Take the Lead in Regional Hydrogeology
Be a part of a senior leadership team making an impact in WA.
About the Department
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 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’re looking for an experienced hydrogeologist and leader to lead a newly formed team focused on regional hydrogeology in our regulatory approvals directorate. This is a rare opportunity to contribute to strategy, strengthen capability, and provide expert technical advice to support responsible and sustainable access to water resources.
As Senior Manager, Regional Hydrogeology, you’ll lead a skilled team of hydrogeologists across the state, ensuring authoritative, evidence-based technical advice informs regulatory assessments. This role reports directly to the Director, Statewide Delivery (Water), and is a key member of the Statewide Delivery leadership team.
You’ll work closely with other committed leaders within the Department as well as stakeholders from across government, industry, and community, providing expert technical guidance on complex and sensitive issues while ensuring compliance with legislation. Your leadership will drive consistency, technical excellence, and a risk-based approach to assessments, strengthening the department’s role as a credible regulator.
This is your chance to shape technical standards, lead a team, and make a lasting impact on how hydrogeological advice supports water and environmental regulatory decisions in Western Australia. If you’re ready for your next leadership challenge, apply now!
What We’re Looking For
- Expert Hydrogeologist - Expertise in hydrogeology with a Bachelor Degree in Geoscience, Geology or Hydrogeology or approved equivalent. Advanced knowledge of emerging scientific issues, shaping guidance and technical advice.
- Adaptive Leader – Ability to lead a high-performance team, driving continuous improvement and operational excellence.
- Strategic Advisor – Confidently navigates contentious issues and complex negotiations, using critical analysis to balance competing interests with practical solutions.
- Collaborative Influencer – Strong stakeholder engagement, advising in political and multi-stakeholder environments.
- Clear Communicator – Translates complex scientific matters into clear, actionable insights.
What’s On Offer
- High-Impact Role – An exciting, newly created, high-profile leadership position with direct influence into regional water resource management and planning outcomes based on strong technical knowledge.
- Statewide Leadership - Lead a team of skilled regional hydrogeologists and make a real-world impact across industry, communities, and the environment.
- Strategic Reform - Play a central role in DWER’s reform of regional hydrogeological functions. Influence how technical advice informs our water and environmental regulation and planning across Western Australia.
- Flexibility and Support - Permanent, full-time role with flexible working arrangements, strong leadership support, and a full range of generous WA public sector benefits.
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 Ben Oakley, Principal Consultant - Gather Recruitment on 0417 178 220 or via ben.oakley@gatherrecruitment.com.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 or recent supervisor).
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 .
- As part of this selection for this process, DWER may use a variety of testing methods including video interviews and psychometric assessments.
- DWER may also conduct an executive search to further supplement the field.
- Prior to conducting reference checks, shortlisted candidates will be required to provide a copy of the Geology/Hydrogeology/Geoscience degree and transcript or approved qualification. *
- DWER conducts employment screening which may include a National Criminal History check.
* Applicants who consider their degree is equivalent to the required qualification may be asked to confirm and evidence equivalency from the issuing university. Applicants with an overseas qualification must submit a valid assessment from the Overseas Qualification Unit (OQU). For more information visit migration.wa.gov.au
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 Monday 28 July 2025 (Australian Western Standard Time)
Applications that are in progress or submitted after the closing time will not be accepted.
