Inspector of Mines Explosives

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 + FlexTime
• Location: Orange preferred; however other DPIRD office locations may also be considered – regional location encouraged/hybrid working supported 
• Salary ranges from $215,546.00 to $249,462.00 + super & leave loading 

 

About the Role

As an Inspector of Mines Explosives with the NSW Resources Regulator, you will play a critical role in safeguarding the health and safety of people working across the NSW mining industry. You will exercise statutory powers and apply your technical expertise to assess risk, investigate incidents, and influence safer practices through inspections, compliance activities, and industry engagement. This role places you at the forefront of improving safety outcomes, ensuring that operators implement effective management systems and meet their legislative obligations.

Working across a diverse and evolving sector, you will engage directly with mine operators, workers, and stakeholders to drive continuous improvement in safety performance. You will contribute to shaping industry standards, respond to incidents, and provide clear, evidence-based advice that supports sustainable and responsible mining. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact by protecting lives, strengthening regulatory outcomes, and supporting safe and productive regional industries.

 

About You

We are seeking an experienced and motivated professional who is passionate about improving safety outcomes and confident in applying technical knowledge within a regulatory environment. You bring strong judgement, integrity, and the ability to influence stakeholders while navigating complex and sometimes sensitive situations. You thrive in dynamic environments and are committed to continuous learning and professional excellence.

As our ideal candidate, you will bring:

• Extensive experience in the management, handling, and use of explosives in mining contexts
• Strong knowledge of mining and work health and safety legislation, codes of practice, and industry standards
• Proven ability to assess risk, conduct inspections, and investigate incidents with a focus on prevention
• Ability to communicate complex technical information clearly and influence operational outcomes
• Confidence in exercising regulatory powers and making sound, evidence-based decisions
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to build trust and cooperation across industry and government
• Commitment to working flexibly, including site travel, weekend work, and emergency response as required
• Demonstrated understanding of regulatory requirements for explosives storage and manufacturing licences, including their application in SafeWork NSW licensing recommendations.
• Proven capability across all aspects of explosives management, including use, handling, storage, and transport, across surface and underground mining operations (coal and metalliferous sectors).
• Willingness and ability to undertake regular travel to both remote and regional mine sites across NSW.
• Capacity to safely plan and conduct inspections in both surface and underground environments.

Essential Requirements

• A person will only be appointed as an inspector under section 18(2)(a) of the Work Health and Safety (Mines and Petroleum Sites) Act 2013, and in accordance with the Resources Regulator’s policy on qualifications of mine safety inspectors:
• For a person who is to be an inspector of mines - the qualifications required to be nominated to exercise the statutory function of mining engineering manager at the type of mine to which the person’s inspections will relate, or qualifications (being knowledge, skills and adequate experience in mining operations) that the Chief Inspector determines to be equivalent to those qualifications: Manager level Practicing Certificate (Level 3)
• Possess an NSW Blasting Explosives User Licence (Mining class), or equivalent.
• Demonstrated extensive experience in management of the storage, handling and use of explosives and pre-cursors in mining applications.
• 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 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, John Stacpoole, via

shane.pegg@dpird.nsw.gov.au

or on 0439 370 686. 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, 8 October 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 the majority 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.  

Role Description