Scientific 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. 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 Scientific Officer to join our Climate and Sustainability team and contribute to the protection and sustainable management of Western Australia's water resources.

This role provides an opportunity to apply scientific expertise to support water source protection outcomes across the State. Working independently and as part of a collaborative team, you will undertake investigations, research and assessments, provide technical advice, contribute to policy and planning initiatives, and assist in delivering projects that support evidence-based environmental decision-making.

Reporting to the Principal Scientific Officer, you will assess and interpret complex water source protection issues, prepare technical reports and guidance materials, and contribute to the development and implementation of policy, legislation and source protection plans. You will work closely with a range of internal and external stakeholders, providing professional advice and helping to deliver practical outcomes that protect Western Australia's drinking water resources.

We are looking for a suitably qualified professional with a Bachelor of Science, or approved equivalent qualification, in a relevant discipline. You will have experience applying scientific knowledge in areas such as hydrology, water resource management or related environmental fields, along with demonstrated experience in project delivery, policy development and stakeholder engagement. Strong analytical, communication and interpersonal skills are essential, including the ability to translate complex scientific information into clear and accessible advice for diverse audiences.

The successful applicant will be required to hold a current WA C Class Driver's Licence, be able to undertake independent travel and successfully complete a National Police Clearance prior to appointment.

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 on Christa Loos, Principal Scientific Officer on 08 6364-6891 or via email ************@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)

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.
• Please include a copy of your Bachelor of Science qualification (degree and transcript) in an environmental 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 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 ***********@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 ***
• SMS relay – 0423 677 ***

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 ***********@dwer.wa.gov.au or on (08) 6364 7***.

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: 4pm Thursday 10 September 2026 (Australian Western Standard Time)

Applications that are in progress or submitted after the closing time will not be accepted.