective, efficient and impartial manner, given the high volume, and sensitive nature of the work, including the ability to balance compliance and educative responsibilities, while dealing professionally with a diverse range of industry participants. 

Essential Requirements

• Tertiary qualifications (or equivalent) in one or more relevant fields such as natural resource management, science, law or forensics, or equivalent experience. 

• Appointment is subject to the successful applicant satisfactorily passing the criminal record check. 

• A current NSW Driver's Licence and a willingness to drive to remote locations which may include overnight stays 

For more information read the full Role Description:  Investigator

Who we are

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) works to protect the state’s 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 state’s 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. 

The Water Group leads the NSW Government in providing confidence to communities and stakeholders with the transparent stewardship of water resources, provision of services and reforms that support sustainable and healthy environments, economies and societies across NSW.  

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

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.  

Applications close Thursday 2 October 2025 at 11:55pm. 

Should you require further information about the role please contact Scott Mathieson, Manager Investigations, NRAR via email scott.mathieson@nrar.nsw.gov.au. 

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 dcceew.ta@dpie.nsw.gov.au contacting Eloise Fleck on 0448 782 700 (please mention reference number 544941).  

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

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