Senior Investigator or Principal Investigator

About the Senior Investigator

The Senior Investigator undertakes and directs complex and protracted investigations into the EP Act, RPC Act and other Acts that come under the direction of the EPA or any other Act as directed.  The responsibilities include conducting interviews, collecting exhibits and providing comprehensive and factual briefs of evidence capable of withstanding executive, ministerial and judicial scrutiny.  The Investigator also provides consultancy advice and training to other staff of the EPA.

About the Principal Investigator

The Principal Investigator is responsible for investigating complex and sensitive investigations and providing high level leadership, guidance, and supervision for the EPA Investigation team. The position leads the team in the identification, investigation, and enforcement of civil and criminal matters, oversees the allocation and management of EIRA reports and ensures staff are supported and mentored in their tasks using current best practice, policies and procedures. The assessment of matters includes the identification of situations that may be a significant risk to the environment and, if not managed appropriately, the reputation of the organisation, drawing the risk to the attention of the Manager, Investigations, and Incident Management. The role is integral to the EPA civil negotiated penalty process and Criminal prosecutions more generally. The Principal Investigator has a responsibility to ensure staff take all precautions to ensure a safe working environment. 

To be successful in Senior Investigator role, you will have:

• Proven high level written and oral communication and negotiation skills.

• Proven ability to work independently and as a team member.

• Proven high level skills in the management of an investigations caseload and the exercise of high-level judgement on investigation related matters.

• Proven experience in dealing with complex investigations.

• Proven experience in presenting evidence at Court or tribunals.

• Demonstrated ability to provide written recommendations on complex matters in a clear, timely and accurate manner. 

• Demonstrated excellence in analysing information and making sound and rational decisions in a timely manner.

• Demonstrated investigations experience, including the ability to use a broad range of investigatory tools/techniques and the ability to analyse and determine essential elements of investigations.

To be successful in Principal Investigator role, you will have:

• Proven ability to interact and influence at the most senior levels of an organisation.

• Extensive experience leading and coordinating teams, including through change management processes and periods of demanding workloads.

• Extensive and contemporary knowledge of government, administrative, Cabinet, Parliamentary, government board and Ministerial processes and procedures.

• Experience in the administration of the Freedom of Information Act 1991.

• Extensive experience in the preparation of concise and sensitive briefings for senior Executives and Ministerial offices.

• Proven ability to consistently achieve high level results while under competing demands and tight timeframes.

• Demonstrated ability to work under very broad direction, exercise significant levels of independent judgement in the delivery of programs which have a significant impact within the agency.

About Us

As South Australia’s independent environmental regulator, the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) plays a key role in protecting people and the environment from harm and supporting sustainable development for the benefit of current and future generations.

We work closely with industry, the community and government to protect our unique natural environment while supporting economic growth and improving wellbeing. We aim to be a trusted regulator by adopting best practice regulatory principles in administering South Australia’s environmental laws. This means being proportionate, accountable, consistent, transparent and targeted (the PACTT principles) in providing our regulatory services.

What the EPA Offers

The EPA recognises the importance of balance and wellbeing and offers a range of different flexible working arrangements. These include flexitime (flexible start and finish times), working from home, part time, job share, compressed weeks and purchased leave.

Desirable Qualifications, Knowledge or Experience

• Completion of South Australian Police (or equivalent) Detective Training Course.   

• Completion of Diploma or Certificate IV Investigations.

• Experience in investigating offences of an environmental nature.

• Experience in development of policy.

• Knowledge of the operations of the EPA.

• Knowledge of the current public records management administrative practices and systems. 

• Relevant qualifications, with a preference to qualifications or experience in an investigative, and/or law enforcement agency. 

Remuneration
ASO6 or ASO7 ($105,747 - $125,490) + 12% super added to your choice of super fund.

Contract
Ongoing contract and full time (37.5 hours per week).

Special Conditions

• This role has been designated as a Position of Trust pursuant to the standards required in the Australian Government Protective Security Policy Framework. A current National Police Clearance is essential.

• The incumbent must be suitable for appointment as an Authorised Officer under the EP Act, Local Nuisance and Litter Control Act 2016, RPC Act and other Acts that fall under the ambit of the Minister. 

• The incumbent will occasionally be required to travel to sites in country areas and interstate. 

• The incumbent may be required to work out of hours as the need arises and will be required to be on-call, including out of hours, for Emergency Response Team escalation. 

• A current driver’s licence is essential. 

• Vaccinations required: Q Fever, Hepatitis A & B and Tetanus.

Enquiries
Richard Wood
Manager Investigations and Incident Management
Phone Enquiries: 0437 332 ***
Email Enquiries: *************@sa.gov.au

Application Instructions

All applications must be submitted online. Please submit a covering letter of no more than two (2) pages describing your suitability for the role by addressing the selection criteria in the Role Description. Please also include a current curriculum vitae with three (3) referees and a copy of your qualification(s) as required in the Role Description.

Diversity and Inclusion

At the EPA, we prioritise diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring a safe and respectful work environment for everyone. With support from our employees, we focus on access, equality, inclusion and wellbeing in all we do. As a WE'RE EQUAL organisation, we commit to a vision for South Australia as an open, inclusive society that embraces and supports difference and diversity. Our initiatives including the White Ribbon program and Reconciliation Action Plan, aim to create a meaningful impact in our workforce and community.

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds including all ages, gender identities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, those with disabilities, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and LGBTQIA+ individuals.

All applications are to be submitted by 15/09/2026 at 11:45 PM.

Flexibility Statement

The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.