Graduate Programs: Department of Water and Environmental Regulation

Chelsea

Daisy

Jack

Jen

Nick

Our 12-month programs aim to build the skills, experience and networks required for a successful career in the Western Australian public sector. Our customised rotation plan is designed around our needs and your interests, providing you with opportunities to experience and work on statewide projects and initiatives.

We work closely with leaders in the mining, engineering, transport, resource, urban and regional planning and development, tourism, construction, and agricultural sectors. We partner with local and state industry and educational institutions and have a global presence in our programs and projects. 

We care | We build trust | Better together | Open minds | We serve to make a difference 

Initial employment is on a fixed term basis, with the transition to permanent employment following performance evaluation and successful completion of the 12-month program. 

Applications for the 2025 Graduate Programs are now open and close 18 August 2024.

Benefits of working at DWER

Salary

The starting salary for this program will depend on your qualification and placement. 
PSCSAA Level 3, $79,156 - $84,977 pa or PSCSAA, Specified Calling Level 1, $ 76,425 - $100,605 pa.

In addition, you will receive 11.5% superannuation.  

Permanency

Subject to successful completion of this program, you will transition into permanent employment in one of our three portfolio areas - Approvals, Climate and Sustainability or Strategy and Performance.  To find out more take a look at our organisational structure. 

Flexible working conditions

The department supports flexible working arrangements for all staff, helping employees achieve a better work-life balance, and boosting employee well-being and job satisfaction. Benefits of flexible working conditions at the department include: 

• flexible start and finish times
• access to time in lieu.

Attractive leave entitlements

All staff, including graduates, are entitled to a suite of leave arrangements including: 

• four weeks annual leave per year
• 12 days personal leave (for you or to care for your sick family member) per year
• the ability to purchase additional leave
• Cultural/Ceremonial Leave for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders 
• 10 days public holidays per year
• Three days public service holidays per year
• Christmas to New Year close down
• 13 weeks long service leave after seven years of continuous service.

Access to mentoring and support

All graduates will be supported by a comprehensive support network with skilled and diverse professionals including:

• a dedicated graduate coordinator
• access to the program’s executive champion
• a directorate sponsor
• a line manager and workplace buddy for each rotation
• your graduate peers (both in our department and from across the sector) 
• members of our Youth Outreach Understanding Networking Group (YOUNG) Committee.

Graduate development and networking program

Our department supports a mindset of curiosity and continuous learning that aligns to the 70:20:10 principles. Graduate development is important to us to ensure our future leaders have the skills they need for today and into the future. This both assists our graduates on their career journey and supports our purpose and business as it evolves. 

Our graduate program offers an exciting, purpose-built learning program consisting of:

• a comprehensive induction program including a suite of online modules 
• paid membership to the Institute of Public Administration Australia’s (IPAA) Young Professionals and the opportunity to attend the annual IPAA Public Sector Young Professional Conference
• participation in the Public Sector Commission’s Graduate Launch Program
• networking events with graduates at other agencies
• customised rotational opportunities to build your skills and expertise, including opportunities for regional travel and interagency rotations with Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation or Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulations and Safety
• participation in our pilot Carbon Literacy Project as part of a partnership with Edith Cowan University’s School of Business and Law.

In addition, our Aboriginal graduates will be able to tap into the department’s yarning circle for cultural mentoring and opportunities to network and collaborate with other Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander employees. 

YOUNG Program 

Join and be supported by our Youth Outreach Understanding and Networking Group (YOUNG). YOUNG was established to provide a network to connect and empower youth in the department and to create opportunities for youth to develop personally and professionally.

This network also provides a platform to engage and consult with youth during strategic planning on issues where youth perspectives are valuable. 

Contemporary modern office and end of trip facilities

You’ll be primarily located at our head office. Located in the City of Joondalup, close to the train station and the Joondalup shopping precinct and eateries, Prime House is a purpose-built office. It was opened in 2019 with a 5.5 (out of 6) star NABERS Energy rating.

With ergonomic sit-stand desks for everyone, and plenty of breakout spaces, the workplace is designed with collaboration in mind and is an enjoyable space to be creative.

We also have great end-of-trip facilities for those wishing to ride to work or take advantage of sport and leisure facilities in the area.

Social and wellness activities

Our department recognises the importance of looking after the ‘whole’ person. To support this, we have: 

• an active social club that organises sundowners, functions, discounted tickets to local events and much more, with membership open to anyone working in the department 
• a wellness program that includes programs for: 
  • flu vaccination and skin checks
  • employee assistance 
  • peer support
  • safe spaces 
  • lunch and learn events  
  • volunteering
• a departmental choir that gets together at lunch twice a week to sing for fun and in support of internal corporate events.

Our department values the strengths a diverse workforce brings to solving the challenges of climate change and creating a sustainable environment for Western Australians.

Every day we support and inspire each other to be our whole selves and best selves to thrive and reach our full potential. We celebrate, acknowledge, respect and embrace differences, because we know that when people from different backgrounds and with different points of view work together, we create the most value and reflect the community we serve.

Our department is committed to creating and maintaining a diverse workforce that reflects the community we serve, along with an inclusive culture where all employees feel valued, respected and connected. The diversity of our workforce is our strength; it enhances our ability to be forward-thinking.

Our graduate programs are equity and diversity initiatives, targeting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Graduates (our Aboriginal Graduate Program) and Graduates under 25 years of age (our Graduate program).  We also encourage applications from:

• people with disability
• women in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths disciplines). 

What we are looking for in a graduate

Graduates from all disciplines are encouraged to apply; however, the following disciplines and areas of study have been identified as desirable:

• environmental science and engineering with a focus on climate change, water resource management, sustainability and natural resource management
• applied sciences in chemistry and botany
• science communication
• project management
• commerce, environmental law and/or natural resource economics
• urban planning
• agriculture science
• landscape architecture and urban design
• intelligence analyst and data science
• social sciences, climate change and/or public policy
• computer science or information technology with a focus on cyber security, artificial intelligence, data analytics and modelling and/or application development.

What kind of job role will this lead to

Our Graduate programs could lead to ongoing employment in the following roles:

• Natural Resource Management Officer
• Environmental Officer
• Scientific Officer (Botanist, Chemist)
• Hydrographer
• Water Planning Officer  
• Science Communications Officer
• Policy / Project Officer
• Data Analyst
• Compliance/Assurance Officer (Waste operations)
• Compliance/Assurance Officer (Environmental compliance)
• Environmental/Pollution Response Officer

What are we looking for in you

We want you to be able to share and apply your university learnings and help us seek out long-term solutions to support our government commitments to water resources, climate change, biodiversity, sustainability, technology, waste management and pollution.

Along with your degree, as part of your study program you will have 

• developed and grown your verbal and written communication skills, enabling you to identify and effectively interact and communicate with your audience
• enhanced your ability to work as part of a team and adapt quickly to change complementing your effective time management skills
• developed skills to research, interpret and report on data allows you to be results focused, and identify and deliver on your goals
• a commitment to lifelong learning, developing your expertise and networks and responding to the gift of feedback.

Just four easy steps:

1. Ensure your up-to-date CV includes two referees. These two people will need to be able to comment on your skills and abilities and are contactable. This may be a current or previous academic supervisor such as a lecturer, tutor or a work supervisor.
2. Have an electronic copy of your academic transcript and evidence you have completed a relevant undergraduate qualification in the last two years (2022-2024). Note for Aboriginal graduates - the date of completion of your qualification is not limited.
3. Write a cover letter (brief statement, no more than one page) which tells us about your interests in our work and this program and how it aligns to your studies, knowledge, your values and career goals.
4. Lodge your application online no later than 4.00pm Sunday 18 August 2024.

Applications for both 2025 Graduate Programs are open from 22 July 2024.

For enquiries, please contact us at graduates@dwer.wa.gov.au.

Want to know more?

Then reach out to us on (08) 6364 6775 or at graduates@dwer.wa.gov.au to seek further information on our graduate program or the recruitment process.

To find out more about working in our department, visit our Careers and employment opportunities page.

We can’t wait to hear from you

You’ll be part of a team making a difference