Join Us in Shaping Western Australia's Future
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.
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:
Lead the team behind one of Western Australia’s most significant environmental offset initiatives and set the benchmark for excellence.
This is a permanent opportunity.
The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) is seeking an accomplished environmental leader to oversee the scientific and technical integrity of the Pilbara Environmental Offsets Fund (PEOF). This senior role is pivotal in shaping high‑value conservation outcomes across one of Western Australia’s most significant landscapes.
PEOF delivers strategic, landscape‑scale environmental offset projects across the Pilbara bioregion. Working in partnership with Traditional Owners, conservation organisations, industry proponents and government agencies, the Fund delivers coordinated, evidence‑based initiatives that enhance biodiversity outcomes and improve ecological connectivity.
The role provides senior leadership across PEOF by guiding a diverse team to deliver high‑quality, strategic conservation projects, while ensuring rigorous oversight of project design, monitoring, evaluation and reporting to uphold the credibility and integrity of environmental outcomes. It requires building and sustaining influential relationships with Traditional Owners, industry proponents, the EPA Board, the Implementation Advisory Group and Steering Committee members, enabling effective governance and alignment across stakeholders. The position also contributes to significant policy development, and represents DWER in senior forums where clear scientific advice and strategic insight are essential for addressing emerging issues. Additionally, the role leads change with clarity and resilience, supporting teams to navigate uncertainty and maintaining a strong focus on achieving measurable outcomes.
In this role, you will be Leading Others in the context of:
- Motivating and enabling others to deliver high‑quality work while achieving results with and through the team, rather than through individual contribution.
- Providing clear direction, setting priorities and offering constructive feedback to ensure clarity, accountability and strong performance.
- Balancing multiple problems, competing priorities and ambiguous goals while planning effectively and maintaining focus on delivery.
- Building strong, culturally informed relationships across teams and stakeholders, while modelling expected behaviours and fostering a positive team climate.
At the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, 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 Jessica Richings, Senior Manager Environmental Offsets on 6364 6613 or via email Jessica.Richings@dwer.wa.gov.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.
- A copy of your Bachelor of Science qualification (degree and transcript) in an environment-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 may be asked to confirm and provide 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.
- To be eligible for appointment, applicant must hold a Bachelor of Science degree in a relevant discipline or an approved equivalent qualification.
- 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 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 Tuesday 3 March 2026 (Australian Western Standard Time)
Applications that are in progress or submitted after the closing time will not be accepted.
