Who we are The NSW Early Learning Commission (Commission), established as the independent regulator for early childhood education and care (ECEC) in New South Wales on 1 December 2025, is responsible for regulating more than 6,000 ECEC services across the state. Our role is to ensure services meet high standards of safety, quality, and compliance through ongoing assessment, monitoring and enforcement. The Commission places children at the centre of all decision-making, working to ensure they are safe, respected, and supported to thrive in high-quality early learning environments that promote their development, wellbeing, and lifelong learning. We also drive continuous improvement across the sector through evidence-informed regulation and reform to strengthen community confidence in ECEC services. The Commission respects and values Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia. Multiple ongoing and temporary opportunities are available within a supportive and high performing team dedicated to ensuring high quality and safety of ECEC services across NSW. Current vacancies exist throughout regional NSW locations including Orange, Dubbo/Central West, Wagga Wagga and Albury. Also, greater Sydney areas including Sutherland / Wollongong. A talent pool may be created through this recruitment process to fill anticipated vacancies over the next 18 months. Clerk Grade 7/8, salary range from $113,574 to $125,720 per annum plus superannuation and annual leave loading About the role Senior Field Officers draw on their expertise and collaborative skills to ensure continuous quality uplift and compliance of the ECEC services so they can deliver the best outcomes for children. Working as a Senior Field Officer is rewarding, challenging and impactful – offering the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and their families. This role is a key part of the NSW Early Learning Commission’s critical frontline. By working closely with other team members, external stakeholders, and the broader community, you will contribute to shaping a sector that supports the best outcomes for children attending early learning services. The team operates within a collaborative and supportive environment, united by a shared commitment to excellence and regulatory compliance. Role responsibilities include: undertaking assessment and rating against the seven quality areas of the National Quality Standards conducting monitoring and compliance checks, and recommending regulatory actions to address non-compliance investigation complex complaints and incidents through site visits and evidence gathering building strong relationships with stakeholders to promote sector improvement and quality uplift regularly travel to ECEC services to conduct visits. Depending on business needs and officer location, this may involve travel across metropolitan Sydney or regional areas requiring overnight stays. To learn more about the role of an Authorised Officer, please visit the Authorised Officer webpage , review the Authorised Officer fact sheet and download the role description . About you Experience in the ECEC sector across one or more ECEC service types, including implementation of ECEC pedagogy and programs Confident in interpreting and applying legislative requirements Knowledgeable in early childhood education and care best practice frameworks Skilled in conducting quality assessments, identifying risks, and preparing evidence-based reports Experienced in managing stakeholder relationships and communicating clearly, with excellent verbal and written communication skills, including accurate record keeping Ability to undertake regular short-term travel to meet business needs and flexibility to work at varied hours within the bandwidth Self-motivated, organised and able to work autonomously Confident using technology and IT systems Applicants will be required to declare and provide details of any investigation(s) that they have been subject to, at any time, either personally as an employee of an Early Childhood Education and Care Service or as a Responsible Person. Essential requirements of the role A valid Working with Children Check clearance for paid employment A valid driver license, as driving is an essential requirement of this role A degree or diploma in a relevant discipline, for example, a Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Education, Diploma of Early Education and Care, or another early childhood education qualification Benefits Flexible working arrangements 35 hour working week Competitive pay/remuneration, salary sacrificing, employer’s contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading Flex leave entitlements, holidays & leave conditions Opportunities for advancement and mobility across the Commission to support your career growth How to apply Attach a resume (maximum 5 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining how you meet the requirements and capabilities of this role answers to the pre-screening questions below. Please also attach a copy of your relevant diploma or degree, along with an academic transcript if available. Question 1. Describe an example in an education and care setting where you identified an area for quality improvement and led efforts to enhance it. What steps did you take to implement these improvements, and how did you measure their effectiveness? What were the results? Question 2. The education and care sector has experienced a great deal of change in recent times, including significant changes in legislation at both the state and federal level. Describe a time when you implemented a significant change, what was the change, what were the steps you took to plan, implement, review and evaluate the change? Upon reflection what further changes would you implement? Please refer to the Applicant’s Guide to Applying to assist you with your application. If you are an existing Education Support Staff (corporate staff) with the NSW Early Learning Commission , click here for instructions on how to submit your application. All other applicants please submit your application by clicking ‘Apply Now’. Note: the selection process will include a range of assessment techniques to assist in determining your suitability for the role. Successful candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening for this role, including a National Criminal History Check. This is a child-related role. As a condition of employment, you must provide a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) Clearance number for paid employment. For more information, please visit the Office of the Children's Guardian website . Closing date: Tuesday 26 May 2026 at 11:59pm. For role enquiries please contact Linda Ball, State Operations Manager via linda.ball2@earlylearningcommission.nsw.gov.au or 0436 913 577. We welcome applications from all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse groups, the LGBTQIA community, veterans, refugees and people with disability. If we can make some adjustments to our recruitment/interview process to better enable you to shine, please contact the Diversity and Inclusion Team ( dandi@det.nsw.edu.au ) or visit NSW Department of Education Diversity and Inclusion. A recruitment pool may be created through this recruitment process. A recruitment pool is a group of applicants who have been assessed and identified as suitable for this role, and who may be considered for a range of similar roles, including temporary, term or ongoing roles, over the next 18 months.
