The Principal Legal Officer will use a forward focus to embrace change and lead reform activities, being instrumental in delivering a legislative and governance framework that reflects government and community expectations.
As the Principal Legal Officer, you will lead the preparation of advice on current legal issues and legislative and regulatory frameworks relevant to Crown land. The role is responsible for leading the delivery of these outcomes through the provision of highly responsive, customer focused Legal Services to the Department.
This is a permanent, full-time position within the Renewable Energy Directorate, Land Use Management; however, consideration may be given to applicants seeking part-time opportunities. This process may also be used to fill future similar permanent or fixed-term positions that may arise within the Department and across the WA public sector in the next 12 months from the initial date of appointment.
Our Perth office is located in the Perth CBD in a convenient location, above the Perth Underground rail; close to the Wellington Street Bus Station and City CAT services.
To be successful for this position, you need to demonstrate:
- Bachelor of Law degree and admitted to practice Law in the Supreme Court of Western Australia (or otherwise approved by the Legal Practice Board of WA).
- Extensive knowledge and experience in some or all of the following areas of law: commercial law, Crown property law, native title, administrative law and the drafting of legislation including sound knowledge and understanding of Parliamentary and legislative procedures.
- Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to negotiate and influence high level stakeholders on complex matters and manage conflict appropriately.
- Ability to undertake comprehensive research and prepare accurate and practical legal advice for complex and sensitive matters in short timeframes.
- Demonstrate substantial experience in providing leadership and direction to motivate and empower teams to deliver outcomes.
- Demonstrate the behaviours within the leadership context as outlined below.
Core leadership behaviours outlined in Leadership Expectations are applicable to this role and should be demonstrated in the context of Leading Others. The Leading Others context is about motivating and enabling others to deliver high quality work that contributes to the agency. The expected behaviours may be assessed during the recruitment and selection process.
About us
For more information on what we do, our recruitment process, and why working at the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage is an attractive proposition, please visit the Department page on the DPLH website.
We have a comprehensive Applicant Information Pack to provide information about us, the values of the department and practical guidance on the process for you.
Benefits of Working at DPLH
DPLH offers a broad range of benefits including but not limited to:
- Access to flexible working arrangements including working from home or alternate work locations for enhanced work life balance.
- 12% superannuation, full employer contribution and salary packaging options
- Comprehensive learning and professional development opportunities.
- 4 weeks annual leave with 17.5% loading paid as additional pay every December
- 3 days additional public sector holidays each year
- Cultural leave for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff
- Leave for study, bereavement, foster caring and parenting
- Free access to a confidential employee assistance program (EAP) for you and your family, which includes psychology and counselling services.
How to apply: All applications are submitted online. Select ‘Apply for Job’, located at either top or bottom of the screen, and follow the instructions; you will need to provide a:
- A comprehensive CV that clearly shows your skills, experience, and key achievements, including the details of two referees.
- A concise covering letter, no longer than 2 pages that addresses the essential requirements outlined above.
- Applicants must submit copies of their relevant degree in order to be considered for this role.
Please beware if you hold an overseas qualification you will need to provide supporting documentation of proof of assessment for equivalency. Please feel free to have your degree assessed by DTWD’s Overseas Qualification Unit (OQU) or alternatively contact our HR Services team on (08) 6551 9419 or email recruitment@dplh.wa.gov.au.
Further Information:
If you would like to know more, please contact Terri Gartside, Director Renewable Energy on 0447515523 or by email at terri.gartside@dplh.wa.gov.au to discuss the role in further detail. Please do not send your application to Terri or seek their assistance with lodging your application.
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants – If you would like to have a confidential discussion with Barb Culbong, our Aboriginal Employment Consultant, about the recruitment process please contact her on 0408 895 002 or email aboriginalemployment@dplh.wa.gov.au
The Department is an equal opportunity employer and as a measure to achieve equality under sections 51, 66R and 66ZP of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, young people (24 years of age and under) and people with disability who meet the requirements of the position, may be prioritised for appointment.
Accessibility: If you have any communication or access needs that require adjustment to allow you to participate in this recruitment process, please contact our HR Services team on (08) 6551 9419 or email recruitment@dplh.wa.gov.au.
We can also be contacted via the National Relay Service on the below numbers:
TTY/voice calls – 133 677
Speak and Listen – 1300 555 727
SMS relay – 0423 677 767
Special Requirements for this position:
The Department will conduct National Police Clearances for applicants successful to this recruitment process.
To be eligible for a permanent appointment to the Western Australian public sector it is essential that you are an Australian citizen or have permanent residency status in Australia. To be eligible for a fixed term appointment you must have documentary evidence of your entitlement to live and work in Australia for the period of the contract.
Please ensure you have saved your documents in MS Word (.docx files only) or PDF format and have allowed plenty of time to submit your application, as late, emailed and proforma applications will not be accepted.
If you experience technical issues when submitting your application, contact ramshelpdesk@bigredsky.com, or please call (08) 6551 9419 for any other queries.
Closing Date: Friday, 29 May 2026 @ 4pm
