Are you ready to lead the future of Environmental Policy in WA?
As Western Australia’s primary water and environmental regulator, the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation has a responsibility to be an influential and future-focused organisation. Our vision is for a low-carbon Western Australia with a healthy environment and secure water resources for future generations.
The department holds itself accountable to being fair, efficient and effective. We respect First Nations people’s people knowledge and cultural advice. As a forward-looking department we are guided by good science and embrace new technologies and practices. We value and engage with our stakeholders and we strive to be transparent in all we do and to build trusted relationships.
Our values-based culture reflects who we are and how we go about business. We would love you to see some of the exciting work and opportunities available at DWER.
We care | We build trust | Better together | Open minds | We serve to make a difference
Find out more about us by visiting our website at www.dwer.wa.gov.au
The Opportunity:
We have an exciting opportunity for you to take on a senior leadership role at the forefront of environmental policy in Western Australia.
This is a fixed term opportunity until 30 June 2027 with the possibility of extension and/or permanancy.
As the Senior Program Manager – State Environmental Policy (SEP) you will play a critical leadership role in modernising and delivering the State Environmental (Cockburn Sound) Policy 2015 and other strategic environmental initiatives within the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER). Operating in a complex policy landscape, you will respond to environmental policy in relation to major State and Commonwealth government infrastructure projects, ensuring that environmental policy remains effective, evidence-based, and aligned with State and Commonwealth priorities.
Beyond policy development, this role offers the chance to lead strategic engagement with a wide range of stakeholders, from government agencies, Aboriginal groups, industry leaders, community groups and scientific experts. You will provide high-level advice to senior executives, coordinate cross-sectoral steering committees, and ensure that environmental strategies are not only scientifically sound but also economically and socially aligned. If you are passionate about environmental leadership and thrive in complex, multi-stakeholder settings, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact on Western Australia’s environmental legacy.
As a department we recognise that flexible working arrangements support effective work-life balance, empowers our people and increases team productivity. We are committed to creating an equitable and diverse workforce that promotes an inclusive and supportive workplace environment. We value the unique diversity of experience that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, women and youth bring to our workforce.
For further information about the opportunity we encourage you to contact Kathleen Lowry, Special Advisor on (08) 6364 6535 or via email at Kathleen.lowry@dwer.wa.gov.au during business hours.
How to apply
If you believe you have what it takes to succeed in this opportunity, please apply online by clicking the ‘Apply for Job’ button (above or below) and provide the following in Word or PDF format:
- A comprehensive CV that details your experience relevant to this opportunity.
- A two (2) page cover letter outlining the key responsibilities and achievements you have had during your career in context of the work related requirements.
- Two (2) referees (one preferred to be a current supervisor or recent manager)
Please Note:
- To be eligible for appointment, applicants must have documentary evidence of entitlement to live and work in Australia for the duration of the employment opportunity.
- DWER conducts employment screening which may include a National Criminal History check.
For technical difficulties while applying online or information about the application process, please contact us for assistance on (08) 6364 7800 or at recruitment@dwer.wa.gov.au – email address not to be used for submission of applications.
Access Needs
We use the National Relay Service (NRS) to ensure we are accessible to people who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment. NRS can help you connect with us on:
- TTY/voice calls – 133 677
- Speak & Listen – 1300 555 727
- SMS relay – 0423 677 767
If you have any access needs that may require adjustment to allow you to fully participate in the application and interview process, including alternate methods of communication, or to request a document in an alternative format please contact us at recruitment@dwer.wa.gov.au or on (08) 6364 7800.
This process may be used to fill similar vacancies that may arise within DWER and across the WA public sector over the next twelve (12) months. Vacancies may be full-time or part-time, permanent or fixed term with possibility of extension or permanency in a variety of metropolitan and regional locations.
Applicants found suitable but not recommended for this vacancy may be considered for subsequent vacancies in accordance with Part 5 (General Appointment) of Commissioner's Instruction 2: Filling a Public Sector Vacancy.
CLOSING DATE: 4pm Tuesday, 8 July 2025 (Australian Western Standard Time)
Applications that are in progress or submitted after the closing time will not be accepted.