is now recruiting for
Chief Inspector – Explosives
This role closes midnight, Wednesday 25th March 2026
Overview
Working at Resources Safety and Health Queensland
Resources Safety & Health Queensland (RSHQ) is the independent regulator of worker safety and health in Queensland's mining, quarrying, petroleum, gas and explosives industries.
RSHQ focus is on ensuring the protection of the safety and health of workers and community affected by resources operations and explosives use.
Resources Safety and Health Queensland’s Vision
RSHQ vision is for a zero serious harm resource sector in Queensland.
Resources Safety and Health Queensland’s Purpose
To regulate, educate and assist industry in meeting its obligations to protect and promote the safety and health of persons from risks associated with mining, quarrying, explosives and petroleum and gas. RSHQ will respect, protect and promote human rights in our decision-making and actions.
More information on the strategic direction of RSHQ visit: here
Why Work for Resources Safety and Health Queensland:
Be part of an organisation that has a vision of zero serious harm in the resources sector
Influence the implementation of best practice safety methodology
RSHQ is committed to preventing violence and supporting employees affected by domestic and family violence (DFV)
About the Role
Chief Inspector - Explosives
Reporting to the General Manager, Operations, the Chief Inspector of Explosives provides strategic leadership and management of the Explosives Inspectorate, ensuring its regulatory functions are delivered effectively and with high levels of professional integrity and independence, as well as fulfilling the statutory role of the Chief Inspector in accordance with the Explosives Act 1999.
The role provides expert strategic advice to government, industry stakeholders and the community, in relation to safety and health and its regulation, including representing Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) in committees and at events.
The role is responsible for embedding a risk-based and data-driven regulatory approach, and for developing a high performing team, committed to continuous improvement and supporting RSHQ in protecting and promoting the safety and health of persons from risks associated with explosives.
Key Duties & Accountabilities
Provides executive leadership to the explosives inspectorate, building its regulatory capability and effectiveness in a culture of respect, professionalism, and continuous improvement, in accordance with RSHQ’s values.
Fulfills the statutory role of Chief Inspector in accordance with the Explosives Act 1999 (“the Act”) and ensures the Act and its associated regulatory framework is appropriately administered.
Maintains effective working relationships with stakeholders, to promote safety and health outcomes for workers in the explosives industry and other related industries.
Engages with a diverse range of colleagues across RSHQ to build capability, lead innovation and manage change, strengthening organisational culture, performance, agility and professionalism.
Maintains an awareness of industry developments, including operating method and technology, and regulatory approaches in other jurisdictions, as they relate to safety and health.
Engaging with stakeholders to provide education and advice, representing RSHQ at industry meetings and forums, and preparing timely and accurate ministerial briefings and other communications.
This role is responsible for managing workers and has legislative obligations outlined in the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld).
Key Challenges
Allocating finite resources to regulatory programs, activities, and obligations based on the risk of serious harms to workers and the community.
Recognising risk and leading regulation of a complex industry with diverse and varied safety cultures, engagement levels and capacity.
Building and maintaining the trust, cooperation, and contribution of stakeholders through high quality engagement and thoughtful and effective communication.
In this role you may be exposed to confronting and distressing content and RSHQ will support you with relevant professional supervision and access to our employee assistance program services to monitor Role description vicarious or accumulated trauma. Applicants should consider this context and their personal resilience and coping strategies for longevity in the position.
The Successful Candidate
The successful candidate:
Will be highly collaborative, thoughtful, communicative, value diversity and have strong leadership qualities including integrity.
Makes sound and defendable decisions with incomplete, ambiguous and conflicting information.
Engages appropriately with risk and shows courage by challenging important issues constructively, standing by their position when challenged, and supporting others when required.
Has a broad understanding of contemporary issues, policies and practices relating to safety and health, and practical experience in the application of relevant legal principles in Queensland or a similar context.
Essential / desirable requirements
To be successful in this role you will have:
Significant experience in high hazard industry environments dealing with explosives and/or hazardous substances (essential)
Significant experience in highly regulated industries (essential)
A bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant discipline (desirable)
Demonstrable experience in applying contemporary risk management principles and techniques in high-hazard industry (desirable)
A current Australian driver’s license (essential)
Currently hold, or ability to obtain Queensland Explosives Security Clearance (QESC) Status
You may be required to work outside of the normal work hours, work from various RSHQ office locations and undertake intrastate and interstate travel.
How to Apply
We are committed to inclusive and diverse practices, including recruitment and selection which ensures people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disability, women, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have equal opportunity to apply and participate.
Candidates who represent diverse backgrounds are encouraged to submit an application.
To be considered, please provide the following information in your online application, for the assessment of your suitability:
A short (no more than two pages) statement focusing on how you align with the core accountabilities outlined in the role statement below.
Your current CV highlighting your relevant experience, qualifications, and achievements.
If you need assistance with your application please reach out to us.
This role closes midnight, Wednesday 25th March 2026
Useful Links
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RSHQ's Objectives
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Working for RSHQ
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Living in Brisbane
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Living in Queensland
Confidential Enquiries
Senior Partner
JON HOTTOT
