Our Graduate Program provides the opportunity to gain valuable experience working with a diverse team dedicated to managing environmental and water impacts across Western Australia. 

 
Ready to launch your career with purpose? 

Our department is on the forefront of environmental legislation, sustainability and developing responses to climate change. We are a place of opportunity where the work is meaningful and makes an impact in our community and State for a better, sustainable future. You will also be joining an organisation that leans into its values-based culture which reflects who we are and how we go about business and care.  

We care | We build trust | Better together | Open minds | We serve to make a difference 

About our Program: 

Our 12-month Graduate Program is designed to equip you with the skills, knowledge, experience and professional networks needed to build a successful career in the Western Australian public sector. Through tailored rotations that balance organisational priorities with your interests and development goals, you will contribute to state-wide projects and initiatives. 

At DWER, we work alongside leaders across the mining, engineering, transport, resources, urban and regional planning, tourism, construction and agricultural sectors. We partner with industry, Traditional Owners, local and state government agencies, and educational institutions to deliver meaningful outcomes for Western Australia. Our work spans local, state and international initiatives, offering graduates exposure to complex challenges and opportunities that make a real difference to our department, communities, environment and economy. 

For the 2027 intake, we are offering up to 10 graduate positions with opportunities available across the following pathways:  

1. Climate & Sustainability 

Help shape Western Australia’s response to climate change, water security and environmental sustainability. The Climate and Sustainability portfolio leads work that supports emissions reduction, climate resilience, sustainable water management, waste avoidance, resource recovery and the transition to a circular economy. 

As a graduate, you will gain exposure to climate and environmental policy, strategic planning, program delivery, research, data analysis, stakeholder engagement and cross-government projects. You will work with people across government, industry and the community to help develop practical solutions to complex environmental challenges. 

This pathway is well suited to graduates who want to apply their skills to work that supports long-term outcomes for Western Australia’s environment, communities and economy.

2. Approvals 

Be at the centre of decisions that shape Western Australia’s environment, communities and economy. The Approvals portfolio supports responsible development by assessing proposals, licences and applications against environmental and regulatory requirements. 

As a graduate, you will gain exposure to environmental impact assessment, native vegetation clearing, industry regulation, works approvals, licensing, water licensing, compliance advice, technical assessment and regulatory reform. You will contribute to work that brings together science, policy, legislation, data and stakeholder input to support sound decision-making. 

This pathway is well suited to graduates who want to apply their skills in a regulatory setting, building skills in assessment, analysis, written advice, stakeholder engagement and evidence-based decision-making while helping protect Western Australia’s environment and support sustainable development. 

 3. Human Resources 

Be part of the team that helps shape a positive workplace and supports the people who deliver important environmental and water outcomes for Western Australia. Our human resources team works across the Department to attract, develop and support our workforce, build capability, strengthen culture and create a workplace where people can do their best work. 

As a human resources graduate, you will gain exposure across areas such as recruitment, workforce planning, learning and development, payroll and employment conditions, diversity and inclusion, employee relations, wellbeing, organisational development and workforce data. You will help solve practical people-related challenges, provide advice and services to staff and managers, support evidence-based decisions and build skills that are valued across the public sector. 

This pathway is well suited to a graduate who is interested in people, culture and the future of work. You will build practical skills in communication, analysis, advisory work, service delivery, stakeholder engagement and continuous improvement while helping the Department support its people and deliver for the community. 

Who we’re looking for: 

For our Climate and Sustainability, and Approvals portfolios, we are seeking graduates who have completed (or are due to complete) their undergraduate degree in 2025 or 2026, in any of the following areas – environmental science, environmental management, conservation biology, ecology, sustainability, climate science, earth science, geography, marine or water science, natural resource management, environmental engineering, sustainable development, hydrogeology, geology, hydrology, environmental and conservation science, spatial science, geographic information systems, data science, applied statistics or related disciplines. 

For our Human Resources branch, we are seeking a graduate who has completed (or is due to complete) their undergraduate degree in 2025 or 2026, in commerce, business or other related disciplines, with a focus on human resources management, employment relations, industrial relations, or similar. 

In addition to this, we're looking for curious, adaptable and motivated graduates who demonstrate a growth mindset, strong communication and analytical skills, and a commitment to continuous learning. You'll be eager to contribute to meaningful work, collaborate with others, and want to make a positive impact on Western Australia’s environment, water resources and communities. 

Our graduate program is an equity, diversity and youth initiative. Utilising measures available under the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 we strongly encourage, and may preference, applications from youth (24 years and under).  

Applicants must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident at the time of application. 

What we can offer you: 

DWER’s 2027 Graduate Program offers competitive pay, flexible work, professional development, mentoring, regional opportunities and a range of leave benefits, including Cultural Leave. Further details are available in the application information pack. 

As a graduate, you can expect: 

• Permanent appointment commencing February 2027 at Level 3 ($89,464 plus 12% superannuation) subject to the 12-month probationary period of the Graduate Program. 

• A permanent position within your assigned portfolio from February 2028 at Level 3 or Specified Calling Level 1, aligned to organisational requirements and your qualifications, skills and experience. 

• Three 4-month rotations that provide broad exposure to different teams, work areas and projects. 

• A 12-month IPAA Young Professionals membership. 

• Mentoring, professional development and access to our YOUNG employee network. 

• Flexible working arrangements, such as (up to) 3-days working from alternate locations and flexi-time. 

• Opportunities for regional travel and/or interagency rotations including with Department of Energy and Economic Diversification (DEED), Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety (LGIRS), and Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration (DMPE).  

Applicants not selected for the program will remain on a suitability list for up to 12 months and may be considered for other full-time or part-time, fixed-term or permanent opportunities within DWER. 
 
Find out more: 

To find out more about the program its benefits and the sorts of roles this opportunity may lead to visit our graduate page, read the application information pack, or contact the following: 

From Friday 25 September to Friday 16 October 2026 please contact Amy Rosher, Senior HR Consultant (Employment Programs) on 08 6364 7380 or graduates@dwer.wa.gov.au during business hours.  

From Monday 19 October to Thursday 22 October please contact Lisa Symons, Manager - Talent and Culture on 08 6364 6732 or graduates@dwer.wa.gov.au during business hours. 

How to Apply: 

To apply, click ‘Apply for Job’ at the top or bottom of this page and follow the prompts. Please submit: 

1. An up-to-date CV which includes two professional referees who can comment on your skills and abilities and are available to be contacted. This may include a current or previous academic supervisor such as a lecturer or tutor, or a work supervisor.  

1. An electronic copy of your academic transcript and evidence that you have completed (or are due to complete) a relevant undergraduate qualification between 2025 and 2026.  

1. A cover letter (brief statement, no more than one page) that tells us which of the (above) three pathways interest you and why, and how the Graduate Program aligns with your studies, knowledge, values and career goals. 

Select ‘Apply for Job’ and lodge your application online no later than 12:00pm 22 October 2026. 

What to Expect: 

The selection process will include: 

• An eligibility and application review. 

• A pre-recorded video interview, where you'll respond to questions and/or a case study scenario. 

• Further assessment activities, which may include a face-to-face interview and/or group activity. 

• Referee checks for shortlisted applicants. 

• Employment screening including a National Police Certificate. 

What inclusion and diversity means to us: 

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, and young people bring to our workforce, and we encourage, and may preference, 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. 

Closing date: 12:00pm (midday) Thursday 22 October 2026 (Australian Western Standard Time) 

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