Principal Investigator

EL 1 - $120,290 - $129,379 per annum plus superannuation
- Compliance & Enforcement Division
- Adelaide, SA,Brisbane, QLD,Melbourne, VIC,Perth, WA,Sydney, NSW
- _Flexible and hybrid working conditions _
- _Working within an interesting and dynamic environment_
- _Work satisfaction protecting Australia’s biosecurity_

**Who we are**
In partnership with internal and external stakeholders, Compliance & Enforcement Division monitor and assess risk to enhance compliance through effective regulatory intervention, ranging from education to enforcement which will ultimately safeguard our economy, trade, environment and agriculture.

**The Investigations Branch** is responsible for undertaking investigative and enforcement actions associated with biosecurity, food safety, export operations, illegal logging, and other portfolio legislation. The branch is also responsible for policy and advice associated with enforcement and regulatory practice as well as the implementation of enforcement related sanctions underpinned by new portfolio legislation. Investigations Branch teams are located around Australia and investigations often have national and, at times, transnational focus. This work is supported by collaborative arrangements with other state and commonwealth regulators and law enforcement agencies.

Investigations conduct intelligence informed investigations into serious noncompliance of portfolio legislation and utilise criminal prosecution, civil sanctions and administrative actions to disrupt and prosecute serious non-compliance against the Biosecurity Act 2015, Export Control Act 1982, Export Control Act 2020 and Imported Food Control Act 1992.

**The Job**
Duties may include but are not limited to:
Under limited direction, the Principal Investigator is responsible for:

- Managing and conducting investigations into alleged breaches of portfolio and other relevant Commonwealth legislation, including significant, complex and protracted matters
- Preparing, checking and presenting briefs of evidence for criminal and/or civil proceedings
Driving innovation and contributing to the continuous improvement of enforcement and business outcomes, including the development and implementation of enforcement and investigative strategies and policies
- Establishing and maintaining effective and productive relationships with departmental staff, counterparts in other agencies and industry groups
- Representing the branch, division and department at a range of internal and external forums
- Taking part in various proactive strategies to promote and encourage voluntary compliance in a regulatory environment
- Managing, mentoring and developing junior staff within a professional investigation and enforcement team
- Identifying risks and vulnerabilities to the department’s operating environment and drafting reports to senior management and departmental risk owners
- Other duties as required of the position.

**Please note**:A merit pool will be established through this selection process, which is valid for a period of eighteen months from the date the vacancy was advertised in the Public Service Gazette. The merit pool may be used to **fill future ongoing vacancies in the Compliance & Enforcement Division** where the duties are of a similar nature.

**What are we looking for**
**knowledge and experience**
Applicants should have experience in law enforcement and/or a regulatory agency and will need to demonstrate contemporary investigation and investigation management skills and competence. The Principal Investigator must possess the ability and experience to mentor and develop staff to achieve resolution and a skilled investigative performance. The Principal Investigator must have the ability to build and maintain collaborative internal and external relationships.

**Mandatory qualifications**
Possession of a Diploma in Government (Investigations) or equivalent, or the ability and willingness to achieve this qualification within 12 months of engagement is essential.