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.
The Opportunity:
A multi-level pool will be established for the initial filling of:
- Level 4 permanent appointments; and
- Level 5 fixed-term appointments for a period of up to three years.
Following the initial establishment of the pool, appointments may be made to permanent or fixed-term vacancies, with the duration of any fixed-term appointment determined in accordance with operational requirements and relevant approval processes.
Level 5 - Freedom of Information Coordinator
Coordinate the delivery of DWER's FOI function, providing expert advice, mentoring staff and ensuring compliance with legislative obligations.
The Freedom of Information (FOI) Coordinator assists with the leadership and oversight of the department's FOI function under the guidance of the FOI Manager, ensuring complex, sensitive and high-risk applications are managed in accordance with legislative requirements and organisational priorities. The role is responsible for coordinating FOI activities, providing authoritative advice to stakeholders, and supporting sound decision-making across the department in matters relating to access to information and compliance.
As a senior position within the FOI team, the Coordinator assists with workflow management, quality assurance and continuous improvement initiatives, while mentoring and supporting Officers to deliver consistent, timely and customer-focused outcomes. The role requires strong leadership, a high level of risk awareness, sound judgement, and the ability to balance competing priorities while maintaining compliance with statutory obligations.
We're looking for someone who can:
- Coordinate the department's FOI function under the guidance of the FOI Manager, ensuring requests are managed consistently, efficiently and in accordance with legislative requirements.
- Provide expert advice and recommendations on complex, sensitive and high-risk FOI matters to internal stakeholders, including the interpretation and application of FOI legislation.
- Manage sensitive FOI applications from receipt to completion, ensuring legislative requirements and timeframes are met.
- Assist with mentoring, coaching and supporting team members, fostering capability and promoting high-quality service delivery.
- Build productive relationships with senior stakeholders and provide trusted advice on information access, governance and compliance matters.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance FOI processes, service delivery and organisational outcomes.
Level 4 - Freedom of Information Officer
Manage FOI applications, provide sound advice, and support transparent, timely and compliant access to departmental information.
The Freedom of Information (FOI) Officer is responsible for managing FOI applications and supporting the department's obligations under the Freedom of Information Act 1992. The role undertakes research, assesses information, prepares draft decisions and liaises with internal and external stakeholders to ensure requests are managed accurately and within required timeframes.
This position contributes to the fair and consistent administration of FOI processes by providing advice, maintaining records and supporting access to information in accordance with legislative requirements. The role requires strong attention to detail, sound judgement and the ability to manage a diverse workload.
We're looking for someone who can:
- Manage a portfolio of FOI applications from receipt to completion, ensuring legislative requirements and timeframes are met.
- Review, analyse and assess documents and information to support recommendations and draft FOI decisions.
- Communicate effectively with applicants and internal business areas to obtain information and facilitate positive outcomes.
- Apply FOI legislation, policies and procedures to a range of information access matters.
- Prepare clear, accurate correspondence, reports and decision documentation.
- Effectively manage competing priorities while maintaining a high level of attention to detail and customer service.
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
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 Emilee Rippon on 6364 7411 or via email Emilee.Rippon@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 indicate which level you are applying for and ensure your response addresses the work related requirements of the relevant position description.
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 pool will operate for a period of 3 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: Tuesday 17 November 2026 4pm (Australian Western Standard Time)
Applications that are in progress or submitted after the closing time will not be accepted.
