Senior Field Officer

Senior Field Officer

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.
• 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.
• Location - Greater Sydney Region

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 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 (Senior Field Officer), please visit the Authorised Officer webpage, review the Authorised Officer fact sheet and download therole 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 upholding the Department's Partnership Agreement with the NSW AECG and to ensure quality outcomes for Aboriginal people.

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, 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 while addressing the targeted questions below:

• 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.

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 website for more information.

Candidates must have Australian work rights (citizens, permanent residents, New Zealand citizens or a valid work visa). Ongoing (permanent) roles are open to Australian citizens and permanent residents and New Zealand citizens, while temporary roles welcome applicants with a visa.

Closing date: THURSDAY, 25th September 2025, 11:59pm.

This is a statewide, field-based role, which may require short-term travel (including occasional overnight stays). If you would like to discuss this further before submitting your application, and if you want to know more about the role and team, please contact Operations Coordinator Pamela Gray on or

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 ) 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.