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:
Play a key role in delivering strategic policy solutions that support the transition to a more sustainable and circular economy.
This is a fixed-term opportunity for a period of 36 months with possibility of extension or permanency.
This position is located within the Policy and Reform branch which has primary responsibility for strategic development and legislative review and reform.
The Policy Officer provides support and assistance to the Waste Authority, the Minister and the Department in relation to waste policy. This role contributes to the development and implementation of policies to support the Government’s waste and recycling objectives, specifically, those set out in Western Australia’s Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy 2030.
As a Senior Policy Officer, you will play a key role in shaping evidence-based policy and program outcomes. Working closely with technical experts and senior decision-makers, you will undertake complex research and analysis to inform policy development, infrastructure planning and regulatory approaches. You will contribute to the design and delivery of initiatives that support long-term environmental outcomes, ensuring alignment with government priorities and legislative frameworks.
The role requires the ability to navigate complex issues, evaluate data and competing priorities, and develop practical and well-reasoned policy solutions. You will prepare high-quality written material, including ministerial briefings, reports and discussion papers, and provide strategic advice to support informed decision-making. A strong focus on stakeholder engagement is essential, as you will build and maintain productive relationships across government, industry and the community.
This position is suited to an experienced policy professional with demonstrated capability in policy development and analysis, contract and project management, and the interpretation of legislation and regulatory frameworks. You will bring well-developed communication skills, sound judgement and the ability to contribute effectively within a collaborative, outcomes-focused environment.
In this role, you will demonstrate Personal Leadership aligned with the Western Australian Public Sector Leadership Expectations by:
- Taking responsibility for your work, demonstrating integrity, professionalism and sound judgement in decision-making
- Applying critical thinking and initiative to analyse complex issues and develop practical solutions
- Communicating clearly and confidently, adapting your approach to suit different audiences and contexts
- Building and maintaining effective working relationships with a range of stakeholders
- Remaining resilient and adaptable in a dynamic policy and regulatory environment
- Contributing positively to team outcomes and fostering a collaborative and respectful workplace culture
*In accordance with approved public sector salary adjustments, the salary range for this position will increase effective 13 June 2026. The current salary range of $120,457 – $132,753 per annum will be adjusted to $124,673 – $137,400 per annum.
This is an opportunity to contribute to a priority policy area with tangible environmental impact, within a team committed to delivering high-quality and timely outcomes for the Western Australian community.
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 Grainne Whelan, Program Manager on 08 6364 6941 or via email at Grainne.Whelan@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.
- 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.
- 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 six (6) 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 Wednesday 3 June 2026 (Australian Western Standard Time)
Applications that are in progress or submitted after the closing time will not be accepted.
