Join one of WA’s most innovative and forward-thinking agencies and be part of something rewarding and exciting.

Shape the future of Western Australia. We are seeking experienced and proactive Senior Policy Planners to help strengthen the State’s land use planning policy framework. This is an opportunity to contribute to work that supports clear, contemporary and effective planning decisions across Western Australia, including advice to the Western Australian Planning Commission and Government on complex and strategic policy matters.

The policy directorate leads work to improve the consistency, currency and effectiveness of the State planning policy framework. The teams coordinate and undertake policy review and development processes, provide strategic and practical policy advice, investigate complex planning matters and support projects that help ensure planning policy remains contemporary, evidence-based and fit for purpose. The roles will suit people who enjoy working across issues, bringing structure to complexity, and contributing to policy outcomes that have lasting public value.

In this role, success is defined by your ability to shape and influence Western Australia’s planning system through the delivery of strategic, evidence-based policy. You will provide authoritative advice on complex issues, lead significant policy initiatives, and build strong, trusted relationships across government and industry. Your work will ensure planning policy is coherent, forward-looking and aligned with legislative and strategic frameworks, delivering meaningful outcomes for communities across the State.

These are two permanent fulltime positions available, for immediate appointment. This process may 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. 

Personal attributes and/or organisational requirements will also be considered during the recruitment and selection process.

To be successful for Senior Policy Planner Framework (00026297), you need to demonstrate: 

1. Demonstrated experience in a complex public policy environment including but not limited to the provision of strategic policy advice relevant to land use planning, environmental science or natural resource management.
2. Knowledge of current and emerging trends in a land use planning policy environment.
3. Demonstrated experience in managing significant, complex projects or leading policy development and review.
4. Highly effective communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to present complex and technical information to broad range of stakeholders and positively influence and achieve the desired policy outcomes.
5. A degree in Urban and/or Regional Planning (or relevant to), including Geography, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management or Sustainable Development.
6. Demonstrate the behaviours within the personal leadership context, as outlined below.

Core leadership behaviours outlined in Leadership Expectations are applicable to both positions and should be demonstrated in the context of 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.

In addition to the above requirements, to be successful for Senior Policy Planner (00026439), you need to demonstrate: 

1. Demonstrated experience in undertaking research, analysis and development of policy addressing complex issues.

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:

• Applicants must submit copies of their relevant degree in order to be considered for this role.
• Comprehensive CV that clearly shows your skills, experience, and key achievements,
  including the details of two referees, with at least one being your current or recent manager or
  supervisor.
• IMPORTANT: Please submit a maximum three (3) page cover letter, stipulating which position/s you are applying for. In the cover letter, using relevant examples to demonstrate how your skills and experience align with:
•  the 'Senior Policy Planner Frameworks' role only, position requirements 1-6, as listed above and in the JDF.
• the 'Senior Policy Planner' or both positions, requirements 1- 7, as listed above and in the JDF.

Please note, if you hold an overseas qualification you will need to provide supporting documentation of proof of assessment for equivalency. Please feel free to have your degree assessed by DTWD’s Overseas Qualification Unit (OQU) or alternatively contact our Recruitment team on (08) 6551 9419 or email recruitment@dplh.wa.gov.au.

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.

Further Information: 

If you would like to know more, please give Loretta van Gasslet a call on (08) 6551 9097 or email loretta.vangasselt@dplh.wa.gov.au  to discuss the role in further detail. Please do not send your application to Loretta or seek 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 – Monday 24 August @ 4:00pm (AWST)