Join Us in Shaping Western Australia's Future
About Us
At the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, we’re not just hiring, we’re building the future. As Western Australia embarks on a bold agenda to remain the strongest economy in the nation, we play a critical role in delivering on government priorities: supporting sustainable development across the state, enabling renewable energy, protecting our environment, and securing our water future.
We are an influential and future-focused organisation, working at the intersection of science, policy, and community. We’re guided by good science, cultural knowledge, and a values-based culture that reflects who we are and how we go about our work.
If you're driven to make a real impact, whether it's supporting industry transformation, driving innovation in environmental regulation, enabling clean energy, or restoring waterways we invite you to bring your talent, your ideas, and your commitment to a team that’s delivering for today and planning for tomorrow.
Be part of something bigger. Be part of DWER. Find out more about us by visiting our website at www.dwer.wa.gov.au
The Opportunity:
This is a fixed term, full time SES opportunity for 5 years.
The Department is seeking an outstanding leader to take on the influential role of Executive Director, Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) Services.
This senior executive position plays a critical role in shaping environmental regulation across Western Australia by leading the delivery of strategic advice, expert support, and environmental impact assessments to the independent Environmental Protection Authority. Working closely with the Minister for Environment, the EPA Chair, and senior Departmental leaders, the Executive Director will drive reform, enhance regulatory frameworks, and ensure rigorous environmental standards are upheld across major projects in key sectors such as housing and resources. This is a unique opportunity to lead transformative change and foster collaboration across government, industry, First Nations organisations, and community stakeholders.
This senior leadership position will play a critical role in delivering the strategic priorities of the department and the State Government. This role will be responsible for building and leading diverse teams of skilled professionals and directing the operations of the EPA Services directorate. The occupant of this position will lead by example and consistently display our values by actively promoting strategies, policies and systems that supports the work of the department.
What we’re looking for:
- Strategic Environmental Leader – A seasoned executive with strong expertise in environmental impact assessment, ideally under the WA EPA Act and EPBC Act. Brings advanced knowledge of regulatory frameworks and emerging environmental issues to shape policy and technical advice.
- Transformational Change Agent – Proven success leading complex reform initiatives in dynamic, high-stakes environments. Demonstrates resilience, adaptive leadership, and a commitment to operational excellence.
- Collaborative Influencer – Skilled in navigating political and multi-stakeholder landscapes. Builds strong relationships across government, industry, First Nations organisations, and community groups to deliver meaningful outcomes.
- Board-Level Advisor – Confidently engages with senior leaders including the Minister for Environment, EPA Chair, and Departmental executives. Balances competing interests with strategic insight and practical solutions.
- Values-Driven Leader – Leads by example, consistently upholding public sector values and ethical standards. Champions inclusive, high-performing teams and fosters a culture of excellence
What’s on offer:
- High-Impact Role – A high-profile senior executive leadership position with direct influence on environmental regulation and strategic reform across Western Australia.
- Statewide Leadership – Lead the EPA Services directorate and shape environmental standards for major projects in sectors such as housing, infrastructure, and resources.
- Strategic Reform – Drive the transformation of environmental assessment and regulatory frameworks. Play a central role in delivering the strategic priorities of the department and the State Government.
- Flexibility and Support – 5 year, SES full time role with flexible working arrangements, strong leadership support, and access to 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.
We care | We build trust | Better together | Open minds | We serve to make a difference
For further information about the opportunity, we encourage you to contact Jennifer Grove, Partner at Gerard Daniels on 0438 066 013 or via email jenniferg@gerard-daniels.com.
For a closer look at working in EPA Services take a look at our video.
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.
- 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.
- 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 3 December 2025 (Australian Western Standard Time)
Applications that are in progress or submitted after the closing time will not be accepted.
