THIS IS A 5-YEAR, FULL-TIME SENIOR EXECUTIVE SERVICE (SES) POSITION
APPLICATIONS FOR THIS POSITION CLOSE AT
MIDDAY ON THURSDAY, 2 OCTOBER 2025 (AWST)
About us:
The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) seeks an exceptional leader to drive scientific excellence and strategic impact in biodiversity conservation across Western Australia.
Biodiversity and Conservation Science (BCS) of the Science, Strategy and Governance Group delivers high-quality research, expert advice, and innovative solutions that underpin evidence-based decision-making for the State’s unique plants, animals, ecosystems, and natural landscapes. Working at the interface of science, policy, and public value, the Executive Director will lead a multidisciplinary division of over 225 staff delivering targeted science programs spanning terrestrial, marine, estuarine, fire, flora, fauna, and ecosystem health.
To be successful, you will demonstrate:
- Exceptional leadership experience in science, research, or conservation environments with proven ability to lead large, multidisciplinary teams
- Strategic thinking and policy influence capabilities, with experience providing high-level advice to government and senior executives
- Strong stakeholder engagement skills and ability to build partnerships across industry, community, research and government sectors
- Commitment to driving performance and culture aligned with organisational values and safety leadership requirements
- Deep understanding of biodiversity, conservation science, or related fields with the ability to translate scientific knowledge into policy and practice
This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of biodiversity and conservation science in one of the world’s most biologically diverse regions.
At DBCA, we believe all our people are leaders irrespective of their role. We consider this as critical to our success and, to support this, we have adopted Leadership Expectations which provide a common understanding of the mindsets and expected behaviours in the context of our agency and the Public Sector. The DBCA leadership context for this role is Executive Leader.
The attached Job Description Form (JDF) provides more information about the position.
For Further Job-Related Information: Please contact Tina Jackson from Lester Blades on (08) 9221 0744 for a preliminary discussion or for further information about the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions please visit https://www.dbca.wa.gov.au/.
Note: Shortlisted applicants may be subject to psychometric testing. The successful applicant will be required to possess or obtain a current (issue date not older than 6 months) and satisfactory National Police Check, and manageable conflict of interests declaration and action plan as part of the pre-employment checks.
Eligibility: To be eligible for an appointment to this position, it is essential to have Australian citizenship, New Zealand citizenship or Australian permanent residency status.
Application Instructions:
- A CV and a cover letter (max 4 pages) addressing the selection criteria in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).
- Details of two referees (one of whom should be a recent or current manager).
No late or proforma applications will be accepted.
A search for additional applicants may be conducted for this position where necessary in order to provide a more diverse and/or competitive field.
Substantive Equality Statement
The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions 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 can contact the Employment and 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.
