The North West region is calling – Join us in making a difference
Help us shape Western Australia's future
At the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER), we’re not just hiring, we’re looking for people to help us shape Western Australia’s future.
We support Western Australia’s community, economy and environment by managing and regulating the State’s environment and water resources, playing a critical role in delivering on government priorities supporting sustainable development, 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 in water resource management, this could be an opportunity for you, and 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.
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 Opportunities:
THESE OPPORTUNITIES ARE IDEALLY BASED IN KUNUNURRA.
This recruitment pool presents a unique opportunity to join the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) in two strategic leadership roles and an integral Senior Officer role. These roles are central to delivering environmental and water resource outcomes across Western Australia’s northern regions. Ideally based in Kununurra, a vibrant and diverse community in the East Kimberley, your work will have direct and lasting impact. However, we understand that the best candidates may be located elsewhere, and we are open to appointing individuals in Karratha or Joondalup if they bring the right experience and/or leadership qualities.
- District Manager (Level 7)
This senior leadership role offers strategic oversight across the North West region, contributing to the delivery of environmental and water resource management outcomes. As a member of the Regional Executive Team, the District Manager leads regional planning, coordinates complex projects, and drives performance across multiple workstreams.
The role manages a multidisciplinary team and represents the department in high-level forums, engaging with Traditional Owners, community groups, and industry stakeholders. It also supports executive decision-making and plays a key role in aligning regional initiatives with broader departmental priorities. This is a role for a strategic thinker and collaborative leader who thrives in complex, multi-stakeholder environments and is committed to making a lasting impact.
- Program Manager (Level 6)
This leadership role is responsible for managing water licensing, allocation planning, and land use advice in one of WA’s most ecologically and culturally significant regions.
The Program Manager leads a team across hybrid locations and ensures integrated delivery of regulatory services. The role involves regular travel, stakeholder engagement, and collaboration with Traditional Owners, government agencies, and community partners. It requires strong analytical and leadership skills, a deep understanding of natural resource management, and the ability to deliver outcomes that support both environmental protection and regional development. This is an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the sustainability and resilience of the Kimberley and Pilbara as part of the North West team.
- Senior Natural Resource Management Officer (Level 5)
The Senior Natural Resource Management Officer (SNRMO) role is a pivotal leadership position, driving the management of complex and high-risk water licensing projects while shaping the future of sustainable resource management in the Northwest.
This role not only delivers technical expertise but also empowers junior officers through targeted training and guidance. It oversees the North West region’s water licensing backlog program, implements strategic solutions, and ensures accurate reporting to the Program Manager. Responsibilities include reviewing natural resource management activities, contributing to interdisciplinary teams, and resolving challenging issues through innovative, practical solutions.
The position also champions collaboration to achieve regional goals; represents the region in stakeholder negotiations; and upholds compliance with legislation and departmental values. Building strong relationships, promoting equity, diversity, inclusion, and maintaining ethical standards are integral to this role.
At DWER, we see every employee as a leader. This belief drives our success. To support this, we have established clear Leadership Expectations. For the Level 7 and Level 6 roles, you will be Leading Leaders. Demonstrating the expected behaviours is crucial and aligned with the role's requirements.
As a Senior Natural Resource Management Officer Level 5, you will be a Personal Leader. The Personal Leadership context is about the work of individuals not yet in traditional leadership positions, who make a direct and immediate difference to the agency.
At the Department, we are committed to fostering a modern workplace that supports flexibility, collaboration and wellbeing. Our flexible work arrangements include options for alternative work locations and adaptable schedules, designed to accommodate a variety of professional and personal needs. We recognise that effective work can happen in different settings, and our approach reflects this, enabling staff to contribute meaningfully while maintaining balance and resilience.
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.
Join us and be part of a department that values innovation, inclusivity, and the evolving nature of work.
For further information about the opportunity, we encourage you to contact Susie Williams, Regional Director – North West Region on +61 411 290 763.
Why choose Kununurra or Karratha?
Working in the Kimberley or Pilbara offers a unique opportunity to combine meaningful public service with a lifestyle defined by natural beauty, community connection, and professional growth. As part of DWER, you’ll be contributing to vital environmental and water resource outcomes in one of Western Australia’s most ecologically significant regions. You’ll form part of a dedicated and skilled team across DWER’s Statewide delivery directorate and have exciting and diverse career development pathways to build your future.
Please see the attached flyers showcasing the exciting incentives on offer for those working in the North West Region.
Want to know more? Listen to Fleur Coaker, Director Statewide Delivery (Water) talk about the benefits of working in Western Australia’s beautiful regions.
Senior Leadership and DWER Recruitment Opportunities - Statewide Delivery
Please note: The benefits and incentives listed above are subject to agency policies and individual eligibility. They may vary depending on role, location, and personal circumstances. The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation cannot guarantee access to these benefits and encourages applicants to seek further information from the relevant program or agency.
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 make it clear in your covering letter which role/s you are applying for.
Please indicate which level you are applying for and ensure your response addresses the work-related requirements of the relevant position description.
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
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.
CLOSING DATE: 4pm Tuesday 24 February 2026 (Australian Western Standard Time)
Applications that are in progress or submitted after the closing time will not be accepted.
