Principal Policy Officer

We are seeking expressions of interest from current Western Australian Public Sector employees for the role of Principal Policy Officer.

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.

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.

The Opportunity:

This opportunity is available for an immediate start until 30 June 2027, with the possibility of extension. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced policy professional to make a meaningful impact on environmental outcomes in Western Australia. Working within the Climate and Sustainability portfolio, you will lead strategic policy initiatives that support the delivery of the State's Native Vegetation Policy and Implementation Roadmap, while contributing to broader environmental planning, assessment and landscape-scale policy initiatives that support effective environmental decision making.

You will provide expert policy advice, drive legislative and policy reform initiatives, and contribute to projects that align with agency and Ministerial priorities. As a senior member of the team, you will oversee complex projects from planning through to delivery, provide guidance and mentoring to team members, and build productive relationships with government agencies, industry, Traditional Owners, community groups and other stakeholders.

You will play a key role in influencing policy outcomes through consultation, negotiation and evidence-based advice, including contributing to strategic approaches that support improved environmental assessment and decision-making across regions and landscapes, and ensure high-quality outcomes are delivered within agreed timeframes.

The successful applicant will bring substantial experience in policy development and project management, together with a strong understanding of environmental policy, legislation and/or environmental impact assessment. You will be a strategic thinker with highly developed communication and stakeholder engagement skills, capable of navigating complex issues and delivering practical solutions that support government objectives and positive environmental outcomes.

Experience working with stakeholders and environmental issues in the Pilbara region, or similar regional settings, would be viewed favourably but is not essential.

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, diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels supported and valued.

We recognise the unique skills, perspectives and experiences that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, women and young people bring to our workforce, and we encourage applications from these groups. We welcome applications from people with disabilities and are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

If you require any adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs.

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 Simon Vieira, Senior Manager – Natural Knowledge on (08) 6364 6677 during business hours or via email at simon.vieira@dwer.wa.gov.au or Kassey Truesdale, Senior Manager Policy and Bilateral Negotiation and Implementation on (08) 6364 6951 during business hours or via email at kassey.truesdale@dwer.wa.gov.au.

Applicants must be currently employed within the Western Australian public sector to be eligible for appointment. 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.

This process may be used to fill similar vacancies that may arise within DWER and across the WA public sector over the next six (6) 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.

CLOSING DATE: 10am Monday 26 October 2026 (Australian Western Standard Time). Applications that are in progress or submitted after the closing time will not be accepted.