1. Ongoing, full-time
2. Location – All of NSW (flexible and negotiable)
3. Food Safety Officer Grade 5, salary staring from $149,739 to $156,088 + superannuation + leave loading
Diversity and inclusion are core DPIRD values. Everyone has the right to contribute and participate to their full potential. We are committed to supporting a diverse and inclusive culture that is respectful, welcoming and flexible – a workplace where our people feel supported, valued, and part of our collective success.
About the Role
As a Team Leader Compliance Investigations, you will lead and coordinate a dynamic team responsible for enforcing biosecurity, animal welfare, and food safety regulations across NSW. Your leadership will directly contribute to protecting public health, supporting industry integrity, and upholding community trust.
Key responsibilities, but not limited to:
4. Lead and coordinate compliance projects and programs across biosecurity, animal welfare, and food safety, ensuring rigorous adherence to legislation and standards.
5. Supervise, mentor, and provide on-the-job training to Compliance Investigation Officers, fostering professional growth and operational excellence.
6. Conduct inspections and special investigations of regulatory breaches, guiding teams to achieve outcomes in line with Departmental and Government policies.
7. Provide authoritative advice and strategic input to senior management on compliance and enforcement matters.
8. Support emergency preparedness and respond to incidents across NSW, ensuring effective coordination of team resources.
What We're Looking For
9. Demonstrated experience coordinating compliance activities in complex or sensitive environments.
10. Strong leadership and decision-making skills with the ability to manage competing priorities under pressure.
11. Excellent knowledge of regulatory frameworks relating to biosecurity, animal welfare, and food safety, and an understanding of food industry operations and government processes.
12. Tertiary qualifications in science, food science, law, or a related discipline, or extensive relevant experience.
Essential Requirements
13. Current NSW Driver Licence and willingness to travel as required.
If you are a proactive, highly skilled compliance professional looking for a leadership role with real impact, we want to hear from you!
Applying for the role
Apply online by submitting a current resume and brief cover letter (max 2 pages) that outlines your skills and experience relevant to the role.
For more information about the role, please click here to view the Role Description.
Additionally, if you would like to hear more about this role, please contact Luke Herron, A/ Manager Compliance Investigations via luke.herron@dpird.nsw.gov.au or on 0438 962 594.
Application Closing Date: Monday 23 February 2026, 11:55pm
What to Expect Next
After applying:
14. You'll receive a confirmation email
15. We'll review all applications once the ad closes
16. If shortlisted, you may be invited to interview (in person or Microsoft Teams video)
17. Further assessments will follow (e.g. writing task, skillstest, psychometric assessment)
18. Reference checks will be completed for final candidates
Additional Information
19. The preferred candidate for this role may be required to undergo reference checks, a national police check, bankruptcy check, health assessment and/or other assessments as required.
20. A talent pool may be created for ongoing and temporary roles of the same type that may arise within the next 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:
21. Local Land Services
22. NSW Resources
23. Agriculture and Biosecurity
24. Fisheries and Forestry
25. Regional Development and Delivery.
We have skilled and dedicated teams working in 200 locations across regional NSW. With nearly 5,000 employees, and 75 per cent of the DPIRD team living and working in regional NSW, we are embedded in the regions we serve.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr