Help shape the next generation of environmental policy in Western Australia

Some opportunities contribute to policy. This one helps shape its direction.

The Nature Directorate is establishing a new Senior Advisor – Stakeholder Engagement position to support Priority Environment Policy Strategic Initiatives, a significant program of work focused on delivering strategic environmental priorities and long-term outcomes for Western Australia.

Working at the centre of complex policy development and implementation, you will help connect stakeholders, communities, industry and partner agencies with initiatives that deliver on government’s priority of protecting and restoring our environment, and ensure decision-makers are informed through meaningful engagement and clear communication.

This newly established position offers a unique opportunity to work at the centre of complex environmental policy and strategy, partnering with senior leaders, technical experts and key stakeholders to help shape how priority initiatives are communicated, understood and delivered.

Commencing in July 2027, this 3-year opportunity, with the potential for extension and/or permanency , provides successful applicants with certainty and significant lead time to plan their transition into a role of strategic importance.

The opportunity

As a trusted advisor to senior leaders, you will play a pivotal role in designing and delivering engagement strategies that support complex and often high-profile policy and program outcomes.

You will work across multidisciplinary teams, bringing together diverse perspectives, managing competing interests and helping navigate the challenges that naturally arise when delivering meaningful environmental reform.

No two days will be the same. One day you may be briefing executives on stakeholder risks and opportunities. The next, you may be shaping engagement approaches that influence how major environmental initiatives are implemented across the State.





This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working in complex environments, can think strategically, and thrives on building relationships that create momentum and deliver results.

What you will bring

We are looking for someone who can quickly establish credibility, provide sound strategic advice and influence outcomes through collaboration rather than authority.

You will bring

- Experience providing strategic advice within policy, regulatory, engagement or communications environments.
- Exceptional stakeholder relationship management skills.
- The ability to influence and negotiate positive outcomes across diverse interest groups.
- Strong judgement and political awareness when managing complex or sensitive issues.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to translate complex information into clear and practical messages.
- A collaborative mindset and a commitment to achieving outcomes that matter.

Why this role? This position offers a unique opportunity to:

- Contribute to environmental priorities that will have lasting significance for Western Australia.
- Work closely with senior executive, policy leaders and technical specialists.
- Build experience across some of the department's most strategically important initiatives.
- Expand your professional network across government, industry, peak bodies and community stakeholders.
- Apply your expertise in a role where relationship building, strategic thinking and influence genuinely matter.

If you are looking for an opportunity to work on issues of strategic importance, build relationships that influence environmental outcomes, and contribute to initiatives that will help shape Western Australia's environmental future, we encourage you to apply. For further information about the prospect, we encourage you to contact Julie Rutherford-Cantem, Senior Manager Nature Policy and Strategy on 08 6364 7160 or via email at [email protected] during business hours.

CLOSING DATE: 4pm Wednesday 30 September 2026(Australian Western Standard Time)

Apply here: WA Government Jobs | Senior Advisor - Stakeholder Engagement

📌 Senior Advisor - Stakeholder Engagement (Joondalup)
🏢 Department of Water and Environmental Regulation
📍 Joondalup