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
The Opportunity:
We are seeking to appoint four (4) Senior Project Officers (Level 6) to support the Priority Environmental Policy - Strategic Initiatives (PEPSI) within the Nature Directorate. These fixed-term positions are available for a period of three (3) years, concluding in June 2030.
A pool of suitable applicants will also be established to fill current and future permanent vacancies.
These roles will contribute to strategic environmental policy and project delivery across one or more PEPSI priority areas: Commonwealth environmental law reform and bilateral agreement work, reform of Western Australia’s environmental offsets system, and development and implementation of the second Native Vegetation Policy Roadmap. Working in a dynamic policy and planning environment, you will lead complex project activities, support policy and program development, and collaborate with stakeholders across government, industry and the community to deliver practical, high-quality outcomes for Western Australia’s environment.
Key responsibilities:
- Lead and support projects through all stages of delivery, including scheduling, risk management, task allocation, quality assurance and benefits realisation, while supporting senior project managers where required.
- Undertake complex analysis of problems and solutions developing the evidence base, testing options, and recommending sound and reasoned solutions.
- Lead and participate across agency and Government project teams with the ability to understand issues facing different decision makers in different areas.
- Build and maintain productive relationships with external stakeholders to collaboratively identify issues, share information and design practical solutions.
- Inquiring into status quo solutions and testing for innovative and more efficient and effective methods of delivering outcomes.
- Draft high-quality Ministerial advice and correspondence that is clear, accurate, timely and aligned with government priorities.
- Scope and manage contracts and budgets associated with projects to ensure that contract requirements are met.
- Manage own workload in line with project plan expectations to deliver timely and quality outputs with limited guidance from managers.
- Undertake additional duties as required within the skills and scope of the position capabilities and departmental needs.
About You:
To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate:
- Highly developed written and oral communication skills, with the ability to communicate policy and regulatory information clearly to diverse audiences, and produce high-quality, publicly available documents in a timely manner.
- The ability to manage changing priorities and maintain focus on agreed outcomes, demonstrating flexibility and resilience in delivering results that align with key operational objectives and stakeholder expectations.
- Considerable project management skills and experience, including the ability to lead multidisciplinary project teams and effectively manage contracts and work programs to deliver agreed outcomes.
- The ability to collaboratively identify, analyse and develop practical and innovative solutions to complex problems requiring a strategic or policy response.
- Well‑developed written and oral communication skills, including the ability to effectively liaise with, influence and negotiate outcomes with both internal and external stakeholders.
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 Gareth Watkins, A/Principal Policy Officer – Nature Policy and Strategy on (08) 6364 7137 or via email gareth.watkins@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 in the JDF attached.
- 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 pool will operate for a period of 6 months with vacancies being offered at part or full time on a permanent or fixed term contract basis with the possibility of extension or permanency. Pool applicants do not hold a right of review against appointment decisions made from the pool.
CLOSING DATE: 4:00pm Wednesday, 14 October 2026 (Australian Western Standard Time)
Applications that are in progress or submitted after the closing time will not be accepted.
