Investigator

Current Jobs; Dubbo; Hybrid; AUD 117,000 - 129,000; Full time

Job summary

NRAR's Investigator role will involve inspections and investigations into alleged breaches of water management legislation, collecting and assessing evidence, and providing compliance advice to water users, landholders and industry stakeholders.

This position is based in Dubbo with hybrid working and requires tertiary qualifications in natural resource management, science, law or forensics, plus a NSW driver's licence and willingness to travel.

Qualifications

• Experience undertaking compliance, regulatory, investigation, enforcement or related field-based activities.
• Knowledge of investigative methodologies, evidence collection, interviewing techniques and report writing.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to provide education, guidance and compliance advice to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to influence, negotiate and resolve issues while maintaining impartiality and professionalism.
• Sound judgement and decision-making skills, particularly when managing sensitive or complex matters.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver quality outcomes within required timeframes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including preparing briefs, recommendations and regulatory documentation.
• A commitment to integrity, accountability and ethical decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Undertake inspections and investigations into alleged breaches of water management legislation.
• Collect and assess evidence and provide compliance advice to water users, landholders and industry stakeholders.
• Contribute to protecting NSW's water resources while balancing regulatory enforcement with education.
• Work as part of a regulatory team to engage with diverse communities and partners.
• Support sustainable water management across NSW.

Skills

Investigation

Regulatory enforcement

Stakeholder engagement

Evidence collection

Report writing

Interview techniques

Communication

Judgement

Time management

Impartiality

Education

Tertiary qualifications in natural resource management, science, law or forensics

Job description

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

• Play a vital role protecting NSW's water resources by combining investigative expertise, stakeholder engagement and regulatory enforcement to deliver real environmental outcomes.
• Permanent full-time role and creation of Statewide Talent Pool for future opportunities
• Ongoing full-time (35 hours per week) opportunity
• Office location Dubbo, hybrid working supported
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $116,981 to $129,492 + super

NRAR enforces the NSW water laws and offers guidance and education to help water users comply. Westrive 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.

Our Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR) team is currently seeking to appoint an Investigator to help ensure NSW water resources are used lawfully and sustainably through compliance, education, and enforcement activities

As an Investigator, you will undertake inspections and investigations into alleged breaches of water management legislation, collect and assess evidence, and provide compliance advice and education to water users, landholders and industry stakeholders. Working as part of a dedicated and professional regulatory team, you will contribute to protecting one of NSW's most valuable natural resources while balancing regulatory enforcement with stakeholder engagement and education.

This role offers a unique opportunity to work across diverse communities and landscapes, collaborate with regulatory partners, and make a meaningful impact on sustainable water management across NSW

About You

You will bring:

• Experience undertaking compliance, regulatory, investigation, enforcement or related field-based activities.
• Knowledge of investigative methodologies, evidence collection, interviewing techniques and report writing.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to provide education, guidance and compliance advice to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to influence, negotiate and resolve issues while maintaining impartiality and professionalism.
• Sound judgement and decision-making skills, particularly when managing sensitive or complex matters.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver quality outcomes within required timeframes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including preparing briefs, recommendations and regulatory documentation.
• A commitment to integrity, accountability and ethical decision-making.

Essential Requirements –

• Tertiary qualifications (or equivalent) in one or more relevant fields such as natural resource management, science, law or forensics, or equivalent experience.
• 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: Investigator NRAR

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.

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.

Applications close Thursday 21st October 202611:55PM.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Scott Mathieson via [e-mail] or on 0447 191 033.

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.

Looking for more information or assistance in applying?

• 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 [e-mail] or contacting (Michelle Mansour) on 02 4908 7307(please mention reference number 553041).

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 [e-mail] for a yarn.

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Advertised: 17 Sep 2026 AUS Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: 01 Oct 2026 AUS Eastern Standard Time