At the NSW Early Learning Commission, we regulate early childhood education and care (ECEC) services to protect children’s health, safety and development through rigorous, ongoing assessments, investigations and compliance monitoring.
- Multiple ongoing and temporary opportunities in a supportive and high performing team who work hard to ensure the high quality and safety of early childhood education and care (ECEC) services across NSW.
- Locations are across Metro Sydney and Greater Sydney.
- 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 $116,981 to $129,492 p.a. plus superannuation and annual leave loading
About the NSW Early Learning Commission
The NSW Early Learning Commission began operation as the independent regulator for early childhood education and care (ECEC) in NSW on 1 December 2025. We are responsible for regulating over 6,000 ECEC services across NSW to ensure they meet high standards of safety, quality and compliance with the National Law and Regulations. We oversee these services with the paramountcy principle front of mind – that is, that the safety of children comes first, always.
The Early Learning Commission is dedicated to driving quality, safety, compliance and community
confidence across the NSW ECEC sector. We place the safety, wellbeing, rights and best interests of children at the very centre of every decision and action.
About the role
Senior Field Officers draw on their expertise and collaborative skills to ensure continuous quality uplift and compliance of the early childhood education and care services so they can deliver the best outcomes for children. Working as a Senior Field Officer is rewarding, challenging and impactful – you can 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
- conducting investigations of complex complaints and incidents through site visits and evidence gathering
- building strong relationships with stakeholders to promote sector improvement and quality uplift
- Senior Field Officers are required to regularly travel to ECEC services to conduct visits. Depending on business need and officer location this may mean travel across metro Sydney or travel in regional locations 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
About you
- ECEC sector experience in one or more ECEC service types, including implementation of ECEC pedagogy and programs
- Confident in interpreting and applying legislative requirements to ensure compliance
- Knowledgeable in early childhood education and care best practice frameworks
- Skilled in conducting quality assessments, identifying risk and preparing evidence-based reports
- Experienced in managing stakeholder relationships and communicating clearly using 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 times 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, 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
- Degree or diploma in a relevant discipline for example Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Education, Diploma of Early Education and Care or another early childhood education qualification
Benefits
- Flexible working arrangements
- Competitive pay/remuneration, salary sacrificing, employer’s contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading
- Flex leave entitlements, generous 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 as well as providing 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 a situation where you managed a complex complaint in an Early Childhood Education and Care setting, what learnings did you identify and what was the result? (300 words maximum)
Question 2 : Can you describe a time when you built and maintained strong relationships with key stakeholders to achieve improvement in practice or quality uplift? What was your approach and what was the outcome? (300 words maximum)
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,
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 which includes a National Criminal History Check.
This is a child-related role. As a condition of employment, you will be required to provide a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) Clearance number (for paid employment). Visit the Office of the Children's Guardian website for more information.
Closing date: Monday 17th August 2026
For role enquiries please contact Alicia Burke, Hub Coordinator, via
[email protected]
For recruitment related enquiries please contact Lisa Walker, Business Support Project Officer, via
[email protected]
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 (
[email protected]) 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.
