Join Us in Shaping Western Australia's Future

At the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER), 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:

We are seeking to fill two Senior Water Planning Officer (Level 6) positions in the Water Allocation Planning Branch and establish a pool of suitable applicants to support ongoing and future permanent appointments.

Senior Water Planning Officers lead the development and implementation of water plans, policies and other strategic initiatives that support the sustainable management of Western Australia’s water resources. They provide expert technical advice, analyse complex scientific and policy information, and develop evidence-based recommendations to address water planning challenges.

Working collaboratively with colleagues, regional teams, government agencies and external stakeholders, Senior Water Planning Officers lead complex projects, contribute to policy development and review, prepare high-quality reports and recommendations, and represent the department in technical forums. They also support organisational capability by mentoring staff and fostering technical expertise across the department.

Key Skills and Experience

• Demonstrated experience in water resource planning and management, with the ability to deliver outcomes, evaluate performance, and drive continuous improvement.

• Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex scientific information and provide sound, evidence-based advice.

• Proven leadership capability, including developing and supporting teams to achieve objectives within a science-based or technical environment.

• Excellent communication skills, with experience preparing reports, presentations, and other documentation, while effectively engaging a range of audiences.

• Highly developed stakeholder engagement and collaboration skills, with the ability to build productive relationships, influence outcomes, and communicate technical information effectively.

At DWER, 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, and people of all genders, ages and backgrounds 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 Michael Hammond on (08) 6364 7404 or via email michael.hammond@dwer.wa.gov.au during business hours.

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 comprehensive CV that details your experience relevant to this opportunity;
• A two (2) page cover letter outlining the key responsibilities and achievements you have had during your career in context of the work-related requirements in the Job Description Form.
• Two (2) referees (one preferred to be a current supervisor or recent manager)

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.

The pool established will operate for a period of 6 months with vacancies being offered at part or full time on a permanent or fixed term contract basis with the possibility of extension or permanency. Pool applicants do not hold a right of review against appointment decisions made from the pool.

CLOSING DATE: 4:00pm Friday, 25 September 2026 (Australian Western Standard Time)

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