Become a SafeWork NSW Inspector
Learn about SafeWork NSW Inspectors including how to apply and our New Inspector Training Program (NITP).
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How to apply
You can express your interest in becoming an Inspector anytime by emailing BecomeAnInspector@safework.nsw.gov.au or subscribing to our mailing list.
SafeWork NSW positions are advertised on the NSW Government careers website, iworkfornsw.gov.au.
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply for a SafeWork NSW Inspector role, applicants need to be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or have Australian permanent residency.
All SafeWork NSW Inspectors are required to hold and maintain a valid NSW Driver Licence with a satisfactory driving record and be willing to undertake occasional travel throughout NSW as required.
Practical workplace safety experience, occupational health and safety qualifications and technical industry knowledge in one or more of the specialist areas will be highly regarded but not essential.
Learn more about the application process.
The application process
Submit your application
When completing your application, you will need to include an up to date resume and a cover letter of no more than two pages, describing why you have applied for the position and how your skills fit the role of an Inspector. Be sure to include all relevant training, education and certifications.
See more information about writing an application and the recruitment process.
Review
We’ll review your application for suitability and skills against the requirements of the role. We will contact you if we have any questions or to confirm any additional compliances that we may need and let you know if you will progress to assessment.
Assessments
You’ll be asked to complete a minimum of two assessments to help us understand your capabilities. This may involve a video interview, a work sample task or a group exercise. Elements of the assessment process may be in person or virtual.
Assessment centres are often used and usually involve completing several assessments over a part or whole day. This is likely to involve:
- an interview
- other activities, such as group exercises or role plays.
Interview
The interview format is a structured behavioural interview with a panel of representatives from across our business. We ask all candidates the same set of behavioural and technical questions and ask you to share examples of your knowledge and experience including:
- how you approached each situation
- what you did
- what the results were.
Pre-employment checks
You’ll be asked to complete a range of background checks which will include two reference checks, a National Criminal Record Check and an Australian Working Rights Verification.
You will be required to maintain a satisfactory driving record and undergo medical capacity screening regarding physical and psychological impacts of the inherent duties of the role.
Talent pool
If you’re assessed as meeting the requirements and capabilities of an Inspector role, you will be placed on our Talent Pool and may be considered for similar jobs for up to 18 months.
You will remain active on the Talent Pool for 18 months enabling you to be considered for all upcoming Inspector opportunities during this period without requiring further formal assessment.
During this time our line of communication is always open, be sure to keep your MyCareer profile updated and we’ll contact you when any roles become available.
Offers of employment
If you’re successful securing a SafeWork NSW Inspector role, we will:
- contact you to confirm your interest in accepting the role
- discuss and agree on the conditions of your employment
- ask if you need workplace adjustments to support you in the role
- talk about other arrangements like flexible working
- provide you with a formal offer of employment in writing.
SafeWork NSW Inspectors can initially be placed within a range of operational areas. You will be able to build a range of regulatory and technical skills by working across these areas which are briefly described in our harm prevention teams.
About the SafeWork NSW inspectorate
Our SafeWork NSW Inspectors have a genuine interest in protecting the health and safety of people and workplaces. They ensure NSW workers return home to their families each day. Inspectors often attend a workplace or site to:
- offer advice to improve work health and safety
- investigate an accident or incident
- enforce NSW work health and safety laws.
With more than a third of Australia's entire economic output coming from NSW, the work we do enforcing safety standards is important.
Important qualities of an Inspector
SafeWork NSW Inspectors require:
- the ability to communicate well with a variety of audiences, negotiate and influence actions
- strong problem-solving and stakeholder engagement skills
- the ability to identify and manage complex health and safety issues and concerns
- the know-how to use a wide range of technology such as tablets and computer applications
- aptitude to work collaboratively in a diverse team and autonomously when required
- a proven resilience to adverse circumstances.
The role of an Inspector
Benefits of joining our team
Working with SafeWork NSW you’ll receive all the benefits attached to a government career, including competitive wages, generous leave provisions, and a supported work/life balance.
Additional benefits include:
- competitive base salary plus superannuation
- a fleet vehicle to carry out field-based services and private use (incurs a prescribed fee)
- supplied uniforms
- fully paid training with a nationally recognised qualification
- opportunities for promotion
- a diverse and inclusive workplace
- corporate wellbeing programs including free annual influenza vaccination, seminars and access to Fitness Passport
- flexible work arrangements
- salary packaging options.
New Inspector Training Program (NITP)
All new Inspectors are enrolled to complete a Diploma of Government (Workplace Inspection) within 12 months of commencement. This is a condition of ongoing employment.
The training for this Diploma is delivered through our internal Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and includes virtual and self-paced study as well as face-to-face modules.
The program includes:
- training aligned to the role of a NSW public servant
- onboarding ‘Inspector 101’ program
- training and assessments directly aligned to the requirements of the 11 units of competency within the PSP50122 Diploma of Government (Workplace Inspection)
- technical training in our specialist harm prevention fields at metropolitan locations (primarily Parramatta and Londonderry offices and possibly Gosford)
- application of learned skills in the field/on-site
- visits to workplaces to conduct inspections with experienced Inspector/s
- ongoing support from your manager and an experienced Inspector (mentor) to help build capability, confidence and provide connections to a broad network of people.
The program includes 18 weeks of formal classroom training and 20 plus weeks on-the-job skills development and field visits accompanied by an experienced inspector.
Our commitment to diversity, inclusion and flexibility
The Department of Customer Service and SafeWork NSW are committed to diversity, inclusion and new ways of working.
We celebrate the diversity of backgrounds and experiences our Inspectors bring to their roles and encourage applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds.
We serve all the people of NSW and we want to reflect this diversity in our people. We welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse groups, the LGBTIQ+ community, veterans, carers, refugees, people in regional NSW and people of all ages.
We are committed to being an inclusive workplace where everyone can bring their authentic selves to work without judgement.
We understand that there are different ways of getting the job done and offer flexible working arrangements where and when possible.
Our harm prevention teams
SafeWork NSW Inspectors provide regulatory functions across generalist and specialist harm prevention teams. Learn more about our harm prevention teams.
Support and contact
Email our Talent Acquisition team at inspectorrecruitment@safework.nsw.gov.au for:
- questions
- support with your application
- reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process.