At the NSW Department of Education, we educate and inspire lifelong learners – from early childhood, through schooling to vocational education and training.

Multiple ongoing and temporary opportunities in a supportive and high performing team who work hard to ensure the high quality and safety of early childhood education and care (ECEC) services across NSW.

Locations will be Mid North Coast (Dubbo, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Tamworth, Armidale and Goonellabah)

A talent pool may be created through this recruitment process to fill anticipated vacancies over the next 18 months.

Competitive remuneration ranging from $113,574 to $125,720 plus super & annual leave loading.

About the Department of Education

The 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. The NSW Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) Regulatory Authority, where this role is placed, is responsible for the health, safety and wellbeing of children in ECEC services across NSW.

For more information about the Department of Education, please visit NSW Department of Education.

About the role

Senior Field Officers draw on their expertise to work collaboratively with and support early childhood education and care (ECEC) services so they can continuously improve and deliver the best outcomes for children. Working as a Senior Field Officer is rewarding, challenging and impactful – you can make a meaningful difference to the lives of children and their families.

This role, part of the Early Childhood Education and Care Regulatory Authority within the Department of Education, is at the forefront of regulating and supporting a vast ECEC sector that includes over 6,000 services. By working closely with other team members, external stakeholders, and the broader community, you will contribute to shaping a sector that supports the best outcomes for children and families. The team operates within a collaborative and supportive environment, united by a shared commitment to excellence and regulatory compliance.

The responsibilities include:

undertaking assessment and rating against the seven quality areas of p the National Quality Standards

conducting monitoring and compliance checks and recommend regulatory actions to address non-compliance

conducting investigations of complex complaints through site visits and evidence gathering

building strong relationships with stakeholders to promote sector improvement

Senior Field Officers are required to regularly travel to ECEC services to conduct visits. Depending on business need and officer location this may mean travel across metro Sydney or travel in regional locations requiring overnight stays.

To learn more about the role of an Authorised Officer, please visit the Authorised Officer webpage, review the Authorised Officer fact sheet and download the role description.

About you

ECEC sector experience in one or more ECEC service types, including implementation of ECEC pedagogy and programs

Confident in interpreting and applying legislative requirements

Knowledgeable in early childhood education frameworks and best practice

Skilled in conducting quality assessments and preparing evidence-based reports

Experienced in managing stakeholder relationships and communicating clearly

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Ability to undertake regular short-term travel to meet business needs and flexibility to work at varied times within the bandwidth

Self-motivated organised and able to work autonomously

Knowledge of and commitment to implementing the Department’s Aboriginal Education Policy and ECE First Steps Strategy and upholding the Department’s Partnership Agreement with the NSW AECG and to ensure quality outcomes for Aboriginal people.

Applicants will be required to declare and provide details of any investigation(s) that they have been subject to, at any time, personally as an employee of an Early Childhood Education and Care Service or as a Responsible Person.

Essential requirements of the role

A valid Working with Children Check clearance for paid employment

A valid driver license as driving is an essential requirement of this role

Degree or diploma in a relevant discipline for example Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Education, Diploma of Early Education and Care or other early childhood education qualification

Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the value of public education

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

35 hour working week

Competitive pay/remuneration, salary sacrificing, employer’s contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading

Flex leave entitlements, generous holidays & leave conditions

Opportunities for advancement and mobility 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 as well as providing answers to the pre-screening questions below.

Please also attach a copy of your relevant diploma or degree, along with an academic transcript if available.

Question 1 – Describe a situation where you identified a risk to children in an Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) setting. How did you identify the risk, what you did about it and what was the short and long term impact of your actions? (300 words maximum)

Question 2 – Describe a situation where you made a decision that was challenged or disputed. How did you handle the situation and ensure your communication was credible and persuasive, while recognising diverse perspectives and finding compromise to achieve a mutually agreed outcome? (300 words maximum)

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.

This is a child-related role. As a condition of employment you will be required to provide a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) Clearance number (for paid employment). Visit the Office of the Children's Guardian website for more information.

Closing date: Monday 29th September 2025 at 11:59pm.

For role enquiries please contact Hub Coordinator Kylie O’Connell on 0400 076 128 or via [email protected]

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 ([email protected]) 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.