Senior Environmental Officer – Approvals Talent Pool
Make a Difference Today. Shape Tomorrow with DWER
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:
The Department is looking to establish a talent pool to fill immediate and future vacancies for Senior Environmental Officers (SCL3) within our Approvals portfolio. We currently have multiple vacancies available to join our team, including permanent and fixed term opportunities.
These are rewarding positions for those who enjoy variety, problem solving and collaboration. You'll play an active role in resolving complex environmental issues, engaging with a wide range of stakeholders and shaping practical solutions that make a real difference. If you're passionate about the environment and eager to contribute to its protection in a meaningful way, these roles offers both purpose and professional growth.
About the Approvals Portfolio:
The Approvals portfolio combines the department's regulatory service functions including major project assessments, strategic planning and advice, licencing and permitting, compliance monitoring and enforcement.
EPA Services:
EPA Services supports the Environmental Protection Authority by coordinating environmental impact assessments, providing technical advice, and ensuring transparent, compliant processes to protect Western Australia’s environment.
Green Energy:
The Green Energy directorate facilitates efficient approvals for renewable and critical mineral projects under the Environmental Protection Act, while developing innovative assessment processes and engaging with stakeholders to deliver strong environmental outcomes.
Industry Regulation:
The Industry Regulation branch regulates industrial emissions and discharges to the environment through a works approval and licensing process, under Part V of the Environmental Protection Act 1986. This involves conducting environmental assessments and making decisions about the acceptability of industrial premises having potential to cause emissions and discharges to air, land, or water.
Priority Approvals:
The Priority Approvals directorate provides sector-leading case management for major housing, tourism, industry, and resource projects, leading cross-government engagement and trialling innovative approval pathways to streamline processes for priority developments.
Assurance:
The Assurance teams at DWER are responsible for ensuring compliance, managing environmental risks, and protecting public health, the environment, and water resources in Western Australia.
Statewide Delivery:
The Statewide Delivery directorate administers environmental, water, and native vegetation regulations across WA, leads the State’s Water Measurement Program, provides planning advice, delivers rural water initiatives for drought resilience, and drives regulatory integration and reform to improve systems and customer support.
Work-Related Requirements:
Essential
- To be considered for these roles, you must hold a Bachelor of Science in an environmental field or an approved equivalent qualification. This is a mandatory requirement and reflects the technical expertise needed to succeed in this position.
- You have a high level of ability to lead improvement activities, aligning systems, processes, and practices to enhance efficiency and deliver effective outcomes (you drive continuous improvement).
- You have considerable experience critically reviewing scientific studies and technical documents, synthesizing large volumes of information, and providing well-reasoned recommendations to boards or committees (you analyse complex information to support strategic decisions).
- You demonstrate strong leadership and interpersonal skills, effectively managing conflict, liaising, and negotiating with technical experts and senior officers across the private and public sectors to broker appropriate and sustainable outcomes (you influence and collaborate to achieve results).
- You communicate with impact, using highly developed written and oral communication skills to engage diverse stakeholders and produce publicly available documents in a clear and timely manner (you tailor communication to your audience).
- You are adaptable, managing shifting priorities while staying focused on agreed outcomes to ensure high-quality work is delivered in a dynamic environment (you remain resilient and outcome-driven).
Special Requirements
- The department will conduct national police check before offering employment.
- This position requires the ability for independent travel.
- This position also requires a current WA ‘C’ Class driver’s licence.
About the Department:
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.
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 Melissa Chamberlain - Manager Process Industries on (08) 6364 7067 or via melissa.chamberlain@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;
- Bachelor of Science qualification (degree and transcript) in an environmental related field*;
- A two (2) page cover letter addressing your suitability in relation to the essential criteria in the Work-Related Requirements section of this advertisement;
- Two (2) referees (one preferred to be a current supervisor or recent manager).
* 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 migration.wa.gov.au.
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.
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.
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
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 pool will operate for a period of six (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, Monday 27 April 2026 (Australian Western Standard Time)
Applications that are in progress or submitted after the closing time will not be accepted.
