The Land Use Management (LUM) division within the Department of Planning Land and Heritage administers Crown Land for all Western Australians. LUM provide land use management, administration and approvals on behalf of the State that directly influence the social, economic, environmental and cultural outcomes of the Western Australian community.  

There is currently one permanent Senior State Land Officer position and one permanent Project Officer position to fill immediately within two teams of LUM being the following:

Land Divestment Team responsible for the strategic reuse and disposal of surplus and underutilised Crown land, unlocking opportunities that support housing, economic development, heritage outcomes and sustainable land use across Western Australia. Operating at the intersection of land tenure, planning, property, infrastructure and policy, the team delivers end‑to‑end projects—from site identification and feasibility through to stakeholder engagement, procurement and transaction delivery—within a complex legislative and governance environment.

The Indigenous Land Use Agreement Management (ILUA) Implementation Team – responsible for the implementation of State Significant ILUA’s including the South West Native Title Settlement, the Yamatji Nation Agreement and the Tjiwarl Palyakuwa Agreement. The team is responsible for delivery of the land commitments under each ILUA.

The Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage is seeking experienced Senior State Land Officers and Project Officers.

The Senior State Land Officer provides contemporary, responsive and fit for purpose land use management activities aligned with Department and Government priorities. As the Senior State Land Officer, you will provide effective support, assistance and guidance to the wider Land Use Management Division. This ensures processes relating to the administration of Crown land and the Aboriginal Lands Trust (ALT) estate are carried out in accordance with legislative requirements and within established parameters.

The Project Officer is responsible for the provision of contemporary, responsive and fit for purpose land management and use of land assets. As the Project Officer you will effectively manage and complete land related projects within legislative requirements and in accordance with departmental and governmental priorities.

Both positions will be required to accompany team members to represent the Department at external stakeholder meetings and site visits, as required.

This process may also be used to fill future similar permanent or fixed-term positions that may arise within the Department and across the WA public sector in the next 12 months from the initial date of appointment. 

To be successful for the Senior State Land Officer position, you need to demonstrate:

• Ability to compile information to guide the development of solutions and deliver key project outcomes in line with stakeholder and Government objectives, and organisational and broader community values.
• Well-developed research, conceptual and analytical skills, with demonstrated ability to synthesise complex information into clear and easy to understand written recommendations, reports and briefings.
• Well-developed interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills, with proven ability to build and maintain positive relationships with a diverse range of stakeholder groups.
• Demonstrated experience operating within a complex legislative environment.
• Demonstrate the behaviours within the Personal leadership context as outlined below.

To be successful for the Project Officer position, you need to demonstrate:

• Experience operating within a complex legislative environment.
• Demonstrated ability to apply program governance, including the collation of project plans, milestones, and resource needs.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate with both internal and external stakeholders and build and maintain productive working relationships to ensure the delivery of complex projects.
• Strong project management skills in delivering complex and multiple projects within agreed parameters and to planned outcomes.
• Understanding of statutory planning, contract/procurement management, land administration and project planning.
• Demonstrate the behaviours within the Personal leadership context as outlined below.

Core leadership behaviours outlined in Personal Leadership. The Personal Leadership context is about the work of individuals not yet in traditional leadership positions who make a direct and immediate difference to the agency.

The expected behaviours may be assessed during the recruitment and selection process.

About us

Our Perth office is centrally located in the CBD, above the Perth Underground rail station and close to major transport links.  We also have a number of offices located in the regions.

For more information on what we do, our recruitment process, and why working at the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage is an attractive proposition, please visit the Department page on the DPLH website.

We have a comprehensive  Applicant Information Pack to provide information about us, the values of the department and practical guidance on the process for you.

Benefits of Working at DPLH

DPLH offers a broad range of benefits including but not limited to:

• Access to flexible working arrangements including working from home or alternate work locations for enhanced work life balance.
• 12% superannuation, full employer contribution and salary packaging options.
• Comprehensive learning and professional development opportunities.
• 4 weeks annual leave with 17.5% loading paid as additional pay every December.
• 3 days additional public sector holidays each year.
• Cultural leave for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.
• Leave for study, bereavement, foster caring and parenting.
• Free access to a confidential employee assistance program (EAP) for you and your family, which includes psychology and counselling services.

How to apply: All applications are submitted online. Select ‘Apply for Job’, located at either top or bottom of the screen, and follow the instructions; you will need to provide a:

• Comprehensive CV that clearly shows your skills, experience, and key achievements, including the details of two referees.
• A maximum two‑page cover letter clearly demonstrating your skills and experience against the position requirements, as detailed above and in the JDF.

Further Information: 

If you would like to know more, please email liam.wallis@dplh.wa.gov.au to discuss the role in further detail. Please do not send your application to Liam Wallis or to seek their assistance with lodging your application. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants – For a confidential discussion about the recruitment process, please reach out to Jake Louthean or Barb Culbong from our Aboriginal Employment and Engagement team. You can contact Jake at 0428429486 or Barb at 0408 895 002 or alternatively email us at aboriginalemployment@dplh.wa.gov.au.

The Department is an equal opportunity employer and as a measure to achieve equality under sections 51, 66R and 66ZP of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, young people (24 years of age and under) and people with disability who meet the requirements of the position, may be prioritised for appointment.

Accessibility: If you have any communication or access needs that require adjustment to allow you to participate in this recruitment process, please contact our Recruitment team on (08) 6551 9419 or email recruitment@dplh.wa.gov.au.

We can also be contacted via the National Relay Service on the below numbers:

• TTY/voice calls – 133 677
• Speak and Listen – 1300 555 727
• SMS relay – 0423 677 767.

Special Requirements for this position:

The Department will conduct a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check for applicants successful to this recruitment process. 

To be eligible for a permanent appointment to the Western Australian public sector it is essential that you are an Australian citizen or have permanent residency status in Australia. To be eligible for a fixed term appointment you must have documentary evidence of your entitlement to live and work in Australia for the period of the contract.  

Please ensure you have saved your documents in MS Word (.docx files only) or PDF format and have allowed plenty of time to submit your application, as late, emailed and proforma applications will not be accepted. 

If you experience technical issues when submitting your application, contact ramshelpdesk@bigredsky.com, or please call (08) 6551 9419 for any other queries.

DPLH reserves the right to close this vacancy prior to the advertised closing date should circumstances around the vacancy change.

Closing Date 20 August 2026 @ 4:00pm AWST