Principal Inspector Small Mines

NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development; Armidale; Hybrid; AUD 253,000 - 262,000; Full time

Job summary

NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development seeks a Principal Inspector Small Mines to provide strategic leadership and oversight for health and safety across NSW’s quarrying sector. You will manage inspectors, oversee investigations and interventions, and drive improvements in regulatory outcomes.

The role focuses on ensuring operators meet legislative obligations, reducing incidents and promoting safe mining practices in regional NSW.

Qualifications

• Must possess qualifications to be appointed as an inspector under section 18(2)(a) of the Work Health and Safety (Mines and Petroleum Sites) Act 2013.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing and developing high-performing teams.
• Strong knowledge of work health and safety legislation, risk management principles and compliance frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and technical oversight to improve health and safety outcomes across NSW's quarrying and extractive sector.
• Oversee compliance activities, investigations, targeted interventions and engagement programs.
• Lead regulatory initiatives and influence safety performance across regional NSW.

Skills

Mining operations

Regulatory compliance

Leadership

Communication

Investigations

Risk management

Decision making

Integrity

Education

Mine safety inspector qualifications

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 at 35 hours per week + FlexTime
• Location: Maitland preferred; however, all NSW DPIRD office location will be considered – regional location encouraged/hybrid working supported
• Salary ranges from $252,838.00 to $262,208.00 + super & leave loading

About the Role

As the Principal Inspector Small Mines, you will provide strategic leadership and technical oversight to improve health and safety outcomes across NSW's quarrying and extractive sector. Leading a team of inspectors and technical specialists, you will oversee compliance activities, investigations, targeted interventions and engagement programs that help ensure mining operations are managing risks effectively and meeting their legislative obligations. Your leadership will play a key role in preventing incidents, driving continuous improvement and supporting safe and sustainable mining practices across regional NSW.

This is an opportunity to influence safety performance across a diverse and evolving industry. Working closely with mine operators, industry representatives, government agencies and regional communities, you will lead regulatory initiatives that promote safer workplaces while supporting a practical, transparent and contemporary approach to regulation. Your expertise and leadership will help shape industry standards, strengthen compliance outcomes and contribute to the long-term safety and sustainability of the NSW resources sector.

About You

We are seeking a highly experienced leader with strong technical expertise in mining, work health and safety, compliance or regulatory operations. You are a confident decisionmaker who can assess complex risks, balance competing priorities and provide clear, practical advice in challenging environments. You lead with integrity, build trust with stakeholders and are committed to achieving better safety outcomes for workers, industry and communities.

As Our Ideal Candidate, You Will Bring

• Significant experience in mining operations, mine safety, regulatory compliance or a related technical field
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing and developing high-performing teams
• Strong knowledge of work health and safety legislation, risk management principles and compliance frameworks
• Experience leading complex investigations, audits, inspections or regulatory interventions
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence, negotiate and build credibility with a broad range of stakeholders
• Sound judgement and the ability to make evidence-based decisions in complex and often high-profile circumstances
• A commitment to integrity, accountability and continuous improvement
• Relevant qualifications and experience to satisfy the legislative requirements for appointment as a mine safety inspector

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 probity integrity screening and pecuniary declaration is 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, Anthony Margetts – Chief Inspector via [e-mail] or on 0477 326 864, or alternatively Dan Howard – Acting Chief Inspector (from 28/9/2026 to 9/10/2026) via [e-mail] or on 0400 111 392. 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.