Job Description
Full job description
APS 6 - $+5,438 - $108,360 per annum plus superannuation
Environmental Permitting and Compliance Division
Adelaide, SA,Brisbane, QLD,Canberra, ACT,Darwin, NT,Hobart, TAS,Melbourne, VIC,Perth, WA,Queanbeyan, NSW,Sydney, NSW,Other
Work in a motivated, dynamic and professional team dedicated to protecting Australia’s natural environment.
Opportunities for professional development.
Flexible work options including opportunities to undertake field work across Australia.
Who we are
The Environmental Permitting and Compliance Division (EPCD) plays a pivotal role in protecting and sustainably managing our land, water, air and wildlife for the benefit of the Australian and international community. The division oversees regulatory schemes and undertakes monitoring and compliance activities integral to environmental protection, including wildlife trade, air quality, contaminated sites, waste management, sea dumping, and monitoring and compliance of projects approved under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1+++. EPCD works with business, industry, government and the community to improve compliance with national environmental laws.
The Compliance and Enforcement Branch provides a centralised compliance and enforcement capability for environment regulation. The branch works closely with internal permitting and licencing areas, with business, industry, government, and community to understand and improve compliance with national environmental laws. The branch focusses on serious non-compliance with a range of legislation relating to protection of threatened plants, animals and ecosystems, wildlife trade, hazardous waste and air quality, and monitoring and compliance of projects approved under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1+++.
The Atmosphere and Waste Investigations Section engages with internal and external stakeholders to detect, deter and deal with non-compliance with national environmental law. Regulatory responses range from education and preventative measures through to civil litigation and criminal prosecution. We primarily undertake compliance and enforcement for the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1+8+ and the Recycling and Waste Reduction Act 2020. This can involve working through and applying appropriate compliance outcomes such as administrative actions, enforceable undertakings, civil penalty prosecutions, and consideration of criminal offences.
The Environmental Crime Section is primarily responsible for investigating criminal offences under Commonwealth environmental law. The section works autonomously and with state and federal law enforcement and regulatory partners to conduct investigations, make arrests and submit briefs of evidence for criminal prosecution. The section also works closely with internal intelligence capabilities and key domestic and international agencies to identify criminal offending and take disruptive and deterrence measures for long-lasting impact on criminal offending.
For more information about us please visit our website.
The job
As a Senior investigator you will be responsible for leading investigations into potential non-compliance under various national environmental laws.
Activities in this role include:
conducting and managing complex investigations into non-compliance with legislation
conducting research and desktop analysis of complex data
conducting complex field operations, including the application for and use of investigation and monitoring warrants, collection and management of evidence
engaging and working with expert witnesses
Preparing briefs of evidence
liaising with other areas of the department, relevant external enforcement and regulatory agencies, industry bodies, and with regulated entities anywhere across Australia to deliver compliance outcomes
preparing briefs and reporting to managers on the status, issues and recommendations of investigations
performing administrative, policy and program activities, including maintenance of appropriate administrative standards, procedures and systems, and providing input into operational policies, guidelines and risk management activities.
What you’ll gain from the experience
As a Senior Investigator, you will take on a dynamic and impactful leadership role at the forefront of environmental compliance and enforcement. In this role, you’ll gain the opportunity to lead high-profile and complex investigations into potential breaches of national environmental laws, while making a direct contribution to environmental protection across Australia. You'll develop advanced skills in investigative strategy, data analysis, and evidence collection, including the use of investigation and monitoring warrants and legislative tools to drive real compliance outcomes.
This role offers significant professional growth through collaboration with legal experts, scientists, and regulatory partners, both within the department and across government and industry sectors. You'll deepen your expertise in environmental law, enhance your fieldwork capabilities, and strengthen your ability to manage and report on complex investigations. In addition, you'll play a key role in shaping policy and operational practices, contributing to a culture of integrity and excellence. If you're looking to take your regulatory or investigative career to the next level, this position offers the ideal platform for meaningful impact and professional advancement.
What we are looking for
We are seeking candidates who can demonstrate the following:
We are seeking experienced applicants who demonstrate that they have the required skills and capabilities to conduct investigations and enforcement operations relating to contraventions of environmental legislation.
The senior investigator will have:
Excellent judgement and analytical skills with demonstrated ability in conducting investigative work, including the ability to interpret and apply legislation, policies, and procedures to research, investigate and analyse complex issues to develop solutions and make recommendations.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated ability to prepare complex correspondence, evidence-based reports, and briefing papers to persuasively inform decision making.
Excellent time management skills with demonstrated ability in managing a high workload and competing priorities.
Achieve results with a demonstrated ability for personal drive and a commitment to achieving quality outcomes.
Highly developed representation, negotiation, and interpersonal skills including the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Environmental Crime Section positions are based in Sydney only. Positions for the Atmosphere and Waste Investigations Section are based in Capital cities
Desirable qualifications
Certificate IV in Government (Investigations or Statutory Compliance) (preferred).
Current driver’s licence issued by an Australian State or Territory.
Current first aid certificate.
Defensive driver and 4wd training.
Hold and maintain a valid Australian motor vehicle drivers licence
While not everyone will have these qualifications the section is willing to provide training to obtain these qualifications.
Information about the roles in the Atmosphere and Waste Investigation section please contact Amanda Morvell by emailing amanda.morvell@dcceew.gov.au.
Information about the roles in the Environmental Crime Section, please contact Murray Fisher by emailing murray.fisher@dcceew.gov.au
Eligibility and other requirements
Citizenship - to be eligible for employment with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water you must be an Australian citizen.
Security Clearance - this position requires a Baseline Vetting security clearance. You will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.
Pre-employment checks - your suitability for employment will be assessed through a pre-employment screening process. This process includes a requirement to undergo and satisfy a National Police Check, referee checks, character clearance and where required a pre-employment medical assessment, specified mandatory qualification(s) validation and a probation period.
APS 6 - $+5,438 - $108,360 per annum plus superannuation
Environmental Permitting and Compliance Division
Adelaide, SA,Brisbane, QLD,Canberra, ACT,Darwin, NT,Hobart, TAS,Melbourne, VIC,Perth, WA,Queanbeyan, NSW,Sydney, NSW,Other
Work in a motivated, dynamic and professional team dedicated to protecting Australia’s natural environment.
Opportunities for professional development.
Flexible work options including opportunities to undertake field work across Australia.
Who we are
The Environmental Permitting and Compliance Division (EPCD) plays a pivotal role in protecting and sustainably managing our land, water, air and wildlife for the benefit of the Australian and international community. The division oversees regulatory schemes and undertakes monitoring and compliance activities integral to environmental protection, including wildlife trade, air quality, contaminated sites, waste management, sea dumping, and monitoring and compliance of projects approved under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1+++. EPCD works with business, industry, government and the community to improve compliance with national environmental laws.
The Compliance and Enforcement Branch provides a centralised compliance and enforcement capability for environment regulation. The branch works closely with internal permitting and licencing areas, with business, industry, government, and community to understand and improve compliance with national environmental laws. The branch focusses on serious non-compliance with a range of legislation relating to protection of threatened plants, animals and ecosystems, wildlife trade, hazardous waste and air quality, and monitoring and compliance of projects approved under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1+++.
The Atmosphere and Waste Investigations Section engages with internal and external stakeholders to detect, deter and deal with non-compliance with national environmental law. Regulatory responses range from education and preventative measures through to civil litigation and criminal prosecution. We primarily undertake compliance and enforcement for the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1+8+ and the Recycling and Waste Reduction Act 2020. This can involve working through and applying appropriate compliance outcomes such as administrative actions, enforceable undertakings, civil penalty prosecutions, and consideration of criminal offences.
The Environmental Crime Section is primarily responsible for investigating criminal offences under Commonwealth environmental law. The section works autonomously and with state and federal law enforcement and regulatory partners to conduct investigations, make arrests and submit briefs of evidence for criminal prosecution. The section also works closely with internal intelligence capabilities and key domestic and international agencies to identify criminal offending and take disruptive and deterrence measures for long-lasting impact on criminal offending.
For more information about us please visit our website.
The job
As a Senior investigator you will be responsible for leading investigations into potential non-compliance under various national environmental laws.
Activities in this role include:
conducting and managing complex investigations into non-compliance with legislation
conducting research and desktop analysis of complex data
conducting complex field operations, including the application for and use of investigation and monitoring warrants, collection and management of evidence
engaging and working with expert witnesses
Preparing briefs of evidence
liaising with other areas of the department, relevant external enforcement and regulatory agencies, industry bodies, and with regulated entities anywhere across Australia to deliver compliance outcomes
preparing briefs and reporting to managers on the status, issues and recommendations of investigations
performing administrative, policy and program activities, including maintenance of appropriate administrative standards, procedures and systems, and providing input into operational policies, guidelines and risk management activities.
What you’ll gain from the experience
As a Senior Investigator, you will take on a dynamic and impactful leadership role at the forefront of environmental compliance and enforcement. In this role, you’ll gain the opportunity to lead high-profile and complex investigations into potential breaches of national environmental laws, while making a direct contribution to environmental protection across Australia. You'll develop advanced skills in investigative strategy, data analysis, and evidence collection, including the use of investigation and monitoring warrants and legislative tools to drive real compliance outcomes.
This role offers significant professional growth through collaboration with legal experts, scientists, and regulatory partners, both within the department and across government and industry sectors. You'll deepen your expertise in environmental law, enhance your fieldwork capabilities, and strengthen your ability to manage and report on complex investigations. In addition, you'll play a key role in shaping policy and operational practices, contributing to a culture of integrity and excellence. If you're looking to take your regulatory or investigative career to the next level, this position offers the ideal platform for meaningful impact and professional advancement.
What we are looking for
We are seeking candidates who can demonstrate the following:
We are seeking experienced applicants who demonstrate that they have the required skills and capabilities to conduct investigations and enforcement operations relating to contraventions of environmental legislation.
The senior investigator will have:
Excellent judgement and analytical skills with demonstrated ability in conducting investigative work, including the ability to interpret and apply legislation, policies, and procedures to research, investigate and analyse complex issues to develop solutions and make recommendations.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated ability to prepare complex correspondence, evidence-based reports, and briefing papers to persuasively inform decision making.
Excellent time management skills with demonstrated ability in managing a high workload and competing priorities.
Achieve results with a demonstrated ability for personal drive and a commitment to achieving quality outcomes.
Highly developed representation, negotiation, and interpersonal skills including the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Environmental Crime Section positions are based in Sydney only. Positions for the Atmosphere and Waste Investigations Section are based in Capital cities
Desirable qualifications
Certificate IV in Government (Investigations or Statutory Compliance) (preferred).
Current driver’s licence issued by an Australian State or Territory.
Current first aid certificate.
Defensive driver and 4wd training.
Hold and maintain a valid Australian motor vehicle drivers licence
While not everyone will have these qualifications the section is willing to provide training to obtain these qualifications.
Information about the roles in the Atmosphere and Waste Investigation section please contact Amanda Morvell by emailing amanda.morvell@dcceew.gov.au.
Information about the roles in the Environmental Crime Section, please contact Murray Fisher by emailing murray.fisher@dcceew.gov.au
Eligibility and other requirements
Citizenship - to be eligible for employment with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water you must be an Australian citizen.
Security Clearance - this position requires a Baseline Vetting security clearance. You will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.
Pre-employment checks - your suitability for employment will be assessed through a pre-employment screening process. This process includes a requirement to undergo and satisfy a National Police Check, referee checks, character clearance and where required a pre-employment medical assessment, specified mandatory qualification(s) validation and a probation period.
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Senior Investigator position is now open for candidates interested in the Government Job Alert sector. This role in India offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Government Job Alert is a plus.
