Join us in our mission to promote biodiversity, conserve our valuable ecosystems, and provide engaging attractions that connect people with nature.

THIS IS A PERMANENT, FULL-TIME POSITION

THIS POSITION IS BASED IN KENSINGTON

APPLICATIONS FOR THIS POSITION CLOSE AT
MIDDAY ON MONDAY, 17 AUGUST 2026

The Marine Science Program plays a pivotal role in advancing the science that underpins marine biodiversity conservation and management across Western Australia. Through innovative research, long-term monitoring, and strategic scientific partnerships, the program generates the evidence needed to protect marine ecosystems, support threatened marine species recovery, and inform the management of an extensive and diverse marine protected area network.

We are seeking an outstanding Program Leader (Marine Science) to provide strategic leadership for the department's Marine Science Program and help shape the future of marine conservation in Western Australia.

This is a unique opportunity for an accomplished marine science leader to drive a high-performing and multidisciplinary team, influence conservation policy and management, and ensure that cutting-edge science translates into real-world outcomes for marine biodiversity. The role provides leadership across a broad portfolio of marine research, monitoring, science communication, and applied conservation science, with a particular focus on demonstrating and improving conservation outcomes within Western Australia's marine protected areas.

As Program Leader, you will build positive culture, provide safety leadership and scientific advice on marine ecology, conservation, planning, policy, and natural resource management. You will guide research priorities, foster internal relationships and partnerships with universities, research institutions, Traditional Owners, government agencies, and other stakeholders, and champion the use of innovative and evidence-based approaches to address emerging conservation challenges.

The successful applicant will have the opportunity to influence high-level strategic decision-making, contribute to state-wide conservation outcomes, and lead a team committed to delivering science that makes a measurable difference to the health and resilience of Western Australia's marine environments.

At the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), we have adopted Leadership Expectations which provides a common understanding of the mindsets and expected behaviours required of all our employees and the public sector. In this role, you will be Leading Leaders to help drive positive change.

Selection Criteria

Applicants should address the following five (5) criteria. These should be addressed in no more than four (4) pages in total.

1. Degree in marine biological science from a recognised university or an approved equivalent qualification (ESSENTIAL), with a post graduate qualification (DESIRABLE).
   
   
2. Knowledge of tropical and temperate marine biodiversity in Western Australia (ESSENTIAL), and knowledge of marine biodiversity conservation and management (DESIRABLE).
   
   
3. Extensive experience in safely planning and leading marine science research to investigate complex scientific problems, marine science baseline studies and monitoring to inform management on conservation (ESSENTIAL).
   
   
4. Demonstrated experience leading effective teams of scientists including maintaining positive culture, empowering, motivating and developing the diverse talents of people to deliver agreed outcomes (ESSENTIAL).
   
   
5. Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing large strategic programs of work including financial, safety and quality management and managing change within a large organisation (ESSENTIAL).

Note: Applicants who meet selection criteria 4 and 5 to a high degree will be particularly well regarded.

About Us

DBCA, one of Western Australia's largest state government agencies, providing exciting and challenging career opportunities in biodiversity conservation and park and natural resource management. We employ people with world-class scientific, policy, land and marine management, visitor services, research and educational skills.

For more information on what we do, our recruitment process, and why working at DBCA is an attractive proposition, please visit our website.

Benefits of working with us

In addition to the attractive salary and opportunities to contribute to biodiversity and environmental conservation initiatives, the department offers incentives including:

• Flexible working arrangements.
• 12% superannuation, full employer contribution and salary packaging options.
• 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.
• Access to study, bereavement, foster caring and parental leave.
• A confidential employee assistant program (EAP) for you and your family, including psychology and counselling services.
• An annual National Park Entry Pass.
• Well-established learning and development programs.
• Free staff parking. 

How to apply: 

All applications are to be submitted online. Select 'Apply for job', located at either the top or the bottom of the screen, and follow the instructions; you will need to provide a:

• a covering letter.
• a statement addressing the above requested criteria (in no more than four (4) pages.
• current CV, including the details of two referees with one being a recent or current manager/supervisor.

For further job-related information: contact Dr Christine Lamont on (08) 9219 9946 or for further information about the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, visit https://www.dbca.wa.gov.au/.

We have a detailed Job Application Kit to provide information about us, the value of the department and practical guidance on the process for you. 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.

Prior to commencement, the successful applicant will need to possess or obtain:

• A current (issue date not older than 6 months) and satisfactory National Police Check.
• A current Western Australian motor vehicle drivers licence. 

For the full role description, detailed responsibilities and a full list of selection criteria, please refer to the Job Description link below. The documents linked to this advertisement are available in alternative formats upon request.

Eligibility: It is essential to have Australian citizenship, New Zealand citizenship, Australian permanent residency status or a valid working visa to be appointed to this role.

A search for additional applicants may be conducted for this position where necessary to provide a more diverse and/or competitive field.

Substantive Equality Statement

DBCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages Indigenous Australians, young people, people with disabilities, people from culturally diverse backgrounds and women to apply for positions within our agency. People with disability will be provided with reasonable adjustments in our recruitment processes and in the workplace. The Department also promotes flexible working arrangements.

Applicants with a disability who require adjustments in the recruitment process, including an alternative to applying online, can contact the Senior Recruitment Officer on (08) 9219 9879 or recruitment@dbca.wa.gov.au. Do not send job applications to this email; they will not be accepted.

If you are an Aboriginal person who would like assistance with your application, please contact Jobs and Skills WA on 13 64 64.

Similar appointments may be made from this process in locations throughout Western Australia within a 12-month period to positions that may be permanent or contract, including contract appointments with the possibility of subsequent permanency.