Undertake investigations into rail transport incidents using your wide-ranging investigation and rail experience and skills as part of a national team.
We are seeking an experienced investigator to identify the nature and underlying causes of an incident so we can improve rail safety management and where necessary enforce the Rail Safety National Law.
In this Sydney-based role, you will be attending and undertaking complex investigations into serious rail incidents, completing investigation plans, witness statements, records of interview, briefs of evidence and on occasion representing ONRSR at courts and tribunals. Rail or safety investigation experience is considered highly desirable for this role.
Our Investigators work in close relationship with our regulatory officers and external stakeholders from safety and regulatory agencies when attending rail incident scenes. They also work closely with subject matter experts to identify safety deficiencies and breaches of legislation by individuals and accredited rail transport operators.
You’ll contribute to a national team and liaise with your team members and supervisors regularly, at times remotely. You will be a team player who can demonstrate initiative and adopt a collaborative approach in the work environment and are expected to be proactive and possess a strong work ethic to operate autonomously under broad direction. We are a small organisation which means you will be exposed to many areas of the business and develop opportunities to further your career.
You will have investigation experience that may include conducting interviews, preparing statements, dealing with evidence and confidential information.
Your communication and interpersonal skills will need to be strong to represent ONRSR when engaging with individuals from a wide range of fields within the rail industry. Your comprehensive abilities in research and analysis will see you working collaboratively with Legal Counsel developing high-quality written reports and briefs of evidence to support ONRSR’s regulatory function, which may include education, administration, or enforcement.
You will be required to work in railway environments, so you must be able to meet the requirement of a Rail Industry Category 3 health assessment and have the emotional and psychological maturity to cope with the possibility of difficult situations. You will have a willingness to undertake field work that may be outside of normal working hours with some interstate and remote travel.
To be successful in the role you should be able to demonstrate experience and/or hold formal qualifications in the following fields:
The Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR) has the responsibility for regulatory oversight of rail safety throughout Australia. As an independent regulatory authority, ONRSR pursues safe railways for Australia by encouraging safe rail operations, enforcing national compliance with the Rail Safety National Law and promoting and improving rail safety across the country.
Be part of a values-led organisation with a strong commitment to its Culture Blueprint - the foundation for our purposeful, diverse and inclusive workplace and a key contributor to how we achieve our vision of Safe Railways for all Australians.
The application process
Not sure you meet all the requirements? That’s okay — we’re interested in people who may not tick all the boxes. If this sounds like a place you’d thrive, we’d love to hear from you.
To apply, please submit your resume along with a cover letter outlining why you are interested in the role and how your experience aligns with what we are looking for.
More information can be found in the Position Descriptions which are attached below and can also be found at: https://www.onrsr.com.au/about-onrsr/working-at-onrsr
As part of the recruitment and selection process, shortlisted candidates will be required to undertake a national criminal history check. Please note that the outcome of this check will be considered in context and does not automatically disqualify applicants from progressing.
Enquiries to: Laura McCurdy - National Manager, Investigations laura.mccurdy@onrsr.com.au
Salary: $128, 324 - $142,092 + 12% super
Applications close: 6pm on Sunday, 1 February 2026
To apply: SEEK - Sydney
At ONRSR, we’re committed to building a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace where everyone feels valued. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those of diverse gender identities, sexual orientations, cultures, religions, ages, abilities and neurodiversity.
If there’s anything we can do to make the recruitment process more accessible or comfortable for you, please let us know – we’re here to support you.
We also commit to responding to every applicant.
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