27 Nov
Agency Mines, Petroleum and Exploration, Department of
East Perth
Senior Lawyer
(MIS23196 & MP090019)
Two (2) Permanent Appointments Avaliable
Shape the legal direction of a newly formed department driving WA’s mining and resources future.
Would you like to be a part of the new Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration (DMPE)?
As a member of the department, you will help support the development of Western Australia’s resources sector, which oversees resource development and improved environmental outcomes for mining, petroleum and exploration for the benefit of WA and future generations.
Our people will be provided with a range of benefits, including flexible work arrangements, working at home, in the field or in the office, training and development opportunities, and ongoing support to enable you to achieve outcomes for our community. We value diversity and appreciate every individual’s perspective, bringing together a diverse and inclusive workforce to drive innovation and success.
The Role
As the Senior Lawyer, you will be part of a dynamic and collaborative legal team responsible for providing high-quality legal advice to the department and the Minister on a wide range of complex legal matters, with a focus on the resources industry and government legal practice. You will play a key role in advising on legislation, statutory powers, regulatory frameworks, and contractual agreements that are central to the work of the newly formed Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration.
You will also contribute to the growth and development of the DMPE legal team by coaching, mentoring and supporting less experienced lawyers, and by sharing your expertise across a wide range of legal matters. As part of the newly established Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration, your contribution will help shape a forward-thinking and capable legal team that embraces innovation, technology, and is committed to contemporary legal practice.
Success in this role requires a high level of attention to detail, sound legal judgment, and the ability to deliver timely, relevant, and practical advice. You will be confident communicating with a range of stakeholders, able to tailor your advice for different audiences, and work collaboratively as a strong and supportive team member.
Please refer to the Job Description Form (JDF) attached for further information regarding the position, including any specific requirements, capabilities and pre-employment checks which will be assessed as part of the selection process.
While this selection process will initially be used to fill the above vacancy, it may also be used to fill other similar vacancies (permanent, fixed-term, full time or part-time) within the department for the next 12 months, from the date that the recruitment breach period has been finalised.
Eligibility
To be eligible for a permanent appointment, applicants must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or have a visa to live and work indefinitely in Australia at the time of application.
Applicants with a valid visa to work and live in Australia for a specific duration may be assessed and considered suitable for similar fixed term vacancies that arise.
To be eligible for fixed term employment you must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, have a visa to live and work indefinitely in Australia or have a valid visa to live and work in Australia for the duration of the fixed term employment at the time of application.
Should a qualification be required for this position, applicants must provide their certification and/or academic transcripts to verify relevance to the job requirements. Qualifications obtained outside of Australia must be provided with an assessment from the Overseas Qualifications Unit to ensure they meet Australian Standards (this is a free service).
To work for DMPE, you must consent to a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and obtain a clearance before you start. If deemed suitable, DMPE will coordinate and pay for your NCCHC as part of your pre-employment checks.
More information about eligibility requirements can be found on the Job Description Form.
Further Information
Please contact Stephenie Vahala, Assistant General Counsel on (08) 9222 07***or via ***************@dmpe.wa.gov.au or visit our website. You can also keep up to date on DMPE achievements and activities by following us on LinkedIn.
How to Apply
We ask for you to provide a current CV that outlines your employment history, key responsibilities, achievements, qualifications, and contact details for two referees. We also ask for you to provide a cover letter of no more than one (1) page, addressing the following role specific requirements:
Senior Lawyer – Specified Calling Level 3
- Degree in Law and admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Western Australia or Legal Practitioner from outside the State whose qualifications for admission in Western Australia have been approved by the Legal Practice Board; and
- Demonstrated experience in providing timely, high quality legal advice on areas of law relevant to government practice and or the resources industry.
Senior Lawyer – Specified Calling Level 4
- Degree in Law and admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Western Australia or Legal Practitioner from outside the State whose qualifications for admission in Western Australia have been approved by the Legal Practice Board; and
- Demonstrated experience in providing timely, high level legal advice on a broad range of complex legal matters.
If you would like to apply for both positions, please address the criteria listed for the Specified Calling Level 4 position.
The panel will assess your suitability for both positions based on the skills indicated in your application.
Shortlisted applicants will have their skills and experience in relation to the remaining role specific requirements and leadership behaviours assessed in further stages of the recruitment process. The complete list of role specific requirements and expected leadership behaviours can be found in the attached Job Description Form.
In the attached Applicant Information Pack, we offer further information on how to apply and the range of incentives offered to employees who work with DMPE. If you have any questions about employment conditions or the application process, or require any technical support when submitting your application online, please contact Charmaine Douglas, Senior Recruitment Officer on (08) 9222 36***or email ***************@lgirs.wa.gov.au.
To submit your application, click on the “Apply for Job” button at the bottom of this page. You will be asked to complete several questions, before attaching your covering letter.
Supporting Diversity and Inclusion
The department is committed to building and maintaining an inclusive and supportive workplace. That’s why championing diversity and inclusion is so important to us; when we embrace different perspectives and give everyone the chance to be the best they can be, we can think in new, creative ways that grow and enhance our department. Our department is an equal opportunity employer, supported by the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA), preference may be given to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, people of diverse sexualities and youth.
We are proud to be recognised as an Inclusive Employer for 2023-2024 by Diversity Council Australia. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion here.
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 555 727
- 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 ***************@lgirs.wa.gov.au
CLOSING DATE: 4.00 pm on Thursday, 11 December 2025 (WST)
Please ensure you allow yourself sufficient time to lodge your application online as late applications will not be accepted. It is your responsibility to ensure your application is submitted on time.
We look forward to receiving your application and considering you for this exciting opportunity to join our team.
Attachments
- Applicant Information Pack.pdf
- Job Description Form (MIS23196) - SCL4
- Job Description Form (MP090019) - SCL3
You can view and print these PDF attachments by downloading Adobe Reader.
📌 Senior Lawyer (East Perth)
🏢 Agency Mines, Petroleum and Exploration, Department of
📍 East Perth
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