Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Reference number Occupation Investigation Work type Full-Time Location Coffs Harbour Salary Information Environment Officer Class 8 Closing date 09 March 2026 at 11:55pm
Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW? Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.
* Investigator (Environment Officer Class
* Ongoing opportunity full-time (35 hours per week) opportunity
* Office location is Coffs Harbour and Murwillumbah – Other locations can be negotiated across NSW, hybrid working supported
* Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $115,817 to $130,667 + super
Our Investigation and Enforcement team is currently seeking an experienced Investigator, to undertake end to end investigations into potential breaches of NSW environmental and heritage legislation. The role includes significant travel and field work requirements into remote areas, conducting records of interview, desktop assessments, spatial data analysis, brief of evidence preparation and giving evidence at court.
About You To be successful in this role, you will bring the following experience, including but not limited to:
* Undertake a range of compliance and investigative activities under relevant environmental legislation, delivering risk-based regulatory programs to promote, monitor and improve compliance outcomes.
* Gather, analyse and clearly document evidence to prepare high-quality reports, briefs and submissions that support informed decision-making, in line with legislative, policy and record‑keeping requirements.
* Provide advice, guidance and mentoring to colleagues to build capability and consistency in the delivery of effective compliance and investigative services.
* Prepare clear, accurate and timely written outputs, including reports, submissions, briefing notes and ministerial correspondence, to support sound decision-making and maintain confidence in regulatory processes when managing complex, sensitive or high‑profile matters.
* Build and maintain strong working relationships with co‑regulators and other partner agencies to support coordinated compliance and investigation activities and achieve improved regulatory outcomes.
* Be available to undertake extended travel and field work requirements to remote areas and maintain a high level of WHS awareness and ability.
* Work in a high output investigation team and ensure best practice and procedurally fair investigations
Essential Requirements
* A satisfactory Criminal History Check
* Current NSW driver's licence and ability and willingness to travel throughout the state when required
* Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline or demonstrated equivalent professional experience in investigations, regulation, law, defence, intelligence services, agriculture and natural resources management, biodiversity assessment and Aboriginal cultural heritage management or archaeology
For more information read the full Role Description: Investigator
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.
To Apply If excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application, including a copy of your resume and cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role. 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: Monday, 9 March 2026 at 11:55PM.
Should you require further information about the role please contact Hiring Manager via or on. 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 or contacting Vithiya Yogarajah on (please mention reference number 54793. 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 for a yarn. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), YouTube and LinkedIn.