Senior Planning / Environmental Officer

PSCA, Specified Calling Level 3, $129,211 - $142,460 p.a. plus 12% Superannuation

Join us in our mission to promote biodiversity, conserve our valuable ecosystems, and provide engaging attractions that connect people with nature.

THIS IS A PERMANENT, FULL-TIME POSITION

THIS POSITION IS BASED IN KENSINGTON

APPLICATIONS FOR THIS POSITION CLOSE AT

MIDDAY ON FRIDAY, 5 JUNE 2026

Swan Canning Waterways Branch plays a pivotal role in the management and protection of the Swan Canning Riverpark, as guided by the Swan and Canning Rivers Management Act 2006 and the Swan Canning River Protection Strategy. The Branch is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Swan Canning Riverpark and the handling of development proposals affecting the Riverpark.

We currently have an opportunity for a Senior Planning / Environmental Officer to join our team.

At an advanced professional level under limited direction and using independent judgement, this position:

• Undertakes strategic planning and policy development including the preparation of precinct plans.
• Coordinates the assessment and administration of applications made under Part 5 of the Swan and Canning Rivers Management Act 2006 and the Swan and Canning Rivers Management Regulations 2007.
• Coordinates the Swan River Trust’s (the Trust’s) responses to applications referred to the Trust under the Metropolitan Region Scheme.
• Assesses major development proposals within and adjoining the Swan Canning Development Control Area and prepares reports and recommendations on complex planning issues and applications.
• Advises, negotiates and liaises with Government organisations, the development industry, proponents of development and the public on planning matters related to the Swan Canning river system.

At the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), we have adopted Leadership Expectations which provides a common understanding of the mindsets and expected behaviours required of all our employees and the public sector. In this role, you will be Leading Others to help drive positive change.

Selection Criteria

Applicants should address the following five (5) criteria. These should be addressed in no more than four (4) pages in total.

• A degree qualification in Urban and Regional Planning or an approved equivalent qualification or a Bachelor of Science degree in a relevant discipline or an approved equivalent qualification.
• Substantial experience in urban and regional planning and environmental management.
• Conceptual and analytical ability, including the ability to critically analyse information and concepts and communicate recommendations to others; and the ability to develop practical and innovative solutions to complex environmental management problems.
• Excellent written communication skills including demonstrated skills in technical and other report writing, and the ability to proof documents and edit the work of others.
• Highly developed oral communication, conflict resolution, negotiation and interpersonal skills and an ability to work in a team environment, lead a work team and mentor others.

DBCA, one of Western Australia's largest state government agencies, providing exciting and challenging career opportunities in biodiversity conservation and park and natural resource management. We employ people with world-class scientific, policy, land and marine management, visitor services, research and educational skills.

For more information on what we do, our recruitment process, and why working at DBCA is an attractive proposition, please visit our website .

Benefits Of Working With Us

In addition to the attractive salary and opportunities to contribute to biodiversity and environmental conservation initiatives, the department offers incentives including:

• Flexible working arrangements.
• 12% superannuation, full employer contribution and salary packaging options.
• 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.
• Access to study, bereavement, foster caring and parental leave.
• A confidential employee assistant program (EAP) for you and your family, including psychology and counselling services.
• An annual National Park Entry Pass.
• Well-established learning and development programs.
• Free staff parking.

How to apply

All applications are to be submitted online. Select 'Apply for job', located at either the top or the bottom of the screen, and follow the instructions; you will need to provide a:

• a statement addressing the above requested criteria (in no more than four (4) pages.
• current CV, including the details of two referees with one being a recent or current manager/supervisor.

For further job-related information: contact

Greg Comiskey on (08) 9278 0922 or for further information about the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, visit https://www.dbca.wa.gov.au/ .

We have a detailed Job Application Kit to provide information about us, the value of the department and practical guidance on the process for you. 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.

Prior to commencement, the successful applicant will need to possess or obtain:

• A current (issue date not older than 6 months) and satisfactory National Police Check.
• A current Western Australian motor vehicle drivers licence.

For the full role description, detailed responsibilities and a full list of selection criteria, please refer to the Job Description link below. The documents linked to this advertisement are available in alternative formats upon request.

Eligibility: To be eligible for permanent appointment, it is essential to have Australian citizenship, New Zealand citizenship or Australian permanent residency status.

A search for additional applicants may be conducted for this position where necessary to provide a more diverse and/or competitive field.

Substantive Equality Statement

DBCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages Indigenous Australians, young people, people with disabilities, people from culturally diverse backgrounds and women to apply for positions within our agency. People with disability will be provided with reasonable adjustments in our recruitment processes and in the workplace. The Department also promotes flexible working arrangements.

Applicants with a disability who require adjustments in the recruitment process, including an alternative to applying online, can contact the Senior Recruitment Officer on (08) 9219 9879 or [email protected] . Do not send job applications to this email; they will not be accepted.

If you are an Aboriginal person who would like assistance with your application, please contact Jobs and Skills WA on 13 64 64.

Similar appointments may be made from this process in locations throughout Western Australia within a 12-month period to positions that may be permanent or contract, including contract appointments with the possibility of subsequent permanency.