Company description:
The NSW Department of Education is the largest provider of public education in Australia with responsibility for delivering high-quality public education to two-thirds of the NSW student population. For more information about the NSW Department of Education, please visit https://education.nsw.gov.au/
Job description:
At the NSW Department of Education, we educate and inspire lifelong learners - from early childhood, through schooling to vocational education and training.
- Temporary full-time opportunity until March 2027
- Working from Parramatta 5 days per fortnight in line with the department's flexible working arrangements
- Salary range: $129,464 - $142,665 p.a. plus superannuation & leave loading
About the Opportunity
This is an exciting opportunity to lead the delivery and continuous improvement of chemical safety programs that support safe learning and working environments across NSW public schools. As the Senior Chemical Safety Officer, you will play a key role in shaping the Chemical Safety in Schools program, providing expert advice, developing training resources, and strengthening compliance across the Department.
This role is ideal for experienced chemical safety professionals with a strong understanding of work health and safety risk management, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder engagement in a complex operating environment.
About the role
The Senior Chemical Safety Officer is responsible for leading and managing the review, update and implementation of the Department's Chemical Safety in Schools program. You will provide expert technical advice on chemical risk management, develop policies and procedures, deliver training, and support incident reviews relating to hazardous materials and chemical use.
Key responsibilities include:
- Oversee the evaluation and continual improvement of the safe systems of work governing chemical safety management in schools and other departmental workplaces.
- Assess and provide sound advice and recommendations to manage chemical risks in an operational school environment.
- Provide expert technical advice on the development, implementation, and evaluation of chemical safety management initiatives within the department.
- Develop, design and align chemical safety documentation, including procedures and protocols as part of the department's overarching safety management system.
- Maintain a knowledge of current and emerging risks and legislative requirements to offer technical support and advice to the department concerning chemical safety.
- Design, develop, and deliver training resources for staff as part of the Chemical Safety in Schools program.
- Respond to inquiries from stakeholders regarding chemical safety management and participate in incident reviews and lessons management where relevant.
- Cultivate and maintain productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders to exchange technical knowledge and foster collaboration in the delivery of effective chemical safety management.
For further information, please click here to view the role description
About you
You are a subject matter expert in chemical safety with a passion for improving workplace practices through education, governance, and strategic thinking. You bring sound knowledge of WHS legislation, strong communication skills, and experience working in complex environments—ideally within education, government, or public sector settings, in combination with excellent communication skills.
To be successful in this role, you will have:
- Demonstrated experience in chemical safety management at a strategic level
- Proven ability to assess chemical risks, provide technical advice, and develop effective safety programs
- Experience developing and delivering training and compliance resources
- Robust written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to manage competing priorities and influence stakeholders at various levels
- A commitment to public service and to creating safe and inclusive workplaces
Essential requirements of the role
- Relevant tertiary qualifications in chemistry, materials science, occupational health and safety, or a related discipline
- A NSW driver's license and willingness to travel when required.
- Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the value of public education.
- Knowledge of and commitment to implementing the Department's Aboriginal Education Policy and upholding the Department's Partnership Agreement with the NSW AECG and to ensure quality outcomes for Aboriginal peoples
Benefits
- Flexible working arrangements
- 35 hour working week
- Competitive, salary sacrificing, employer's contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading
- Flex Leave entitlements, generous holidays & leave conditions
- Opportunities for advancement across the Department to support your career growth
How to apply
Attach a resume (maximum 5 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining how you meet the requirements and capabilities of this role.
Applicants are encouraged to prepare their application materials independently. The selection panel values authentic and personally written responses that reflect your own experience, insights and alignment with the Department's values and priorities.
Please refer to the Applicant's Guide to Applying to assist you with your application.
If you are an existing Education Support Staff (corporate staff) with the NSW Department of Education, click here for instructions on how to submit your application.
All other applicants please submit your application by clicking ‘Apply Now'.
Note: the selection process will include a range of assessment techniques to assist in determining your suitability for the role. Successful candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening for this role which includes a National Criminal History Check.
Closing date: 9 December 2025 at 11:59pm.
For role enquiries please contact Kim Levett, A/ Manager Compliance & Environment at Kim.Levett2@det.nsw.edu.au.
Please note due to the NSW Government closedown period (Wednesday, 24 December 2025 - Sunday, 12 January 2026) recruitment may be finalised commencing mid-January 2026.
We welcome applications from all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse groups, the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, refugees and people with disability. If we can make some adjustments to our recruitment/interview process to better enable you to shine, please contact the Diversity and Inclusion Team (dandi@det.nsw.edu.au) or visit NSW Department of Education Diversity and Inclusion.
A recruitment pool may be created through this recruitment process. A recruitment pool is a group of applicants who have been assessed and identified as suitable for this role, and who may be considered for a range of similar roles, including temporary, term or ongoing roles, over the next 18 months.