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

Drive the reform of Western Australia's environmental offsets framework and contribute to lasting environmental outcomes.

We are seeking an experienced and influential leader to establish and lead a critical body of work supporting environmental offsets reform in Western Australia.

This newly established position will lead the development and implementation of strategic reforms that support the delivery of environmental outcomes while providing certainty, consistency and transparency for stakeholders across government, industry and the community.

This is a rare opportunity to influence policy settings, lead a specialist multidisciplinary team, and contribute to reforms that will have lasting significance for Western Australia's environmental future. The role leads environmental offsets reform activities and provides strategic advice to senior decision-makers on complex environmental, scientific and policy matters.

Commencing in July 2027, this three-year opportunity, with the potential for extension and/or permanency, provides successful applicants with significant lead time to plan their transition into a role that will contribute to some of the Directorate's most important strategic priorities.

Why this role?

This is more than a management role. It is an opportunity to lead work that sits at the intersection of science, policy, regulation and strategic environmental decision-making.

You will work closely with senior executives, government agencies, industry representatives and technical experts to help shape the future direction of environmental offsets in Western Australia. You will lead a highly specialised team delivering complex reform initiatives while navigating emerging issues, competing priorities and stakeholder interests.

The role offers the opportunity to:

• Lead the delivery of significant environmental reform initiatives.
• Influence policy and strategic decision-making at a senior level.
• Build and lead a high-performing multidisciplinary team.
• Work across government and with key external stakeholders on matters of statewide significance.
• Provide expert advice on complex environmental, scientific and policy issues.
• Contribute to environmental outcomes that will have long-term benefits for Western Australia.

About you

You are a confident people leader who can bring together diverse expertise, build productive relationships and guide teams through complexity and change.

You combine strong scientific, policy or regulatory experience with strategic thinking, sound judgement and the ability to communicate complex issues clearly and effectively.

Most importantly, you are comfortable operating in environments where influence, collaboration and leadership are critical to achieving outcomes.

If you are looking for an opportunity to lead meaningful reform, contribute to environmental outcomes of statewide significance, and work alongside some of the sector's leading policy, scientific and regulatory professionals, 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 Luke Jacenko, Program Director - Bilateral Negotiation and Implementation on 08 6364 7166 or via email at Luke.Jacenko@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)
• 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

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 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 Tuesday 29 September (Australian Western Standard Time)

Applications that are in progress or submitted after the closing time will not be accepted.