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:
The Pilbara region is facing significant climate and water resource challenges, and the Department is committed to delivering strategic water management solutions that will enable whole-of-government planning for water security and economic development in the Pilbara.
To support this important work, we are establishing a dedicated team of skilled professionals with expertise in water management, climate science, hydrology, and hydrogeology. This team will play a critical role in rapidly assessing and planning for the sustainable management of water resources across the Pilbara.
We currently have two (2) fixed-term opportunity until June 2027, with the possibility of extension and/or permanency.
1x Principal Water Planner to lead a multidisciplinary team to evaluate a complex and strategic groundwater allocation plan and 1x Principal Water Planner to lead water supply strategy for the Pilbara region.
These Principal roles will provide strategic direction and technical leadership across a range of disciplines. They will also play a key role in stakeholder engagement and cross-agency collaboration to ensure the delivery of sustainable water resource and supply outcomes.
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 Shaan Pawley (Water Allocation Planning) on (08) 6364 6698 or via email at Shaan.pawley@dwer.wa.gov.au or Dan Ferguson (Water Supply Planning) on (08) 6364 6495 or via email at Daniel.Ferguson@dwer.wa.gov.au during business hours.
What we’re looking for:
The Principal Water Planner (Water Allocation Planning) is responsible for leading the evaluation of complex and strategic groundwater allocation plans. This role provides expert advice to internal programs and external stakeholders, including on climate change impacts to water resources and their dependent values, and contributes to state-level planning and decision-making. The position represents the Department at senior levels and leads engagement with Traditional Owners, state and local government, water service providers, other water users and community.
The Principal Water Planner (Water Supply Planning) is responsible for managing strategic water supply planning programs, including coordination across internal functions, key Government agencies and water service providers. This role leads the delivery of high-quality water supply planning outputs, represents the Department at senior levels, and supports state and regional development objectives.
These positions are critical to shaping the future of water resource management and supplies in Western Australia and ensuring that decisions are informed by the best available science.
If you’re ready for your next leadership challenge, apply now!
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 which position you are interested in and the key responsibilities and achievements you have had during your career in context of the work related requirements.
- A copy of your Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Engineering qualification (degree and transcript) in an appropriate related field*
- Two (2) referees (one preferred to be a current supervisor or recent manager)
* Applicants who consider their degree is equivalent to a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Engineering 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
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 pool will operate for a period of twelve (12) months with vacancies being offered at part or full time on a permanent or fixed term contract basis with the possibility of extension or permanency. Pool applicants do not hold a right of review against appointment decisions made from the pool.
CLOSING DATE: 4pm Wednesday, 10 September 2025 (Australian Western Standard Time)
Applications that are in progress or submitted after the closing time will not be accepted.
