Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?
Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.
- Investigator (Environment Officer Class 8)
- 2x Ongoing full-time (35 hours per week) opportunities
- 1x Temporary full-time (35 hours per week) opportunity ending 30/06/2028
- Office location is Parramatta or Newcastle – hybrid working supported
- Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $119,292 to $134,587 pa + super
Our Investigation and Enforcement team is currently seeking experienced investigators to undertake end to end investigations into potential breaches of NSW environmental and heritage legislation.
Your day-to-day duties will include conducting desktop assessments, including spatial assessment and analysis; undertaking site inspections in urban, regional, and remote locations; and working with experts, both in the field and in the office. You will use your superior written skills and attention to detail when drafting and issuing statutory notices, and when preparing briefs of evidence to support a variety of regulatory outcomes. You will engage with a diverse range stakeholders in various settings, including when conducting recorded interviews with witnesses and suspects, engaging with legal professionals, and appearing before the court to give evidence.
About You
To successfully perform this role, you will have the ability to:
- Undertake a range of compliance and investigative activities under relevant environmental legislation, delivering risk-based regulatory programs to promote, monitor and improve compliance outcomes.
- Gather, analyse and clearly document evidence to prepare high-quality reports, briefs and submissions that support informed decision-making, in line with legislative, policy and record‑keeping requirements.
- Provide advice, guidance and mentoring to colleagues to build capability and consistency in the delivery of effective compliance and investigative services.
- Prepare clear, accurate and timely written reports, submissions, briefing notes and ministerial correspondence, to support sound decision-making and maintain confidence in regulatory processes when managing complex, sensitive, and high‑profile matters.
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with co‑regulators and other partner agencies to support coordinated compliance and investigation activities and to achieve improved regulatory outcomes.
Essential requirements
- A satisfactory Criminal History Check
- Current NSW driver's licence
- Ability and willingness to conduct fieldwork in urban, regional, and remote areas
- Able and willing to travel throughout the state if required, sometimes for extended periods of time
- Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline or demonstrated equivalent professional experience in investigations
Highly regarded
- Investigation experience associated with regulation and compliance
- Experience in natural resources, agriculture, Aboriginal cultural heritage and/or heritage management
- Experience working with a diverse range of stakeholders
- Experience with Geographic Information Systems
For more information, please 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.
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, permanent resident, or hold a valid Australian working Visa for the duration of the appointment.
Applications close: Sunday, 2 August 2026 at 11.55pm.
Should you require further information about the role, please contact Amber Apthorpe on 0461 522 969 or amber.apthorpe@dcceew.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?
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 Vithiya Yogarajah on 02 9995 5011 (please mention reference number 551321).
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
