Who we are

Why YOU are important to us and what impact will you have on the Compliance & Enforcement Division and the department’s goal.

Australia has a unique environment that supports our multi-billion-dollar agricultural industries, trade, and our way of life. In this role, you will directly contribute to protecting our vital industries, environment and Australia’s economic growth. Our Compliance & Enforcement Division monitor and assess risk to enhance compliance through effective regulatory and criminal intervention, ranging from education to enforcement, safeguarding our economy, trade, environment and agriculture.

The Investigations Branch plays a critical role in safeguarding Australia’s biosecurity. Responsible for conducting investigative and enforcement actions under portfolio legislation, the branch tackles complex cases involving food safety, export operations, illegal logging, trade compliance, and other regulatory breaches. Beyond investigations, the branch also shapes policy, provides expert advice on enforcement and regulatory practices, and implements sanctions under new legislation. With teams located across Australia, our work often has a national and sometimes transnational focus, supported by strong collaborations with State and Commonwealth regulators and law enforcement agencies. Investigators have access to digital forensic tools, intelligence-informed operations, and high-impact casework, making this a dynamic and rewarding environment. A career with us offers diverse challenges, professional growth, and the opportunity to make a real impact in protecting Australia’s economy and environment. If you thrive on problem-solving, enforcement, and meaningful work in an operational environment, the Investigations Branch is the place to be.

This is where you play an important role. You will help enhance the department's key investigative and enforcement capabilities by conducting criminal and or regulatory investigations by applying contemporary investigative processes and methods to achieve outcomes to drive both compliance and deterrence. Their efforts would significantly improve the department's ability to respond to and prevent issues through more efficient, thorough, and proactive investigative practice.

The Job

As the Senior Investigator, your duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Conducting investigations into alleged breaches of portfolio and other relevant Commonwealth legislation including significant, complex and protracted matters
• Taking statements, conducting records of interview, and drafting, applying for and executing warrants
• Preparing and presenting high quality briefs of evidence for criminal and civil proceedings and attending court to provide evidence when required.
• Contributing to the continuous improvement of Investigations Branch business outcomes including the development and implementation of enforcement strategies and policies
• Establishing and maintaining effective and productive relationships with departmental staff, counterparts in other agencies and industry groups
• Representing the branch and the department at a range of internal and external settings
• Taking part in various proactive strategies to promote and encourage voluntary compliance in a regulatory environment
• Contributing to the development of a professional investigation team • Independently coordinating and preparing reports, correspondence and systems assessments regarding risks and vulnerabilities in the department's operating environment
• Contributing to the management of corporate functions including property, information technology security and finances
• Undertaking a broad range of administrative tasks to support the section and the director.
• Working in positions across all professional streams within Investigations branch, including Criminal Investigations, Regulatory Investigations and Investigations Standards and Assurance.

What we are looking for

Knowledge and experience

The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate:

• Experience in law enforcement and/or experience with a regulatory agency and will need to demonstrate contemporary criminal/and or civil investigations and investigation management skills and competence.

Eligibility and other requirements

The successful applicant must:

• hold and maintain a valid Australian motor vehicle drivers licence
• be prepared to travel intra and interstate at short notice.