Investigator

Careers; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 101,000 - 114,000; Full time

Job summary

Tobacco Licensing Victoria is seeking an Investigator for a fixed-term appointment in Melbourne to lead regulatory investigations, including inspections and issuing briefs of evidence under the Tobacco Act 1987. The role involves field-based work across Victoria and collaboration with a team to ensure compliance and enforcement outcomes.

The successful candidate will prepare reports, briefs of evidence, and court documents, with the flexibility to travel and work outside standard hours as

Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience conducting complex investigations.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in conducting compliance and enforcement operations in a regulatory or law enforcement environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in use of systems and processes used in compliance and enforcement operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct regulatory investigations to support disciplinary action and enforcement outcomes.
• Perform inspections and risk-based monitoring of premises across Victoria.
• Prepare reports, briefs of evidence, statements, affidavits and other court documents as directed.
• Conduct records of interview in accordance with legislation, policy and procedures.
• Recommend appropriate enforcement actions and contribute to improvement initiatives and change.
• Provide guidance and coaching to embed improved practices and compliance.

Skills

Investigations

Regulatory enforcement

Briefs of evidence

Field work

Job description

Great opportunity to join Tobacco Licensing Victoria on a fixed term basis in Melbourne.Plan and conduct investigations into breaches of the Tobacco Act 1987 (the Act), which may include inspections and search warrants of premises across Victoria.Perform enforcement functions which may include compiling briefs of evidence and other documentation to support enforcement action in relation to breaches of the Act.The Department of Justice and Community Safety (DJCS) provides a range of government programs and services focused on improving community safety, victim services, regulatory services and crime prevention, and building strong collaboration across the justice system. Tobacco Licensing Victoria (TLV) was established to deliver the Government's commitment to implement a tobacco regulation and licensing scheme and is part of efforts to reduce the presence of illicit tobacco in Victoria.The role of the Investigator is primarily responsible for leading and conducting regulatory investigations for the purpose of disciplinary action and other enforcement outcomes. The role will also involve conducting inspections, observations at or near relevant premises and conducting risk management discussions. This role will be responsible for recommending appropriate enforcement actions, including commencing a criminal investigation or other enforcement action in accordance with TLV policies and procedures.The role requires the flexibility to work in the field and perform duties outside of normal business hours including overnight travel to regional Victoria when operationally required at different times throughout the year.The OpportunityFixed Term to June 30 2028VPS Grade 4 role: $100,894- $114,476 per year plus superannuation.Work as part of a team, safely and in accordance with legislation, policy and procedures, to conduct inspections and search warrants of premises to monitor compliance with Tobacco Act 1987 (the Act).Document and record all compliance activity in accordance with legislation, policy and procedures in an accurate and timely manner, maintaining the integrity and transparency.Conduct a range of inquiries, investigations and compliance monitoring activities pursuant to the legislation including the preparation of reports and briefs of evidence.Use high level investigative expertise to make informed, proportionate and evidenced-based compliance and enforcement decisions and recommendations in line with TVL policies and procedures.Prepare accurate and thorough recommendations, reports, briefing papers and correspondence on all investigations, inspections and compliance enforcement activity in accordance with operational procedures and policies.Prepare statements, affidavits, briefs of evidence and other court documents as directed.Conduct records of interview in accordance with legislation, policy and procedures.Prepare and issue sanctions in relation to breaches of the Act.Contribute to recommending improvement initiatives and change relating to investigations.Provide guidance, coaching, and administrative support to embed improved practices and compliance.Conduct investigations and audits, identifying root causes and recommending effective risk controls to prevent recurrence.Assess, identify and appropriately manage or escalate operational and reputational issues and risks to the line Manager.Completion of other required tasks as directed by the Team Leader, Compliance and Enforcement.To be successful in this role you will have:Demonstrated knowledge and experience conducting complex investigations and preparing briefs of evidence.Demonstrated knowledge and experience in a conducting compliance and enforcement operations in a regulatory or law enforcement environment.Demonstrated knowledge and experience in the use of systems and processes used in compliance and enforcement operations.To learn more about the type of skills you will need to thrive in this role, please read the position description.What's in it for you?You will be working for the Department of Justice and Community Safety, which is one arm of the Victorian State Government, a recognised top employer of choice nationally. All our staff work to the vision of a safe, just, innovative and thriving Victoria.There are many advantages in working for the department, including:Job stability - position as a member of the Victorian Public Service (VPS).A fair salary- enjoy great work conditions and salary sacrificing options.Transparent performance framework- approach your work with confidence in how you're tracking, working to professional development plans agreed on by you and your manager.Generous leave entitlements- provisions for many forms of leave; including personal, parental, carers, study, cultural, compassionate, and sick leave.Employee Assistance Program support - you are encouraged to use this short-term, confidential counselling service if you're experiencing emotional stress, relationship problems, conflict with others or personal issues. It is also available for financial counselling and retirement planning.If you have any queries, please contact Ed Judd on [e-mail] and/or Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.Applicants are welcome to utilise support from the Aboriginal Recruitment Team throughout the recruitment process. Aboriginal candidates are encouraged to contact [e-mail] if they would like cultural support and guidance through the application process.For Aboriginal Designated and Prioritised positions, a Certificate of Aboriginality (CoA) will be required prior to an offer of employment being madeWe want to make sure all Victorians feel represented by the department's work. One of the ways we do this is by recruiting a diverse workforce - we welcome people of any gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability and cultural background. We are also committed to the Victorian Government's promise to increase the number of veterans working in the public sector.We're proud of our individual differences. We're proud of the many languages we speak and the stories we can share with each other. We hope you will share your story too.If this sounds like a compelling job that you believe your skills would be a great match for, please APPLY NOW. Applications close 11.59pm, 18th October 2026How to applyPlease click the Apply button on this advertisement. Applications should include a resume and covering letter. Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats.The successful candidate will be required to undergo pre-employment checks which may include national police checks and misconduct screening.If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process, or require an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the contact person listed on this ad.IMPORTANT INFORMATION:CHILD SAFE STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT:The Department of Justice and Community Safety is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. We seek to prevent harm of any kind impacting children and young people and have zero tolerance for racism, child abuse and inequality. Children and young people's rights, relationships, identity, and culture must be recognised and respected, their voices heard, and their concerns acted upon. We aim to foster a culturally safe, child safe and child friendly environment for all children and young people we have contact with, deliver services to, or are impacted by our work.At the Department of Justice and Community Safety, we are looking for people who want to make a difference. People who take pride in their work. People who get things done. People who are committed to making Victoria a safer place.We embrace diversity and strive to have a workforce that reflects the community we serve. We're all about recruiting the best people, regardless of gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation or cultural background. If you think you can do the job and would be a good fit for our department, we'd love to hear from you.The department is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and recognises that children's rights need to be respected, their views welcomed and valued, and their concerns taken seriously and acted upon.If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process, or require an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the contact person listed on this ad.For more information on working with us and our recruitment process, please visit justice.vic.gov.au/careersWe are proud of the important work we do across Victoria. Want to be part of it?