Job opportunity

 Permanent Appointment

Drive legal excellence at the heart of governance and compliance

An exciting opportunity exists to shape the Corporate Services function of the newly formed Department. We are looking for passionate and dynamic individuals to position Corporate Services as a strategic enabler and a driver of departmental priorities including organisational performance, capability, culture and governance.

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 Legal Operations Officer, you will provide high-level operational and coordination support to the Legal–Resources Branch, including direct support to the General Counsel. The role plays a key part in supporting the management of legal work across the Branch, ensuring the timely and accurate progression of matters, including legal advice, compliance, prosecution and subpoena-related matters.

Working within the Corporate Services Group, the position supports effective governance and contributes to the continuous improvement of systems, processes, and service delivery. The role also undertakes legal research, maintains legal records, and liaises with a range of internal and external stakeholders.

The successful applicant will bring a capable and adaptable approach, with experience in legal or regulatory environments. Well-developed communication skills, the ability to manage competing priorities, exercise sound judgement, and contribute to process improvements are essential.

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 a permanent appointment, applicants must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or have a visa to live and work indefinitely in Australia at the time of application. Applicants with a valid visa to work and live in Australia for a specific duration may be assessed and considered suitable for similar fixed term vacancies that arise.

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 Stephenie Vahala, A/General Counsel on (08) 9222 0734 or via stephenie.vahala@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:

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

• Demonstrated skills and experience in providing administrative and legal support, including preparing matters for prosecution, within a compliance environment, government legal framework and judicial system, with a strong focus on accuracy and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated high level oral and written communication skills including the ability to provide relevant information to a range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated skills and experience in conducting legal research and contributing to project management and service improvement strategies.

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 Shae Taaffe, Recruitment Officer on (08) 6251 1917 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 Friday, 15 May 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.