Environmental Impact Assessment Principal

Water Corporation is recognised globally for its performance and innovation in securing water supplies for Western Australia in a changing climate. We are driven to manage water services sustainably and make WA a great place to live and invest. A role at Water Corporation can provide ongoing, long-term career development opportunities. We also support training and development, flexible work arrangements, health and lifestyle programs, and generous employee benefits.

About the role

We have a fixed-term opportunity until July 2027 for an experienced and strategic environmental professional to join our Environment team as a Principal - Environmental Impact Assessment. This position plays a key role in enabling the delivery of Water Corporation’s infrastructure by securing environmental approvals that support the planning, design, construction, and operation of water assets. Your expert advice will help align our operations with Thrive 2035 and ensure compliance with State and Commonwealth environmental legislation. This role is based in our Leederville office, and reporting to the Team Leader of Approvals and Delivery Metro.

Real benefits that matter

• Real flexibility with options to work from home, flexible work hours.
• Two well-being days each year to recharge, relax and enjoy life (separate to standard paid sick/personal leave).
• Access to long service leave pro rata after 3 years of service.
• Take advantage of our co-contribution superannuation scheme. Receive a 12% employer contribution and enjoy an additional 2% employer co-contribution when you elect to salary sacrifice 2%.
• Purchase additional leave of up to 12 weeks or work 4 years at a reduced salary and take the fifth year off as paid leave.
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural and ceremonial leave of up to 5 days so you can maintain your cultural connection and wellbeing.
• Annual leave loading – an extra 17.5% pay when you use your annual leave.

What the role will involve

In this role, you’ll strategically lead environmental approvals and compliance efforts across a wide range of projects, acting as a key interface between Water Corporation and environmental regulators.

• Lead the development and implementation of environmental approvals strategies and advice under s. 38 and s. 48A of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 as well as the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
• Provide expert advice and technical review of environmental documentation, including impact assessments, management plans, and briefing notes.
• Communicate approvals conditions and compliance obligations during the asset handover phase.
• Represent Water Corporation in engagement with environmental regulators and other external stakeholders, including DWER, DBCA and the EPA.
• Contribute to strategic planning, policy development, and environmental governance, including risk assessments and early-stage project input.
• Promote environmental sustainability by integrating environmental considerations into business decisions throughout the asset lifecycle.
• Foster a team culture of trust and inclusion while supporting staff through mentoring and coaching.
• Ensure alignment with corporate policies, ethical standards, and accountability frameworks.

About you

• A degree in environmental science or a related field.
• Substantial experience in environmental impact assessments, ideally across both terrestrial and marine projects.
• Demonstrated success securing approvals under relevant legislation (e.g. EP Act Parts IV & V, EPBC Act).
• In-depth understanding of environmental risk assessment, planning processes, and operational compliance.
• Proven ability to build constructive relationships with regulators and industry stakeholders, and to mentor and coach internal teams.
• Advanced communication, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• A commitment to continuous improvement, environmental advocacy, and ethical leadership.

Sound like a match?  If you are interested in the above opportunity, please submit a covering letter and resume that best demonstrates your skills and experience as well as your ability to meet the requirements of the role.    

Please note: By applying for this role, you are consenting to your current and previous line managers being contacted as references.

Applications close Wednesday 28 October 2026

We reserve the right to withdraw this ad prior to the closing date

Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace

Diversity and inclusion are more than words. They guide us on building a thriving workforce that reflects the diversity of our customers and our community. 

We encourage applications from every background, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, women, youth, LGBTQIA+ folks and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. 

We are committed to ensuring an accessible and inclusive work environment to enable people with disability to participate fully in all aspects of employment. 

Applicants with disability who require adjustments during the recruitment process including an alternative format of the application form, can contact a Recruitment Officer at recruitment@watercorporation.com.au or 08 9420 2000. To read our diversity and inclusion statement, please visit our website