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, the Nature Directorate offers the opportunity to help shape nature policy and reform in Western Australia, support the protection and restoration of native vegetation, advance biodiversity outcomes, contribute to the management and understanding of terrestrial and marine ecosystems, and provide the evidence, data and strategic advice that informs government decision-making. From developing innovative policy solutions and delivering programs with lasting environmental, social, cultural and economic benefits, to monitoring and advising on matters of strategic significance, you'll be part of a team working to protect and enhance Western Australia's unique natural environment for future generations. 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
Help shape the next generation of environmental policy in Western Australia
Some opportunities contribute to policy. This one helps shape its direction.
The Nature Directorate is establishing a new Senior Advisor – Stakeholder Engagement position to support Priority Environment Policy Strategic Initiatives, a significant program of work focused on delivering strategic environmental priorities and long-term outcomes for Western Australia.
Working at the centre of complex policy development and implementation, you will help connect stakeholders, communities, industry and partner agencies with initiatives that deliver on government’s priority of protecting and restoring our environment, and ensure decision-makers are informed through meaningful engagement and clear communication.
This newly established position offers a unique opportunity to work at the centre of complex environmental policy and strategy, partnering with senior leaders, technical experts and key stakeholders to help shape how priority initiatives are communicated, understood and delivered.
Commencing in July 2027, this 3-year opportunity, with the potential for extension and/or permanency, provides successful applicants with certainty and significant lead time to plan their transition into a role of strategic importance.
The opportunity
As a trusted advisor to senior leaders, you will play a pivotal role in designing and delivering engagement strategies that support complex and often high-profile policy and program outcomes.
You will work across multidisciplinary teams, bringing together diverse perspectives, managing competing interests and helping navigate the challenges that naturally arise when delivering meaningful environmental reform.
No two days will be the same. One day you may be briefing executives on stakeholder risks and opportunities. The next, you may be shaping engagement approaches that influence how major environmental initiatives are implemented across the State.
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working in complex environments, can think strategically, and thrives on building relationships that create momentum and deliver results.
What you will bring
We are looking for someone who can quickly establish credibility, provide sound strategic advice and influence outcomes through collaboration rather than authority.
You will bring:
- Experience providing strategic advice within policy, regulatory, engagement or communications environments.
- Exceptional stakeholder relationship management skills.
- The ability to influence and negotiate positive outcomes across diverse interest groups.
- Strong judgement and political awareness when managing complex or sensitive issues.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to translate complex information into clear and practical messages.
- A collaborative mindset and a commitment to achieving outcomes that matter.
Why this role?
This position offers a unique opportunity to:
- Contribute to environmental priorities that will have lasting significance for Western Australia.
- Work closely with senior executive, policy leaders and technical specialists.
- Build experience across some of the department's most strategically important initiatives.
- Expand your professional network across government, industry, peak bodies and community stakeholders.
- Apply your expertise in a role where relationship building, strategic thinking and influence genuinely matter.
If you are looking for an opportunity to work on issues of strategic importance, build relationships that influence environmental outcomes, and contribute to initiatives that will help shape Western Australia's environmental future, we encourage you to apply.
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, diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels supported and valued. We recognise the unique skills, perspectives and experiences that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, women and young people bring to our workforce, and we encourage applications from these groups.
We welcome applications from people with disabilities and are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. If you require any adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs.
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 Julie Rutherford-Cantem, Senior Manager Nature Policy and Strategy on 08 6364 7160 or via email at Julie.Rutherford-Cantem@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
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 twelve (12) 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.
CLOSING DATE: 4pm Wednesday 30 September 2026(Australian Western Standard Time)
Applications that are in progress or submitted after the closing time will not be accepted.
