Agriculture and Biosecurity

Reference number

509983

Occupation

Regulatory and Compliance

Work type

Full-Time

Location

Statewide

Salary Information

Food Safety Officer Grade 6

Closing date

19 August 2026 at 11:55pm

- Ongoing Full Time, 35 hours per week
- Location: Willing to consider candidates across all NSW locations. Preference will be given to candidates based regionally, with a focus on Queanbeyan, Armidale, Dubbo and Coffs Harbour
- Food Safety Officer Grade 6 - salary from $170,841 - $178,369 per annum (FTE) plus super and leave loading

The salary offered to the successful candidate will be commensurate with qualifications, skills and experience, as outlined in the Crown Employees (Department of Regional NSW) Food Safety Officers Award and Progression Criteria.

About the Role

The Manager Compliance Investigations role is responsible for managing a team of dedicated compliance officers responsible for conducting investigations and implementing high level enforcement actions through food safety, biosecurity and animal research industries. Reporting to the Director Compliance, the role is responsible for instigating and monitoring high level compliance actions implemented by the unit and the Compliance Branch.

About You

You are a strategic and service‑driven leader with deep knowledge of government operations, regulatory frameworks and the interests of key stakeholders across industry and the community. You excel at planning and delivering annual compliance programs that align with agency objectives while fostering a culture of continuous improvement, teamwork and high‑quality service. Your experience includes managing critical incidents, complex prosecutions and specialised investigations, supported by strong decision‑making and resource management capabilities. You provide timely, accurate and expert advice to senior executives on statutory, compliance and enforcement matters, ensuring informed and defensible outcomes. You are skilled in leading priority compliance projects across biosecurity, animal research, food safety, ensuring programs meet standards and achieve results. You contribute effectively to strategic planning and play an active role in emergency preparedness and response across NSW.

As our ideal candidate, you will bring:

- Strategic, service-driven leadership with strong knowledge of government operations, regulatory frameworks and stakeholder engagement across industry and community.
- Proven capability in planning and delivering annual compliance programs aligned to agency objectives, while fostering continuous improvement,



teamwork and high-quality service.
- Extensive experience managing complex compliance matters, including critical incidents, prosecutions and specialised investigations, supported by sound decision-making and resource management skills.
- Ability to provide authoritative, timely advice to senior executives on statutory, compliance and enforcement matters, ensuring informed, defensible outcomes.
- Demonstrated leadership in priority compliance initiatives (biosecurity, animal welfare, pest and weed management, traceability) and active contribution to strategic planning, emergency preparedness and response

Essential criteria:

- Experience in a regulatory environment and have tertiary qualifications in Science, Food Technology, Law or related discipline.
- Current Class C NSW Driver’s License
- Ability to travel throughout NSW and interstate as required; and work outside normal working hours to achieve outcomes.

For further information about the role please contact the hiring manager, Mark Mackie, Director Compliance on 0427 437 326 or email [email protected].

Please click here to view the role description

Applications close: Wednesday 19 August 2026 at 11:55pm AEST

Applying is easy!

Please apply via our online portal and submit:

✅ A CV (approx. 4 pages)

✅ A cover letter (approx. 1 page) Tell us how your experience and skills make you a great fit for this role.

After applying:

- You’ll receive a confirmation email
- We’ll review all applications once the ad closes
- If shortlisted, you may be invited to interview (in person or Microsoft Teams video)
- Further assessments will follow (e.g. writing task, skills test, psychometric test)
- Reference checks will be completed for final candidates
- 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.
- A talent pool may be created for ongoing and temporary roles of the same type that may arise within the next 18 months.

Why Join Us?

At DPIRD, we’re committed to protecting and growing NSW’s primary industries while supporting regional communities. When you join us, you’ll:





- Work on meaningful projects that shape the future of agriculture and biosecurity.
- Enjoy flexible work arrangements and the option to work from regional locations.
- Access career development opportunities to grow your career.
- Be part of a collaborative, inclusive team that values diversity and innovation.

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.

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.

Additional Information

The successful applicant in this role may be required to undergo a police check, health assessment and other assessments as required.

A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary roles of the same role or role type that may become available for filling over the next eighteen months.

DPIRD is committed to providing an inclusive candidate experience and through the Disability Confident Recruiter program, identify and remove unintended barriers for candidates.

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 are committed to ensuring every stage of the recruitment process is accessible and free from barriers. If you require adjustments or information in an alternative format to participate, please contact [email protected] or the hiring manager listed for a confidential discussion.

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.

📌 Manager Compliance Investigation (Australia)
🏢 Agriculture and Biosecurity
📍 Australia