This is a permanent full-time position commencing October 2026

The Department of Education delivers swimming and water safety programs for all Western Australian young people aged 5 to 17 through the Interm Swimming and VacSwim programs. The programs have been in existence for over 100 years and are considered an integral part of Western Australian culture.

From 2027, the current Swimming and Water Safety Branch will transition to the newly established School of Swimming and Water Safety, which will operate as one of several specialist schools within the Statewide Services division. Building on the work currently undertaken by the Branch, the School will continue to deliver high-quality swimming and water safety education across Western Australia.

The School will:

• enhance access to programs, with an emphasis on meeting the specific needs of children facing participation barriers.
• strengthen connections to the Western Australian Health and Physical Education Curriculum and teaching and learning practices
• maximise access to swimming and water safety programs in regional areas
• expand and sustain a high-quality swimming instructor workforce.

The Role

This is a strategic leadership role within Swimming and Water Safety, focused on leading initiatives that strengthen workforce capability, professional learning, partnerships and organisational improvement across the State.

As Senior Project Officer, you will lead the development and implementation of workforce attraction, development and retention initiatives to support a sustainable and capable swimming and water safety workforce. Working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders, including schools, aquatic industry bodies, local government and community organisations, you will establish and maintain strategic partnerships that enhance program delivery and workforce outcomes.

You will lead the design, development and delivery of professional learning programs that build workforce capability and support high-quality program delivery across the State. This includes identifying emerging learning and development needs, designing contemporary learning solutions, facilitating and presenting professional learning opportunities, and evaluating their effectiveness. The position also provides strategic project leadership, including planning, coordinating and evaluating projects aligned with organisational priorities. You will provide expert advice to support policy development, operational planning and system-wide responses, while preparing high-quality reports, briefings and Ministerial correspondence.

As a senior member of the team, you will supervise and support Project Support Officers, fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment that delivers quality outcomes for schools, students and stakeholders across Western Australia.

The position is currently based in Padbury, with plans underway for a future relocation to Tuart Hill.

Professional Benefits

We are conveniently located Padbury and our employees enjoy a range of benefits which include: 

• 12% employer contributed superannuation.
• Flexible working arrangements are genuinely considered to create healthy work life balance including; working from home or remote, flexible working hours and part-time arrangements
• Generous leave entitlements including annual, personal, long service and parental leave
• Professional development opportunities and study leave/assistance
• Access to salary packaging (in accordance with relevant industrial instruments) 

Want to know more?

Full details of the role, selection criteria and training requirements are listed in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Kimberley Nimmo, Associate Principal, School of Swimming and Water Safety on (08) 9402 6371 or by emailing Kimberley.Nimmo@education.wa.edu.au

Agency Referrals: Public sector agencies seeking to refer surplus employees should contact Recruitment at centralservices.recruitment@education.wa.edu.au during the advertising period. 

We are committed to building the leadership capability of our people (Building Leadership Impact).

Equity and Diversity

We are committed to an inclusive and culturally responsive workforce reflecting the diversity in our workplaces and the Western Australian community. We welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, young people, people of diverse sexualities and genders, people with disability, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Explore our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Plan 2021-2025 for more details.

Eligibility

To work with us, you must: 

• be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident or have a valid visa with relevant work rights for the term of the appointment.
• consent to a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and obtain a current Screening Clearance Number issued by the Department of Education’s Screening Unit before you start.
• obtain or hold a current Working with Children Check

More information about employment eligibility can be found on our website and in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).

Application Instructions

Apply online in two easy steps:

Step 1: Select Apply for Job

Complete the online application form, including details of two (2) work related referees, preferably one being your current line manager.

Step 2: Attach your documents

Your application should include: 

• A CV of up to three (3) pages outlining your employment history and professional learning summary relevant to this position 
• A three (3) page statement addressing the following selection criteria as outlined in the attached JDF:

1. Demonstrated substantial knowledge of current workforce issues, trends, policies and processes in relation to projects, programs and initiatives that support educational outcomes in Western Australia.
2. Demonstrated highly developed project management skills, including project methodology, planning, coordination, implementation and evaluation.
3. Demonstrated highly developed research, analytical, conceptual and problem solving skills including the ability to identify and analyse patterns and trends, recommend process improvements and develop innovative solutions.

Shortlisted applicants will have their skills and experiences in relation to the remaining selection criteria assessed in the further stages of the recruitment process.

It is recommended you have your attachments ready before selecting Apply for Job.

Your application must be received before the closing date and time. Late applications will not be accepted.

For technical support submitting your application, you can call the Department of Education’s Recruitment team on (08) 9264 4127 for assistance.

Advertised Vacancy Number: DOE1062125

Applicants assessed as suitable may be considered for similar vacancies that arise in our branch within the next 12 months. This includes circumstances where this position becomes subsequently vacant should the successful applicant decline or vacate the advertised position.

The Department applies a four (4) day breach period to this selection process.

Applications close: 4.30pm (AWST) on Monday, 24 August 2026