- An agency leadership position which will transform both the department and your career.
- Suitable for experienced senior-level executives from the public or private sector.
- A unique opportunity to shape the future of environmental regulation in Western Australia.
- A role which will connect you with all levels of government and make a real difference to the community and western Australia.
The Organisation
The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) is Western Australia’s primary water and environmental regulator. It is an influential and future focused organisation working with all levels of government, the community including first nations people to make a difference to the lives and economy of Western Australians. DWER is structured into three portfolios that allow for focused efforts in the key areas of Climate and Sustainability, Approvals and Strategy and Performance.
The department is responsible for ensuring the state’s water resources and environment are healthy to support a strong economy and thriving communities. Headquartered in Joondalup, with offices in the Perth CBD, and a strong regional presence, the department has over 1200 staff located across the state. Its vision is for a low-carbon Western Australia with a healthy environment and secure 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 and use this to improve our business practices and environmental outcomes. As a forward-looking department we are guided by good science and embrace innovative 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. Find out more about us by visiting our website at www.dwer.wa.gov.au
The Opportunity:
This is a five (5) years fixed-term opportunity.
We are looking for an exceptional leader who is highly accomplished and has an outstanding record of delivering results through strong collaboration and effective leadership. As one of the Deputy Director Generals reporting to the Director General, you will have a broader executive leadership role across the Department, ensuring collective sound strategy, policy, advice, and delivery of outcomes are achieved. Leading a portfolio of around 600 staff across 12 regional offices, the role provides a unique opportunity to gain the experience needed for a future Director General position.
The Approvals portfolio brings together all DWER’s regulatory functions to deliver integrated and effective processes that facilitate appropriate development and provide confidence to all Western Australians that water resources and the environment are appropriately managed. The portfolio oversees thousands of regulatory approval decisions, provides environmental impact assessment services to the independent Environmental Protection Authority on significant projects and leads compliance and enforcement services. The portfolio is also driving approvals reforms, a major priority for government.
Navigating issues across multiple government agencies of a complex nature, the role engages regularly across senior representatives from Government, industry bodies and private organisations as a means of shaping, driving, and implementing key Government priorities.
The department has adopted Leadership Expectations which provides a mutual understanding of the mindsets and expected behaviours required of all our employees and the public sector. The leadership context for this is Agency Leader.
What we are looking for:
- This role would be suited to applicants from either the public or private sector and applications from individuals seeking the next step in their career and looking to fulfil a role that will truly making a difference to the community of Western Australia.
- You must demonstrate experience shaping organisational strategy, fostering a shared vision, and enhancing capability and responsiveness in a large, complex organisation along with a solid understanding of the implementation of complex regulatory systems.
- Your history of leading and motivating high performing teams and holding them accountable for delivering agreed priorities in a resource-constrained environment will be critical to your success.
- You will need to provide evidence of your ability to secure buy-in and support from key internal clients and external stakeholders in complex and ambiguous internal and external contexts.
The attached Job Description and Applicant Information Pack provides more information about the position. For further job-related information, please contact Jennifer Grove, Partner - Gerard Daniels on 0438 066 013.
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)
Eligibility to apply:
- 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
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: 4.00pm on 29 July 2025 (Australian Western Standard Time)
Applications that are in progress or submitted after the closing time will not be accepted.
