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 permanent opportunity
Lead how water data shapes decisions across Western Australia.
This is a key leadership role at the centre of how water information is shaped, governed and used across Western Australia. As Senior Manager Science Data, you will lead the direction of critical water data programs and systems that inform water and environmental decisions, policy setting and long-term sustainability outcomes.
Working within the Climate and Sustainability portfolio, you will be responsible for setting the strategic direction for science data across the Department, ensuring data is reliable, accessible and positioned to support complex, evidence-based decision-making. You will guide the delivery of integrated data initiatives that connect science, policy and operations while strengthening the Department’s reputation as a trusted source of water information.
The role requires strong organisational leadership, working across multiple portfolios and disciplines to align priorities, drive reform and deliver consistent, high-quality data services. You will establish and uplift data governance frameworks, oversee the full data lifecycle, and ensure systems and standards are fit for purpose in a rapidly evolving data and technology environment.
You bring significant experience in leading complex data environments, ideally within science, water or environmental contexts. You are comfortable navigating ambiguity and competing priorities, and you are adept at influencing across organisational boundaries to achieve shared outcomes. Your analytical capability enables you to translate complex data requirements into practical solutions, and your communication style is clear, authoritative and suited to senior executive audiences.
A strong understanding of public sector governance and regulatory frameworks will support your success, along with the ability to engage constructively with a diverse range of stakeholders, including Aboriginal organisations and communities.
Leading a multidisciplinary team, you will set clear direction, build capability and drive performance, role modelling the Leadership Expectations of Leading Others and Leading Leaders. You will also engage with government, industry and research partners to respond to emerging data challenges and opportunities.
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 Sandie McHugh, Director Water Science on 08 6364 6902or via email at sandie.mchugh@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 Tuesday 22 September 2026 (Australian Western Standard Time)
Applications that are in progress or submitted after the closing time will not be accepted.
