Group Leader Status Searches and Investigations

• Group Leader Status Searches and Investigations
• Temporary Full Time Opportunity up to June 2027
• Office location – Newcastle, other locations considered
• Salary relative to experience and ranges from $129,464 to $142,665 + super

Join our team for a fantastic culture with dynamic collaboration and genuine long-term career support. We offer flexibility in work arrangements, diverse and fulfilling assignments, and prioritise work/life balance and wellbeing with initiatives like flex leave and access to support programs. Additionally, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome, respected, and empowered to succeed.

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for evidence‑based investigation, land governance, and improving how information is managed and used? This leadership role offers the opportunity to influence Crown land decision‑making at scale by guiding a specialist team responsible for delivering accurate, defensible land status investigations.

As the Group Leader, Status Searches & Investigations, you will lead a team of technical specialists who provide authoritative advice on Crown land status, historical tenure, and legislative interpretation. Your work will directly support government priorities, operational decisions, and customer outcomes in a complex and evolving operating environment.

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to become part of a small, dynamic team that thrives on collaboration and a shared commitment to excellence. Every day, we bring enthusiasm and dedication to everything we do - whether it's solving complex challenges or simply supporting one another. 

For more information read the full Role Description:  Group Leader Status Searches and Investigations

• →Experience or interest in working with legislation, policy, or regulatory frameworks relevant to land, property, planning, or government decision‑making (or a strong ability to quickly build this knowledge on the job)
• →You’re energised by improving systems, processes, and the way information is used.
• →Excellent attention to detail in identifying gaps, inconsistencies, or risks in documentation, data, or processes and taking steps to resolve them
• →You’re a confident communicator who can translate complexity into clarity for a wide range of stakeholders.
• →Proven leadership skills with an ability to foster a collaborative and culturally respectful work environment.

• Tertiary qualifications in property, land administration, legal field and/or equivalent level of knowledge and experience.

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) improves the liveability and prosperity of NSW. To achieve this, we: create vibrant, productive spaces and precincts; manage lands, assets and property effectively and deliver affordable and diverse housing. We strive to be a high-performing, world-class public service organisation that celebrates and reflects the full diversity of the community we serve and builds the cultural capability of our department to improve outcomes with and for Aboriginal people, communities and entities. 

We are an inclusive and accessible workplace, where your individual contributions are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to feel a sense of connection and belonging. DPHI supports various employee affinity groups, practices flexible working, offers job share and workplace adjustments.

We look forward to receiving your application, including a copy of your resume and cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Catherine Stokes via catherine.stokes@crownland.nsw.gov.au

A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available over the next 18 months.

Please note to be eligible to apply for this position you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident or hold a valid Australian working Visa for the duration of the appointment. 

We encourage and support applications from people with disability. Please reach out to us to discuss any accommodations or adjustments that may be needed during the recruitment process, ensuring that you have every opportunity to showcase your talent, skills, and potential. Contact the Talent Team via talent.acquisition@dpie.nsw.gov.au or (02) 63637676​ - HR Support, option 2, DPHI People Advisory, option 1, option 1 and reference 'Request an Adjustment - Job Title and Reference Number'.

Check out our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for the role or contact our Aboriginal Career pathways team for a yarn

Advertised: 08 May 2026 AUS Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: 24 May 2026 AUS Eastern Standard Time

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