Lead the Future of Terrestrial Biodiversity in Western Australia

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.

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:

This is a full time opportunity for up to six months with the possibility of extension.

Please note: This opportunity is only eligible for current employees in the WA Public Sector. Applications from outside the sector will not meet the eligibility requirement and therefore will not be accepted.

Are you a recognised leader in terrestrial ecology, biodiversity management or environmental science looking to make a lasting impact across Western Australia? This is a unique opportunity to lead a highly skilled team of scientific experts at the forefront of environmental regulation, policy development and biodiversity conservation. As Manager Terrestrial Ecosystems, you will play a key strategic leadership role, influencing state-wide approaches to terrestrial biodiversity protection, shaping environmental policy, and providing expert advice on some of Western Australia's most complex and significant environmental challenges.

Working within the Nature Directorate leadership team, you will drive innovation, develop high-performing technical specialists, and build strong partnerships across government, industry, research institutions and the broader community. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to major environmental reforms, represent the Department in high-level forums, and help guide evidence-based decision-making that supports the sustainable management of WA's unique terrestrial ecosystems for future generations

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 and diverse workforce that promotes an inclusive and supportive workplace environment. We value the unique diversity of experience that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, women and youth bring to our workforce.

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 Claire Stevenson on 6364 6528 during business hours or via email at claire.stevenson@dwer.wa.gov.au

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*

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.
• Applicants may only apply with written agreement from their current manager confirming they will be released for this position.
• No permanent appointments may be granted via this process. 
• For specified calling positions, applicants must demonstrate they hold the relevant qualification/s at the time of applying. 

* 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

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 six (6) months. Vacancies may be full-time or part-time, or fixed term with possibility of extension in a variety of metropolitan and regional locations.

CLOSING DATE: 4pm Monday 24 August 2026 (Australian Western Standard Time)

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