Senior Mine Safety Officer Electrical

Be part of the department that works to protect, support and develop NSW primary industries, mining sector and regional communities.

• Permanent ongoing opportunity
• Full-time role at 35 hours per week 
• Location – Maitland preferred; however, all other DPIRD office locations may be considered by negotiation – regional location encouraged/hybrid working supported 
• Salary ranges from $164,015.00 to $189,842.00 + super & leave loading 

About the Role                                                                                                            

The Mine Safety Inspectorate, Electrical Engineering Unit at the NSW Resources Regulator (part of NSW Resources) are looking for a Senior Mine Safety Officer (Electrical) to join the team.

The Resources Regulator is looking for a senior mine safety officer with electrical engineering experience in the mining industry to join the Electrical Engineering Team. The Senior Mine Safety Officer exercises statutory and administrative responsibilities as an appointed government official to improve the health and safety performance at mines.

The focus of the role is to ensure effective risk management and incident prevention strategies are implemented in the NSW mining industry through technical assessments, non-compliances, application of compliance powers, investigation of incidents and consultation, and education.

As the Senior Mine Safety Officer, some of your key responsibilities will include:

• Assess, monitor and review individual mine operator’s health and safety management systems to ensure regulatory compliance and ensure that acceptable standards are adopted and implemented.
• Provide technical expertise and advice to high-risk activity notifications, exemptions and other technical matters
• Undertake technical assessments of authorisations applications and notifications.  Advise mines and licenced facilities of their compliance status in writing.
• Conduct announced and unannounced inspections and assessment activities at licenced facilities and mines
• Consult with mine operators to ensure corrective actions are addressed in a timely manner and assist these operators in scheduling improvement actions to ensure the health and safety of persons at their operations.
• Investigate incidents and non-compliances, to review circumstances and determine causal factors and make recommendations to prevent recurrence. This includes responding to incidents and emergency situations outside of normal business hours, on a rostered basis.
• Participate industry engagement via involvement in Standards Committees, Industry Forums and Seminars.

About You

Whilst mine site experience is not essential, previous employment in an electrical engineering role, with either project management or supervisory level experience within the mining industry would be ideal. The role will draw upon your exceptional negotiating and influencing skills as well as your demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships of confidence with operators and workers. You will also have a firm understanding of best practice approaches and solutions given the variety of legislative requirements and rapid changes in technology.

As well as the above, you’ll also need electrical engineering qualifications as well as sound knowledge of and experience in:

• Mining and work health and safety related legislation
• Technology, systems and practices applied in mining
• Auditing methodologies

Things to Know

• You must be able to respond to incidents out of normal business hours (backshifts, weekends) which is on a rostered basis.
• You must hold and maintain a current Class C driver licence.
• Compliance with pre-employment probity screening is mandatory and a condition of engagement.
• Appointment will be subject to the satisfactory participation in a pre-employment health assessment.

Essential Requirements

• Must be able to work on weekends and backshifts and respond to incidents out of normal business hours on a rostered basis.
• Hold and maintain a current Class C driver licence.
• Compliance with the Resources Regulator Integrity Clearance policy is  mandatory, and a condition of engagement for staff engaged after 3 December 2019.
• Compliance with the Resources Regulator Pecuniary Interests in the Regulated Sector policy is mandatory.
• Appointment and ongoing assignment is subject to the satisfactory participation in ongoing health screening.
• Compliance with pre-employment probity screening is mandatory and a condition of engagement.

Should you require further information about the role please contact the hiring manager, Russell Wood – Principal Inspector Technical via russell.wood@dpird.nsw.gov.au or on 02 6360 9510. You can also view the role description.

Who We Are

NSW Resources, a division of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, is responsible for the strategic management, regulation, and sustainable development of New South Wales' mineral and energy resources. We support safe, responsible exploration and mining, working closely with communities, landholders, and industry stakeholders to balance economic growth with environmental protection. 

Our main activities include:

• regulating exploration and mining through licensing, compliance and enforcement
• enforcing safety regulations to ensure the safety of workers in the industry
• developing policies for responsible and sustainable resource use
• managing geoscientific data and geological mapping via the Geological Survey of NSW
• supporting investment and economic development in the resources sector
• overseeing mine rehabilitation
• engaging with communities to promote transparency and land access collaboration.

NSW Resources comprises of: 

• Assessments and Systems
• Business Operations and Programs
• Resources Regulator
• Strategy, Performance and Industry Development
• Geological Survey of NSW

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 professional development opportunities to grow your career.
• Be part of a collaborative, inclusive team that values diversity and innovation.

To Apply

Applying is easy! Please apply via our online portal and submit:

• A CV (maximum 5 pages)
• A cover letter (maximum 2 pages) Tell us how your experience and skills make you a great fit for this role.

Applications close Thursday, 30 April at 11:55pm AEST.

What to Expect Next  

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. 

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.  

We have skilled and dedicated teams working in 200 locations across regional NSW. 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. Learn more about the benefits of joining our diverse and talented DPIRD team.  

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 talent.advisory@dpird.nsw.gov.au 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.