Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?
Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.
- Lead high‑impact investigations that protect NSW’s 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 $129,464 to $142,665 + super
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
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 NSW’s 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 well‑developed soft skills.
The role requires sound judgement, integrity and accountability when operating in high‑pressure and high‑scrutiny 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 problem‑solving 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 Driver's 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 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.
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 scott.walker@nrar.nsw.gov.au or on 02 98428025.
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?
If you require an adjustment for your application process, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team by emailing dcceew.ta@dpie.nsw.gov.au or contacting Celia Luis on 02 4904 2746 (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 AEX@dcceew.nsw.gov.au for a yarn.
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Role Description
