Fixed term opportunity to 30 June 2028 with the possibility for extension and/or permanency

Interpret complex legislation and make decisions that support WA’s energy and resources future.

Would you like to be a part of the new Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration?

As a member of the department, you will help support the development of Western Australia’s resources sector, which oversees resource development and improved environmental outcomes for mining, petroleum and exploration for the benefit of WA and future generations.

Our people will be provided with a range of benefits, including flexible work arrangements, working at home, in the field or in the office, training and development opportunities, and ongoing support to enable you to achieve outcomes for our community.  We value diversity and appreciate every individual’s perspective, bringing together a diverse and inclusive workforce to drive innovation and success.

The role

As the Senior Tenure Officer, you will form part of a dynamic team within the Resource Tenure Division, responsible for administering the granting of tenure for resource exploration and production, and facilitating access to land for resource activities. You will be pivotal in coordinating and refining the periodic petroleum, geothermal energy and greenhouse gas Acreage Release programs. Additionally, you will assess and process complex applications for petroleum, geothermal energy and greenhouse gas titles, provide authoritative advice on tenure matters under relevant legislation, and support the training and development of the team’s Tenure Officers.

Drawing on your demonstrated experience working with complex legislation, you will play a vital role in interpreting and applying legislative requirements to ensure consistent and compliant decision-making under the Petroleum, Geothermal Energy and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 1967, Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas (Submerged Lands) Act 1982, Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Pipelines Act 1969 and associated legislation. You will support regulatory integrity by assessing applications, transfers and dealings against legislative requirements, and preparing well‑reasoned recommendations to inform decisions by senior stakeholders and delegates.

Your strong skills and experience in legislative interpretation, regulatory administration, and stakeholder engagement within the resources or government sector will be key to your success in this role, particularly your ability to apply legislative frameworks to complex or ambiguous scenarios and translate them into clear, practical outcomes.

You will bring to the team your expertise in petroleum, geothermal energy and greenhouse gas tenure processes, along with your ability to critically analyse, interpret and apply legislation, manage competing priorities, and deliver high-quality written advice and documentation. Your commitment to accuracy and consistency will support effective decision-making, while your client-focused approach will ensure responsive, professional engagement with industry, government and the community.

Please refer to the Job Description Form (JDF) attached for further information regarding the position, including any specific requirements, capabilities and pre-employment checks which will be assessed as part of the selection process.

While this selection process will initially be used to fill the above vacancy, it may also be used to fill other similar vacancies (permanent, fixed-term, full-time or part-time) within the department for the next 12 months, from the date that the recruitment breach period has been finalised.

Eligibility

To be eligible for fixed term employment you must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, have a visa to live and work indefinitely in Australia or have a valid visa to live and work in Australia for the duration of the fixed term employment at the time of application.

To work for DMPE, you must consent to a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and obtain a clearance before you start. If deemed suitable, DMPE will coordinate and pay for your NCCHC as part of your pre-employment checks.

More information about eligibility requirements can be found on the Job Description Form.

Further information

Please contact Jeff Hannan, Team Leader Resource Tenure on (08) 6251 2564 or via jeff.hannan@dmpe.wa.gov.au or visit our website. You can also keep up to date on DMPE achievements and activities by following us on LinkedIn.

How to apply

We ask for you to provide:

1. A detailed resume outlining your key achievements, work history, education and professional development relevant to the position, and a covering letter of no more than two (2) pages, addressing the following role specific requirements and leadership behaviour:

• Demonstrated experience in interpreting and applying legislation;
• Demonstrated experience in managing competing projects with time-constraints.

• Lead collectively - You seek to build and maintain effective working relationships with others and are mindful of the partnerships that support your efforts to deliver value for your team and work area.

Shortlisted applicants will have their skills and experience in relation to the remaining role specific requirements and leadership behaviours assessed in further stages of the recruitment process. The complete list of role specific requirements and expected leadership behaviours can be found in the attached Job Description Form.

In the attached Applicant Information Pack, we offer further information on how to apply and the range of incentives offered to employees who work with DMPE. If you have any questions about employment conditions or the application process, or require any technical support when submitting your application online, please contact Madeline Rogers, Recruitment Officer on (08) 9222 3657 or email recruitment@dmpe.wa.gov.au.

To submit your application, click on the “Apply for Job” button at the bottom of this page. You will be asked to complete several questions, before attaching your resume and covering letter.

Supporting Diversity and Inclusion

The department is committed to building and maintaining an inclusive and supportive workplace.  That’s why championing diversity and inclusion is so important to us; when we embrace different perspectives and give everyone the chance to be the best they can be, we can think in new, creative ways that grow and enhance our department.  Our department is an equal opportunity employer, supported by the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA), preference may be given to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, people of diverse sexualities and youth.

We are proud to be recognised as an Inclusive Employer for 2023-2024 by Diversity Council Australia. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion here.                         

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@dmpe.wa.gov.au

CLOSING DATE: 4.00PM on Thursday,  16 July 2026 (WST)

Please ensure you allow yourself sufficient time to lodge your application online as late applications will not be accepted. It is your responsibility to ensure your application is submitted on time.

We look forward to receiving your application and considering you for this exciting opportunity to join our team.