Senior Investigator

• Full Time, 35 hours
• Ongoing roles x 2
• Location: Willing to consider candidates across all DPIRD NSW locations
• Clerk Grade 9/10 – Salary starting from $133,348.00 per annum (FTE) plus super and leave loading 

Diversity, equity and inclusion are central to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, reflecting the rich diversity of the communities we serve. We actively encourage individuals of all backgrounds – including but not limited to; gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural heritage, disability, religion and sexual orientation to submit an application. We strive to ensure that every stage of the recruitment process and overall employee experience is accessible, welcoming and free from barriers.

About the Role

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has recently formed a Professional Standards and Investigation Unit (PSIU). The department is seeking experienced and values driven Senior Investigators to join our new team.

Reporting to the Manager Investigations, you will undertake routine or complex, sensitive and confidential workplace investigations and professional standards matters across a large, diverse and geographically dispersed organisation. As the team is small, you will be required to undertake investigations across a broad range of areas. You will play a critical role in ensuring allegations of misconduct, serious wrongdoing, fraud, bullying, sexual harassment, public interest disclosures and a range of other areas, are investigated professionally, fairly and in accordance with legislative requirements, procedural fairness and best practice.

We seek a trusted subject matter expert, who can undertake risk assessments, evidence gathering and conduct best practice employment investigations. Our Senior Investigations Officers will prepare clear, evidence-based reports and recommendations that support sound decision-making and contribute to organisational integrity, accountability and positive workplace culture.

Working closely with internal stakeholders and external oversight bodies, you will help identify systemic issues and emerging risks, contributing to the continuous improvement of investigation frameworks and the policies and practices that strengthen professional standards across DPIRD.

About You

You are an experienced investigation professional with a strong track record leading workplace investigations. You will have demonstrated sound judgement, resilience and professionalism and have the ability to navigate sensitive matters in an efficient, effective and timely way, while managing competing priorities, stakeholder relationships and while managing organisational risk.

You are recognised for your skill and experience as an investigator and your ability to assess evidence objectively and to provide clear, practical advice that supports fair and defensible decision-making. You thrive in environments where integrity, confidentiality and procedural fairness are critical and are committed to fostering a positive workplace culture through high-quality investigation and professional standards practices.

You will have:

• Demonstrated experience conducting complex workplace investigations, professional standards matters and handling public sector complaints, including assessment, evidence gathering, interviewing, procedural fairness, report writing and making defensible recommendations.
• Sound knowledge of relevant NSW legislation, frameworks and investigative practice, with the ability to manage sensitive and high-risk matters involving confidentiality, stakeholder complexity, reputational risk and trauma-informed approaches.

Please note, prior knowledge of DPIRD policies is not expected.

Essential

• Certificate IV in Government Investigations, Diploma of Government Investigations or equivalent, or willingness to obtain shortly after commencing duties.
• Current NSW Class C driver licence and willingness to travel across regional NSW when required.

Applying is easy!

Submit your current Resume/CV and a Cover Letter (max. 2 pages) outlining your relevant skills and experience, and why you’re our ideal candidate.
 
If you’d like to know more about the role, please click here to view the Role Description
 
For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Ruth Barlow on 04•• ••• 477 or via ••••@dpird.nsw.gov.au

Applications close: Sunday 7th September 2026 at 11:55pm AEST

Recruitment Adjustments

If you require adjustments in completing your application, interviewing, completing any pre- employment testing, require information in an alternative format, or otherwise participating in the recruitment process, please let us know so we can assist. Send an email to talent.advisory@dpird.nsw.gov.au or contact the hiring manager listed above for a confidential discussion.
 

What to expect next

Once you submit your application, you’ll receive an email confirmation. After the advertisement closes, all applications will be reviewed by the hiring manager and selection panel. If shortlisted, you may be invited to an interview—this could be in person, over the phone, or via video. You may also be asked to complete role-related tasks, such as a written assessment, skills test, or psychometric assessment. Reference checks will be conducted for candidates progressing to the final stages.
 
The successful applicant may also be required to undergo a police check, health assessment, and other relevant checks as part of the recruitment process.

A talent pool may be created for ongoing and temporary roles of the same type that may arise within the next eighteen (18) months. 

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 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.