About the Office of the Appeals Convenor
The Office of the Appeals Convenor (OAC) plays a critical role in Western Australia’s environmental decision‑making framework. The Appeals Convenor provides independent advice to the Minister for Environment on appeals made under Part VII of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 (EP Act), supporting informed, balanced and defensible outcomes.
The OAC is supported by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) for corporate services; however, staff are functionally independent and work under the direction of the Director of the OAC. This separation enables rigorous, impartial investigation of complex environmental matters that often sit at the intersection of science, regulation, policy and community interest.
The office brings together experienced environmental professionals who work collaboratively on investigations spanning environmental impact assessments, native vegetation clearing, licences and works approvals, vegetation conservation notices and noise approvals. Located in the Perth CBD, the OAC offers a professional, collegial environment with excellent access to transport, amenities and modern workplace facilities.
We care | We build trust | Better together | Open minds | We serve to make a difference
Find out more about us by visiting our websites at www.dwer.wa.gov.au and www.oac.wa.gov.au
The Opportunity:
Are you an experienced environmental professional looking to apply your technical expertise to complex, high-profile environmental matters?
The OAC is seeking a highly capable Senior Environmental Officer to support the investigation of environmental appeals and contribute to informed, evidence-based decision-making. Working at the intersection of environmental science, policy and regulation, you will play a key role in analysing complex issues and providing advice on matters of State significance.
This is an exciting opportunity to work across a diverse range of environmental issues, undertake challenging and rewarding work, and contribute to fair, transparent and robust environmental outcomes for Western Australia.
This position has arisen due to an increase in workload across the team, creating an opportunity for an experienced professional who can quickly establish themselves and contribute collaboratively to supports the Appeals Convenor.
About the Role
As a Senior Environmental Officer, you will:
- Provide high-quality technical and regulatory advice on complex environmental matters.
- Assess and investigate environmental issues, applications and proposals.
- Interpret and apply relevant environmental legislation, policies and procedures.
- Prepare reports, recommendations, Ministerial briefings and correspondence.
- Manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes within tight timeframes.
- Engage effectively with industry representatives, government agencies, consultants and community stakeholders.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and support strategic environmental objectives.
Why Join OAC?
The OAC plays a critical role in Western Australia's environmental decision-making framework. As part of a small and highly specialised team, you will work on complex and often high-profile environmental appeals, contributing to rigorous, impartial and evidence-based assessment processes.
This position is being offered as a 12-month fixed-term appointment and provides additional resourcing to support a sustained increase in workload within the team. The role offers an excellent opportunity to gain exposure to a diverse range of environmental matters and stakeholders.
*While this recruitment process is being conducted to fill one initial vacancy, applicants should note that additional Senior Environmental Officer positions may also be filled from this process to support ongoing operational requirements. Applicants assessed as suitable may therefore be considered for these additional opportunities as they arise.
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 Dom Misitano, Director Office of the Appeals Convenor on 08 6364 6762 or via email at Dom.Misitano@oac.wa.gov.au during business hours.
Please note: Interviews will not be conducted as part of this recruitment process. Suitable applicants may be assessed based on the information provided in their application and may be requested to provide referee reports as part of the assessment process.
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.
- A copy of your Bachelor of Science qualification (degree and transcript) in an environmental related field*
* 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
- 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 Friday 2 October 2026 (Australian Western Standard Time)
Applications that are in progress or submitted after the closing time will not be accepted.
