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

• Lead complex investigations that protect NSW’s most critical resource – water
• Full-time ongoing opportunity
• Office location – North East NSW preferred, hybrid working supported
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $149K pa to $173K pa + super

The Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR) are seeking to appoint a Manager Investigations to lead a geographically dispersed team delivering high-impact, complex and often sensitive investigations that underpin public confidence in water regulation and enforcement.

This is your opportunity to lead from the front, influence regulatory outcomes, and drive continuous improvement in investigative practice. Step into a leadership role where your work directly supports fair, lawful and sustainable water use across NSW.

About the team
NRAR enforces NSW water laws and supports compliance through education, guidance and enforcement. The Investigation and Enforcement team plays a critical role in ensuring water is used lawfully so communities, industry and the environment all benefit.

What you’ll be doing
Leading the North East regional team, you’ll operate at both strategic and operational levels, leading people while shaping how investigations are delivered. The North East team covers the far north coast and surrounding inland areas, from the Queensland border in the north down to the mid-north coast, and west into regional and tablelands communities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and developing a regional investigations team to deliver high-quality, best practice outcomes
• Overseeing complex, sensitive and high-risk investigations
• Providing expert advice to senior leaders, stakeholders and regulatory partners
• Driving operational performance, monitoring KPIs and identifying improvement opportunities
• Strengthening systems, processes and investigative frameworks
• Building strong relationships with co-regulators, legal partners and stakeholders
• Using data and insights to inform decision-making and improve regulatory outcomes

What you’ll bring
We’re looking for a confident leader with strong regulatory or investigative experience who can balance complexity with accountability.

You will demonstrate:

• Proven experience leading investigations teams or complex compliance functions
• Strong capability in managing people, performance and geographically dispersed teams
• Ability to lead complex, sensitive investigations and deliver defensible outcomes
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement, influencing and communication skills
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving capability, supported by data and analysis
• A strong commitment to integrity, professionalism and public sector values

Essential requirements

• Valid NSW Class C Driver Licence (or equivalent)
• Willingness to undertake travel across NSW, including periods away from home

Ready to make an impact?
If you’re a decisive leader with a passion for regulation, investigations and people leadership, we want to hear from you.

For more information read the full Role Description.

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 Sunday 5 July 2026 at 11:55PM.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Scott Murray, Senior Manager Investigations and Enforcement - North via scott.murray@nrar.nsw.gov.au or on 0492 230 470.

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 or contacting Jodi Arthur on 02 6360 9015 (please mention reference number 551072).

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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