Lead Investigator - North East

Ongoing, full time role

Salary: VPS 5.2 - $124,888 to $136,747 + 12% superannuation

Location: 27-29 Faithful Street, Wangaratta 3677 - there is an expectation to be at this location 3 days a week

About the Organisation

EPA works to prevent and reduce the harmful effect of pollution and waste on Victoria’s environment and people. We work with community, industry and businesses. As the needs of Victorians change, we must be equipped to adapt and respond to a range of factors.

We are a workplace committed to new ways of working, EPA celebrates diversity of people and lifestyles. We offer a wide range of practical options to support both your work and personal life.

The EPA Experience

• See the impact in the communities we live in: at EPA you see your work first-hand
• Range of internal working groups, networks and volunteering opportunities
• On-the-job training for a wide range of environmental roles
• Flexible start and finish times, as well as compressed work week options

About the role:

Reporting to the Manager, Investigations – Regional Victoria Area, the Lead Investigator supervises an Investigator/s in conducting intelligence-led investigations into environmental crime (relating to pollution and waste) in the region, proactively targeting high risk offenders to systematically identify and prevent environmental harm from occurring and ensuring that those that break environmental laws are held to account.

In this role you will: 

• As directed by the Manager, Investigations – Regional Victoria Area and working closely with the Regional Manager, oversight, plan and deliver proactive, intelligence led investigations in the region.
• Use innovative techniques to target high risk offenders to systematically identify and stop environmental harm related to pollution and waste; and bring those that break environmental laws to account.
• Ensure close collaboration with regional operations teams, Legal Branch, Data Analytics and Intelligence Unit and other parts of EPA in delivering EPA’s strategic regulatory priorities.
• Contribute to the uplift in investigations capability in the region.
• Work collaboratively with co-regulators to drive improved environmental and public health outcomes; and provide local intelligence to inform EPA’s strategic regulatory priorities.

Skills and experience:

• A relevant tertiary degree or qualifications in investigations, law or a related discipline is desirable.
• Senior level experience in the management and conduct of criminal investigations.
• Experience supervising other investigators.
• Knowledge of contemporary techniques for the conduct of proactive and reactive investigations.

To see the full position description: Click Here

How to apply

Click the ”Apply” button to submit your application. Applications close on Wednesday 1 October 2025 at 11:59PM.

Applicants Should Submit:

• Cover letter; addressing your experience, the key selection criteria, motivations, and suitability to the role.
• Resume; including contact details of two referees.

For any enquiries relating to this role, please reach out to careers@epa.vic.gov.au

Need to know more?

All prospective employees will also undergo a National Criminal Record Check prior to an offer of employment. You must be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa. Preferred candidates will be subject to pre-employment checks including, but not limited to, police checks, reference checks and role related security clearances.

EPA Victoria recognises the value of the diversity, strength, and knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as we work with Traditional Owners to care for our environment. We provide a culturally safe and embracing work environment.

We are an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to merit, equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. We believe our workforce should represent the diversity of the lands upon which we reside; and we actively embrace staff of different abilities, orientations, backgrounds, faiths, and genders.