Inspector of Mines

NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development; Maitland; On-site; AUD 216,000 - 249,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements

Regional office locations

Job summary

The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is seeking an experienced Inspector of Mines (Mining) to protect health and safety across NSW's mining industry. Based in Maitland with hybrid working options, you will lead inspections, investigations and enforcement activities and travel to mine sites across the state.

Applicants should hold a MEM Certificate of Competence, substantial underground mining experience (preferably underground coal), and strong knowledge of

Qualifications

• Extensive underground mining experience, preferably within underground coal sector.
• Strong knowledge of mining operations, risk management and WHS legislation.
• Experience assessing operational risks and implementing safety management practices.
• Excellent written communication and reporting skills.
• Ability to engage constructively with mine operators, workers and stakeholders.
• Willingness to travel regularly throughout NSW, including overnight stays.

Responsibilities

• Assessing, monitoring and reviewing mine health and safety management systems to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Conducting announced and unannounced inspections and assessment activities at mine sites across NSW.
• Investigating incidents, complaints and safety concerns to identify causes and prevent recurrence.
• Applying compliance and enforcement activities to support safe and responsible mining operations.
• Triaging and responding to incident notifications and emergency situations.
• Providing technical advice on mining practices, risk management and legislative requirements.
• Contributing to industry forums, workshops and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Promoting continuous improvement through education, consultation and regulatory oversight.

Skills

Underground mining experience

MEM Certificate of Competence

Stakeholder engagement

Investigative skills

Written communication

Travel willingness

Education

MEM Certificate of Competence

Job description

Be part of the department that works to protect, support and develop NSW primary industries, mining sector and regional communities.

• Permanent ongoing opportunity
• Full-time role at35hoursperweek+ FlexTime
• Location: Maitland preferred; however other DPIRD office locations may also be considered –regionallocation encouraged/hybrid working supported
• Salary ranges from $215,546.00 to $249,462.00 + super & leave loading

About the

As an Inspector of Mines (Mining), you will play a critical role in protecting the health and safety of people across NSW's mining industry. Working within the Resources Regulator, you will exercise statutory and administrative responsibilities to promote safe mining practices, drive continuous improvement and help ensure mine operators meet their legislative obligations.

This is an opportunity to use your extensive underground mining experience to influence safety outcomes across a diverse range of operations throughout NSW. You will undertake site inspections, investigations and compliance activities while working closely with mine operators and stakeholders to improve safety performance. The role involves some state-wide travel, including occasional overnight stays, and participation in a phone roster for after-hours incident response.

You'll do this by:

• Assessing, monitoring and reviewing mine health and safety management systems to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Conducting announced and unannounced inspections and assessment activities at mine sites across NSW.
• Investigating incidents, complaints and safety concerns to identify causes and prevent recurrence.
• Applying compliance and enforcement activities to support safe and responsible mining operations.
• Triaging and responding to incident notifications and emergency situations.
• Providing technical advice on mining practices, risk management and legislative requirements.
• Contributing to industry forums, workshops and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Promoting continuous improvement through education, consultation and regulatory oversight.

About You

We are seeking an experienced underground mining professional who is passionate about improving safety outcomes and influencing positive change across the mining industry. You will bring significant operational experience, preferably within underground coal mining, along with the technical expertise and professional credibility required to engage effectively with industry stakeholders and support high standards of compliance and safety performance.

You are a confident communicator with sound judgement, strong investigative skills and the ability to positively influence others in complex and often challenging environments. You thrive in a role that combines technical expertise, stakeholder engagement and regulatory responsibilities, and you are committed to promoting safe, sustainable and responsible mining practices across NSW.

As our ideal candidate, you will bring:

• Extensive underground mining experience, preferably within the underground coal sector.
• A current Mining Engineering Manager (MEM) Certificate of Competence.
• Strong knowledge of mining operations, risk management principles and work health and safety legislation.
• Experience assessing operational risks and implementing effective safety management practices.
• Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports, investigations and compliance documentation.
• Strong interpersonal and influencing skills with the ability to engage constructively with mine operators, workers and industry stakeholders.
• The ability and willingness to travel regularly throughout NSW, including occasional overnight stays.

Essential Requirements

• Must possess and maintain the qualifications to be appointed as an inspector under section 18(2)(a) of the Work Health and Safety (Mines and Petroleum Sites) Act 2013, and in accordance with the Resources Regulator policy on qualifications of mine safety inspectors.
• Must be able to work on weekends and backshifts and respond to incidents out of normal business hours on a rostered basis.
• Hold and maintain a current Class C driver licence.
• Compliance with pre-employment integrity screening and pecuniary interests’ declarations are mandatory and a condition of engagement.
• Appointment and ongoing assignment is subject to the satisfactory participation in ongoing health screening.

Should you require further information about the role please contact the hiring manager, Justin Allan – Principal Inspector Central Assessment via [e-mail] or on 0474 570 374. You can also view the role description.

Who We Are

NSW Resources, a division of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, is responsible for the strategic management, regulation, and sustainable development of New South Wales' mineral and energy resources. We support safe, responsible exploration and mining, working closely with communities, landholders, and industry stakeholders to balance economic growth with environmental protection.

Our main activities include:

• regulating exploration and mining through licensing, compliance and enforcement
• enforcing safety regulations to ensure the safety of workers in the industry
• developing policies for responsible and sustainable resource use
• managing geoscientific data and geological mapping via the Geological Survey of NSW
• supporting investment and economic development in the resources sector
• overseeing mine rehabilitation
• engaging with communities to promote transparency and land access collaboration.

NSW Resources comprises of:

• Assessments and Systems
• Business Operations and Programs
• Resources Regulator
• Strategy, Performance and Industry Development
• Geological Survey of NSW

Why Join Us?

At DPIRD, we’re committed to protecting and growing NSW’s primary industries while supporting regional communities. When you join us, you’ll:

• Work on meaningful projects that shape the future of agriculture and biosecurity.
• Enjoy flexible work arrangements and the option to work from regional locations.
• Access professional development opportunities to grow your career.
• Be part of a collaborative, inclusive team that values diversity and innovation.

About us – together, we are DPIRD

The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) protects, supports and develops primary industries and regional economies.

Collectively we support strong and sustainable agriculture, forestry, fishing and mining industries, and regional economies. We actively manage our natural assets: our lands and soils, minerals, waterways and oceans, vegetation and forests.

The department brings together:

• Local Land Services
• NSW Resources
• Agriculture and Biosecurity
• Fisheries and Forestry
• Regional Development and Delivery.

We have skilled and dedicated teams working in 200 locations across regional NSW. With the majority of the DPIRD team living and working in regional NSW, we are embedded in the regions we serve. Learn more about the benefits of joining our diverse and talented DPIRD team.

At DPIRD, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds – including, but not limited to, gender, age, ethnicity, cultural heritage, disability, religion and sexual orientation.

DPIRD is a proud Disability Confident Recruiter, Family Inclusive Employer and Carer Friendly Employer.

We are committed to ensuring every stage of the recruitment process is accessible and free from barriers. If you require adjustments or information in an alternative format to participate, please contact [e-mail] or the hiring manager listed for a confidential discussion.

We also understand that work is just one part of life. Our Family Inclusive Employer and Carers + Employers Accreditations reflect our commitment to supporting employees to balance work and family responsibilities.