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Join a forward-thinking agency and influence the sustainability and resilience of land use planning and development in WA.


The Climate Policy Officer supports the delivery of the Department’s actions under Western Australian Climate Policy and the Western Australian Planning Commission’s strategic focus on sustainable communities and environments. The focus of the role is to incorporate contemporary climate change considerations into the preparation, implementation and review of State Planning Policy Framework. This includes decarbonising the built environment and enhancing the resilience of WA’s cities, towns and regions to more frequent and extreme weather and natural hazards.

The ideal candidate will apply quality research and analysis to complex policy matters and be able to communicate clearly and effectively. You will have contemporary knowledge about climate change and understanding of how it intersects with land use planning and urban development. You are someone that has great attention to detail, works well in a high performing team, and can work on multiple projects simultaneously. A relevant tertiary qualification is desirable and candidates with experience in land use planning are encouraged to apply.


This is a permanent full-time opportunity. This process may be used to fill future similar permanent or fixed-term positions that may arise within the Department and across the WA public sector in the next 12 months from the initial date of appointment.


The Perth office is 5.5 Star NABERS Energy rated and located in Perth CBD in a convenient location, above the Perth Underground rail; close to the Wellington Street Bus Station and City CAT services.


To be successful for this position, you need to demonstrate:

  • Well-developed conceptual, analytical, research and report writing skills, with demonstrated ability to produce clear, concise and well-structured recommendations, reports and briefings.
  • Demonstrated experience in developing, implementing and reviewing policy and guidelines, along with providing well informed, strategic policy advice.
  • Ability to provide timely advice and support to team members to facilitate the effective delivery of projects.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with proven ability to build and maintain positive relationships and work collaboratively with a diverse range of stakeholders.


Core leadership behaviours outlined in Leadership Expectations are applicable to this role and should be demonstrated in the context of Personal Leadership. The Personal Leadership context is about the work of individuals not yet in traditional leadership positions who make a direct and immediate difference to the agency. The expected behaviours may be assessed during the recruitment and selection process.


About us

For more information on what we do, our recruitment process, and why working at the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage is an attractive proposition, please visit the Department page on the DPLH website.

We have a comprehensive Applicant Information Pack to provide information about us, the values of the department and practical guidance on the process for you.


Benefits of Working at DPLH

DPLH offers a broad range of benefits including but not limited to:

  • Access to flexible working arrangements including working from home or alternate work locations for enhanced work life balance.
  • 12% superannuation, full employer contribution and salary packaging options.
  • Comprehensive learning and professional development opportunities.
  • 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.
  • Leave for study, bereavement, foster caring and parenting.
  • Free access to a confidential employee assistance program (EAP) for you and your family, which includes psychology and counselling services.


How to apply: All applications are submitted online. Select ‘Apply for Job’, located at either top or bottom of the screen, and follow the instructions; you will need to provide a:

  • Succinct cover letter (no more than 2 pages) detailing how you meet the essential requirements of this role.
  • Comprehensive CV that clearly shows your skills, experience, and key achievements, including the details of two referees.
  • Copy of your relevant degree (if applicable).


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.


Please be aware if you hold an overseas qualification you will need to provide supporting documentation of proof of assessment for equivalency. Please feel free to have your degree assessed by DTWD’s Overseas Qualification Unit (OQU) or alternatively contact our HR Services team on (08) 6551 9419 or email recruitment@dplh.wa.gov.au.


Further Information:

If you would like to know more, please give Gemma Habens a call on (08) 6551 8061 or email Gemma.Habens@dplh.wa.gov.au to discuss the role in further detail.


Please do not send your application directly to the hiring manager. If you experience technical issues when submitting your application, contact ramshelpdesk@bigredsky.com, or please call (08) 6551 9419 for any other queries.


Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants – For a confidential discussion about the recruitment process, please reach out to Barb Culbong from our Aboriginal Employment and Engagement team. You can contact Barb at 0408 895 002, or email us at aboriginalemployment@dplh.wa.gov.au.


The Department is an equal opportunity employer and as a measure to achieve equality under sections 51, 66R and 66ZP of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, young people (24 years of age and under) and people with disability who meet the requirements of the position, may be prioritised for appointment.


Accessibility: If you have any communication or access needs that require adjustment to allow you to participate in this recruitment process, please contact our HR Services team on (08) 6551 9419 or email recruitment@dplh.wa.gov.au.


We can also be contacted via the National Relay Service on the below numbers:

TTY/voice calls – 133 677

Speak and Listen – 1300 555 727 or SMS relay – 0423 677 767.


Special Requirements for this position:

The Department will conduct a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check for applicants successful to this recruitment process.


To be eligible for a permanent appointment to the Western Australian public sector it is essential that you are an Australian citizen or have permanent residency status in Australia. To be eligible for a fixed term appointment you must have documentary evidence of your entitlement to live and work in Australia for the period of the contract.


Closing Date – Thursday 4 December 2025 at 4:00pm