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 an opportunity for a period of 10 months from August 2026 to 30 June 2027 with the possibility of extension.

An opportunity exists for a Senior Environmental Officer (Specified Calling Level 3) within the Marine Ecosystems Branch, Climate and Sustainability Portfolio. Based in Joondalup, this role provides specialist scientific advice on the protection of marine ecosystems to departmental officers, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), government agencies and other stakeholders to support environmental impact assessment, regulation and environmental protection outcomes across Western Australia.

Working with a high degree of autonomy, you will undertake specialist technical reviews of scientific reports, development proposals and management plans, providing robust advice on marine environmental factors and potential impacts. You will contribute to the development and implementation of evidence-based marine environmental policy, including strategic initiatives such as the State Environment (Cockburn Sound) Policy 2015 Review, and coordinate biological, ecological and contaminant investigations that support the management and protection of Western Australia's marine environment. The role also involves engaging with industry, government agencies, academic institutions and the community, representing the department on committees and working groups, and contributing to a collaborative, high-performing team culture.

The successful applicant will possess considerable knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas: marine science, environmental management, environmental impact assessment, marine-related modelling, biostatistics, or related fields.

You will have demonstrated experience applying scientific and analytical skills to complex environmental issues and providing high-quality technical advice to support decision-making. The role requires a sound understanding of government policy, legislation and practices relating to marine ecosystem management and protection in Western Australia, together with well-developed communication, stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills. Experience contributing to marine environmental policy development, environmental assessments, and the application of environmental protection strategies and regulatory controls will be highly regarded.

Applicants with experience liaising with government agencies, environmental consultants and community stakeholders, as well as expertise in one or more of the following areas: water and sediment quality, groundwater contamination, ecotoxicology, benthic communities, marine fauna, marine modelling or statistical analysis, are encouraged to apply.

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 Helen Nice, Principal Officer Marine Ecosystems on (08) 6364 7844 or via email Helen.Nice@dwer.wa.gov.au for specific information about the role.

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 resume together with no more than a two-page statement outlining their reasons for interest and their relevant skills, knowledge and experience.
• A copy of your Bachelor of Science qualification (degree and transcript) in an environmental related field*
• Two (2) referees (one preferred to be a current supervisor or recent manager)

* 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

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.

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 and fixed term with possibility of extension in a variety of metropolitan and regional locations.

CLOSING DATE: 4pm on Friday 28 August 2026 (Australian Western Standard Time)

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