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.

Location: Sydney metro and regional (Dubbo, Muswellbrook, Tamworth, Gunnedah, Newcastle, Albury, Wagga Wagga) flexible working arrangements available.

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

Competitive remuneration of $99,938 - $110,271 (Clerk Grade 5/6) plus superannuation & 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

Field Officers draw on their expertise to support early childhood education and care services so they can continuously improve, ensure children are safe and deliver the best outcomes for children. Working as a 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 NSW Early Childhood Education and Care Regulatory Authority within the Department of Education, is at the forefront of regulating over 6,000 services throughout NSW to ensure children are safe in these 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 that make up the National Quality Standards

Conducting monitoring and compliance checks and recommend regulatory actions to address non-compliance and ensure child safety in early childhood education and care (ECEC) services

Conducting investigations of complaints and incidents through site visits and evidence gathering

Building strong relationships with stakeholders to promote sector improvement

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

Confident in interpreting and applying Law/Regulation

Skilled in conducting assessments and preparing evidence-based reports

Experienced in managing stakeholder relationships and using clear communication

Knowledgeable in early childhood education frameworks and best practice

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

Ability to work well independently and autonomously

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

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 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 (WWCC) for paid employment

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

Degree or diploma or in the process of attaining a degree or diploma in a relevant discipline and/or relevant experience. For example, Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) or Diploma Early Education and Care

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. You will also be required to upload your qualifications upon submission.

Answer the following questions and upload your answers in a Word document or include them in your cover letter:

Question 1: Describe a time when you identified a risk to children's safety in an Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) setting. What was the risk, what did you do about it and what was the result? (300 words maximum)

Question 2: This role requires balancing legislative compliance with supporting continuous improvement in ECEC services. How would you respond when you identify that an ECEC service is not meeting legislative requirements? (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’.

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 6 October 2025 at 11:59pm

Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to contact hiring manager Kellie Reeves 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.