Senior Investigator

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.

Water sustains communities, industries, agriculture, culture and the environment. As a Senior Investigator with the Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR), you will play a vital role in ensuring NSW water laws are upheld and that water is shared fairly and lawfully for current and future generations.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced investigator to lead complex compliance and enforcement activities, contribute to regulatory excellence, and mentor emerging investigators within a respected regulatory agency. 

• As a Senior Investigator, you will undertake complex investigations into alleged breaches of water management legislation, gather and analyse evidence, prepare high-quality briefs of evidence, and recommend appropriate regulatory action. You will work closely with stakeholders, legal representatives and regulatory partners to deliver fair, transparent and evidence-based compliance outcomes.
• You will also support, coach and develop regulatory staff, helping to build capability across the organisation and strengthen compliance outcomes throughout NSW.

• →Lead and manage complex compliance investigations.
• →Gather, review and analyse evidence relating to alleged breaches of water legislation.
• →Prepare briefs of evidence, reports and enforcement recommendations.
• →Draft regulatory responses and enforcement instruments.
• →Provide expert advice to internal and external stakeholders.
• →Coach and mentor investigators and regulatory officers.
• →Contribute to strategic compliance and enforcement campaigns.
• →Support continuous improvement of investigation, compliance and case management processes.

We're looking for a highly motivated professional who can demonstrate:

• Significant experience conducting complex investigations and enforcement activities.
• Sound knowledge of investigative methodologies, rules of evidence and court procedures.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to make evidence-based recommendations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience coaching, mentoring or developing staff.
• A commitment to integrity, accountability and public sector values.
• The ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and communities.
• Experience in environmental regulation, natural resource management, water regulation, compliance, law enforcement or a related field will be highly regarded.

• Tertiary qualifications or equivalent experience in a relevant discipline such as law, natural resource management, science or forensics.
• Current NSW Driver Licence.
• Willingness to travel, including to remote locations and overnight stays when required.
• Successful completion of a criminal records check.

For more information read the full Role Description: Senior Investigator NRAR

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.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Russell Pitt via russell.pitt@nrar.nsw.gov.au or Tanya Eade-smith via tanya.eade-smith@nrar.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.

• 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.nsws.gov.au or contacting Amanda Tantzaris on 02 82751128 (please mention reference number 551857).

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander use our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles or contact our Aboriginal Career pathways team for a yarn.

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Advertised: 28 Jul 2026 AUS Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: 11 Aug 2026 AUS Eastern Standard Time

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