Investigator

These positions have a focus on heritage compliance. In this role, you will undertake complex compliance and investigative activities relating to heritage, and environmental legislation across New South Wales. Working in a dynamic regulatory environment, you will conduct end-to-end investigations into alleged breaches, gather and analyse evidence, prepare high-quality reports and briefs, and contribute to regulatory programs that drive compliance and protect the state's cultural and natural heritage.

You will work closely with internal specialists, government agencies, industry stakeholders, community members and co-regulators to deliver effective compliance outcomes, resolve complex issues and support informed regulatory decision-making. The role also provides opportunities to contribute to strategic projects, audits, education initiatives and continuous improvement of regulatory practices.

This is an exciting opportunity for a professional with strong investigative skills, sound judgement and a commitment to integrity to make a meaningful contribution to the protection of NSW's heritage, environment, and biodiversity.

Key responsibilities include:

• Conducting end-to-end investigations and compliance activities in accordance with relevant legislation and regulatory priorities.
• Gathering, assessing and documenting evidence to support regulatory outcomes.
• Preparing clear, accurate and timely reports, briefs, correspondence and recommendations.
• Building productive relationships with stakeholders, co-regulators and partner agencies.
• Supporting compliance programs, audits, education campaigns and strategic regulatory initiatives.
• Contributing to continuous improvement of investigative practices, policies and procedures.

You are an experienced investigator or compliance professional with a strong track record of conducting complex investigations, gathering and analysing evidence, and delivering high-quality regulatory outcomes.

You thrive in environments where sound judgement, integrity and attention to detail are critical. You can confidently assess complex information, identify key issues, and make balanced recommendations that stand up to scrutiny. You are comfortable managing competing priorities and working both independently and collaboratively to achieve outcomes.

A skilled communicator, you can build productive relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including government agencies, industry representatives, community members and internal subject matter experts. You are able to navigate sensitive matters with professionalism, discretion and impartiality.

The ideal candidate will bring:

• Experience or qualifications in the building, construction or building compliance industry, with an understanding of heritage standards, regulatory requirements, inspections or compliance processes.
• Experience in investigations, compliance, regulatory, enforcement, intelligence, audit, law enforcement, or a related field.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess evidence and draw logical conclusions.
• Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear, accurate and defensible reports, briefs and correspondence.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to manage challenging conversations and achieve positive outcomes.
• Sound knowledge of investigative methodologies, evidence handling and administrative decision-making principles.
• A demonstrated ability to work autonomously, exercise sound judgement and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• A commitment to ethical decision-making, public service values and delivering outcomes that support community confidence in regulation.

Most importantly, you are motivated by meaningful work and are passionate about protecting NSW's environment, biodiversity and cultural heritage through fair, professional and evidence-based regulatory action.

• A satisfactory Criminal History Check
• Current NSW driver's licence and ability and willingness to travel throughout the state when required
• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline or demonstrated equivalent professional experience in investigations, regulation, law, defence, intelligence services, agriculture and natural resources management, biodiversity assessment and Aboriginal cultural heritage management or archaeology

For more information read the full Role Description: Investigator

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.

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. 

Should you require further information about the role please contact Emily McCarthy via emily.mccarthy@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.

• How to apply for public service roles and prepare an application.
• 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.
• Information and support for veterans transitioning into government careers.

If you require an adjustment for your application process (including an alternate format of the application form), please contact our Talent Acquisition Team by emailing dcceew.ta@dpie.nsw.gov.au or contacting Lila Snow on 02 9995 5095 (please mention reference number 554185).

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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Advertised: 13 Nov 2026 AUS Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 29 Nov 2026 AUS Eastern Daylight Time

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