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:
We are establishing a competitive pool, with one opportunity available to be filled immediately.
Lead complex environmental appeal matters that shape decision‑making at the highest level of government.
The Office of the Appeals Convenor is seeking an experienced environmental professional to lead complex appeals investigations under the Environmental Protection Act 1986. This is a senior role with responsibility for guiding the assessment of high‑profile matters, ensuring decisions are evidence‑based, defensible and delivered within required timeframes.
The Principal Environmental Officer – Appeals leads a small technical team and provides high‑level analysis, advice and oversight across the appeals process. The role engages directly with the Appeals Convenor and Director, contributing to strategic and operational planning, the refinement of internal governance frameworks, and continuous improvement of appeals-related procedures and guidance.
Success in this position requires a working knowledge of the EP Act and the ability to interpret complex scientific information, review technical and legal documentation with rigour, and translate findings into clear, concise advice suitable for Ministerial consideration. The role interacts with senior stakeholders across government, industry, the community and scientific organisations, representing the Office at a high level and supporting the effective resolution of complex and sensitive matters.
This position also contributes to policy development, organisational capability building, and the management of projects that support the broader regulatory framework under Part VII of the Environmental Protection Act 1986. The role requires strong leadership, sound judgement, and a commitment to quality, integrity and public sector values.
A relevant science qualification is essential, along with substantial experience in environmental assessment, technical review or regulatory functions. This role may involve occasional intrastate travel to support appeals investigations.
This role operates within the Public Sector Commission’s Leading Others leadership expectations, requiring the ability to guide a high‑performing team, build capability, support sound decision‑making and foster a constructive, accountable and inclusive work environment. The successful candidate will demonstrate leadership that supports collaboration, clarity of purpose and effective delivery across the appeals function.
If you are seeking an influential position that plays a central role in the integrity and effectiveness of Western Australia’s appeals process, we welcome your application.
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 Kate Brice, Director Office of the Appeals Convenor on 6364 7361 or via email during Kate.Brice@oac.wa.gov.au 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 environmental 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 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 6 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 Friday 27 March 2026 (Australian Western Standard Time)
Applications that are in progress or submitted after the closing time will not be accepted.
