Environmental Officer (Phytoplankton Taxonomy)
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 a fixed term opportunity from 27 July 2026 to 5 May 2028, with a possible extension.
The Environmental Officer works as part of the Phytoplankton Ecology Unit (PEU), which delivers a statewide service for the identification and enumeration of phytoplankton, as well as providing advice on management actions. Working with the support of senior officers, the role provides specialist advice on phytoplankton taxonomy and ecology and contributes to the coordination of algal bloom responses in collaboration with the broader Aquatic Science Branch.
Working under guidance, the position assists with providing information to the Department of Health, local governments and other State agencies to inform health alerts and other management responses as needed.
At the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, we are committed to fostering a modern workplace that supports flexibility, collaboration, and wellbeing.
In context of above description, the role:
- Identifies and enumerates freshwater, estuarine and marine phytoplankton to species level using light microscopy techniques (phytoplankton taxonomy)
- Supports Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) responses, including suspected fish deaths, as required
- Applies techniques for the isolation and culturing of target phytoplankton species for DNA analysis, and preparation of samples for genomic and toxicity analysis, as required
- Compiles phytoplankton reports for both internal and external stakeholders
- Enters and manages data in the PEU phytoplankton data management system
- Undertakes additional duties as required within the skills and scope of the position capabilities and departmental needs.
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 Malcolm Robb, Manager Aquatic Science on (08) 6364 7852 during business hours, or via email at malcolm.robb@dwer.wa.gov.au.
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 copy of your Bachelor of Science qualification (degree and transcript) in an environmental related field*
- 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)
* 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
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, 15 July 2026 (Australian Western Standard Time)
Applications that are in progress or submitted after the closing time will not be accepted.
