Our open secret: Deliver with impact, connect to what matters & live your way.

📅 Full Time, 35 hours per week

💼 Ongoing opportunities available

📍 Location: Willing to consider candidates across all NSW locations.

💰 Salary from $74,603 to $122,058 pa + superannuation + leave loading (Food Safety Officer 1/3)

The salary offered 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.

Diversity, equity and inclusion are central to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, reflecting the rich diversity of the communities we serve. We actively encourage individuals of all backgrounds – including but not limited to; gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural heritage, disability, religion and sexual orientation to submit an application. We strive to ensure that every stage of the recruitment process and overall employee experience is accessible, welcoming and free from barriers.

About us

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 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.

About the Role

We are establishing a Talent Pool of qualified and passionate Compliance Officers to fill ongoing opportunities across NSW.

As a Compliance Officer, you’ll play a key role in safeguarding public health, food safety, animal welfare, the environment, market access and the economy. You’ll administer a range of legislation—including the Biosecurity Act 2015, Food Act 2003, Exhibited Animals Protection Act 1986, and others—through compliance audits, inspections, investigations, and enforcement action.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Conducting audits, inspections, and verification activities to assess compliance
• Investigating breaches and preparing evidence for enforcement actions or prosecution
• Providing expert advice and training to industry and stakeholders
• Preparing clear and accurate reports and compliance recommendations
• Participating in emergency management responses and biosecurity incidents
• Maintaining strong knowledge of relevant legislation, standards, and practices

About You

You are solutions-focused, detail-oriented, and confident navigating complex regulatory environments. You bring a collaborative mindset and the ability to communicate clearly—even in challenging or high-pressure situations.

You’ll also have:

• Tertiary qualifications in Food Science, Environmental Health, Aquatic or Animal Health, Law, Investigations, or appropriate qualification combined with relevant industry experience
• Good knowledge of food production and processing, food safety principles, food technology, food microbiology
• Thorough knowledge of HACCP and quality assurance principles
• Current NSW Driver's License and the ability and willingness to travel within NSW.

What We Offer

DPIRD an attractive place to build your career. You’ll be part of a team that offers:

• A Diverse and Inclusive Workplace
• Flexible, autonomous work environment
• Competitive pay and conditions
• Professional Development
• Health & Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programs.

Learn more about the benefits of joining our diverse and talented DPIRD team.

💬 For further information about this vacancy please contact:

Mark Mackie, Manager Regulatory Operations on 0427 437 326 or [email protected]

🔗 Click here to view the full role description

👉 How to Apply

If you’re ready to apply your expertise in a role that truly makes a difference, we’d love to hear from you. Please apply via our online portal by submitting your resume and a brief cover letter outlining how your skills and experience match what we are looking for. We will then get back in touch after the closing date.

Applications Close: Sunday 15June 2025, at 11:55pm

What to expect next

Once you submit your application, you’ll receive an email confirmation. After the advertisement closes, all applications will be reviewed by the hiring manager and selection panel. If shortlisted, you may be invited to an interview—this could be in person, over the phone, or via video. You may also be asked to complete role-related tasks, such as a written assessment, skills test, or psychometric assessment. Reference checks will be conducted for candidates progressing to the final stages.

The successful applicant may also be required to undergo a police check, health assessment, and other relevant checks as part of the recruitment process.

If you require adjustments in completing your application, interviewing, completing any pre- employment testing, require information in an alternative format, or otherwise participating in the recruitment process, please let us know so we can assist. Send an email to [email protected] or contact the hiring manager listed above for a confidential discussion.

Additional Information

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.

Disability Confident Recruiter

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is proud to announce that we have achieved Disability Confident Recruiter status, by Australian Disability Network. DPIRD is committed to providing an inclusive candidate experience and through the Disability Confident Recruiter program, identify and remove unintended barriers for candidates.