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 a Permanent opportunity
The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) is seeking a Senior Scientific Officer to support the protection of Western Australia’s drinking water sources in a changing climate. This role contributes to securing reliable, safe, good‑quality and lower‑cost drinking water while protecting public health and the environment.
The Senior Scientific Officer undertakes a range of water source protection activities including implementing legislation, drafting legal instruments and policy, and preparing drinking water source protection reports and guidance materials. The role provides high‑level technical and scientific advice on complex matters such as water and land‑use planning, mining proposals, and source risk assessment, and works closely with government, licensed water service providers, developers, industry, and other stakeholders. You will undertake investigations and analysis under limited direction, contribute to policy development and implementation, lead projects, guide staff, and represent the department through high‑level liaison and public presentations.
To be successful, you will hold a Bachelor of Science or approved equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline and have considerable experience applying scientific knowledge, such as hydrology or water resource management, to inform robust environmental decision‑making. You will demonstrate strong project management capability, experience in policy development and implementation, well‑developed interpersonal skills, and the ability to clearly communicate complex scientific information to diverse audiences.
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.
At the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation every employee is a leader. This position is aligned with the Personal Leader expectations and requires you to demonstrate leadership through your behaviour, accountability, and professional judgement.
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 Christa Loos on 08 6364 6891 or via email christa.loos@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.
- Two (2) referees (one preferred to be a current supervisor or recent manager)
- Include a copy of your Bachelor of Science qualification (degree and transcript) in an environmental or water resource management related field*
- * 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 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 twelve (12) months. Vacancies may be full-time or part-time, permanent or fixed term with possibility of extension or permanency in a variety of metropolitan and regional locations.
Applicants found suitable but not recommended for this vacancy may be considered for subsequent vacancies in accordance with Part 5 (General Appointment) of Commissioner's Instruction 2: Filling a Public Sector Vacancy.
CLOSING DATE: 4pm Friday 24 April 2026 (Australian Western Standard Time)
Applications that are in progress or submitted after the closing time will not be accepted.
