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

• Ongoing roles
• Full-time at 35 hours per week plus Flex Time
• Statewide with hybrid working supported
• Salary ranges from $129,464 to $142,665 plus super and leave loading

Opportunity to join Natural Resource Access Regulator (NRAR) who oversee the enforcement of water management laws to ensure communities, and the environment can get their fair share of our state’s precious water resources.  In this role you will directly contribute to equitable and sustainable water management for the environment, communities and industries of NSW.

The role undertakes complex investigations under the statutory functions and powers of the Natural Resources Access Regulator Act 2017 into alleged breaches of the Water Management Act 2000. The role leads investigations and supports other staff in improving compliance outcomes, working with Investigators and Assistant Project Officers (Investigations).

The Senior Investigator is a key role in the Investigations and Enforcement Branch of NRAR, with staff based across NSW. The role reports to and works closely with the Manager, Investigations. The role delivers complex investigations, regulatory responses, and enforcement actions, as well as leads engagement with stakeholders about progress and outcomes of investigations.

This role involves regular travel to regional areas across north-western New South Wales, including regular day trips, occasional overnight stays, and multi-day trips up to twice a month.

About You

To be successful in the role, you will understand and have experience in managing complex compliance and enforcement activities, preferably in Government regulation of natural resources or the environment.

You are an investigator or senior investigator with significant experience in conducting complex investigations into breaches of water law and/or other natural resources management law, or environmental laws, having experience in delivering high-level enforcement activities.  

You will have extensive experience in interviewing witnesses and suspects and in applying knowledge of investigative methodologies, rules of evidence and court procedures, including undertaking complex investigations in a context of high levels of internal and external scrutiny.

Essential Requirements

• 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

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.

Water brings communities together; keeps industries moving and sustains life. It has significant cultural and environmental value with an estimated market value of more than $29 billion in NSW. When it's taken unlawfully, we lose more than just the water.

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 Sunday 10 August 2025 at 11:55pm                                     

Should you require further information about the role please contact Timothy O’Connell, Manager, Investigations, NRAR via email timothy.oconnell@nrar.nsw.gov.au or via mobile 0409 154 285.      

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 including for other regions of NSW.

Looking for more information or assistance in applying?

Our Diversity team can assist to:

• provide alternative formats to apply
• make adjustments to the recruitment process
• offer information about workplace adjustments and support networks

We encourage people with disability to apply. If you have disability and require more information on adjustments and assistance to apply, contact the Diversity team on Diversity@DPIE.nsw.gov.au  (please include reference number 535896).

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander check out Our Mob on Country to see the work we do and get assistance in applying.

Find us here:
https://www.facebook.com/NaturalResourcesAccessRegulator
https://www.linkedin.com/company/80210040/
https://www.youtube.com/@NRAR_NSW
https://twitter.com/NRAR