This is a targeted position and is only open to Public Sector employees.
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:
This is an initial opportunity until 30 June 2027 with the possibility of extension and/or permanency.
This role leads the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of strategic environmental policy initiatives and programs aligned with the Environmental Protection Authority’s functions under the Environmental Protection Act 1986. It provides high-level scientific and technical advice to support decision-making, alongside analysis of environmental trends to inform and deliver the EPA’s strategic priorities. The position plays a key role in shaping policy frameworks and ensuring programs are evidence-based and responsive to emerging environmental challenges.
The successful candidate brings significant experience managing complex policy projects, including leading the design, implementation, and evaluation of policies, guidance, and strategies that support government priorities. Drawing on strong knowledge of legislative frameworks, they ensure compliance, drive reform, and deliver measurable outcomes. They are confident in navigating emerging issues—such as climate action, renewable energy, First Nations empowerment, and environmental impact assessment—and use this insight to provide strategic advice in a dynamic and evolving regulatory environment.
Core responsibilities include:
- Provide authoritative scientific and technical advice to inform complex environmental decision-making and strengthen policy outcomes across the EPA’s functions
- Undertake rigorous analysis of environmental data and trends to underpin strategic planning, risk assessment, and evidence-based policy development.
- Establish and maintain productive relationships with government agencies, industry stakeholders, and the community to facilitate collaboration and influence policy outcomes.
- Foster a high-performing, inclusive, and safe workplace culture, demonstrating strong leadership, accountability, and alignment with organisational values.
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 Leanne Thompson on 6364 6537 or via email leanne.thompson@dwer.wa.gov.au during business hours.
In accordance with the approved public sector salary adjustments, salary ranges will increase effective from 13 June 2026, as follows:
- Level 7, the current salary range of 139,860 – $149,485 per annum will increase to $144,755 – $154,717 per annum.
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 Friday 5 June 2026 (Australian Western Standard Time)
Applications that are in progress or submitted after the closing time will not be accepted.
