Environmental Impact Assessment Principal

Water Corporation is recognised globally for our performance and innovation to secure water supplies for Western Australia in a changing climate. We’re driven to manage water services sustainably to make WA a great place to live and invest. A role at Water Corporation can unlock the door to ongoing long term career development opportunities; we also support training and development, flexible work arrangements, health and lifestyle programs and generous company benefits. If you share our commitment, then consider Water Corporation as the next step in your career.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced and strategic environmental professional to join our Environment Business Unit as 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.

Real benefits that matter 

• Real flexibility with options to work from home, 9-day fortnight, flexible work hours
• An additional 2 well-being days each year
• Access to long service leave pro rata after 3 years of service
• Generous co-contribution superannuation scheme, which offers up to 16%. This includes an 12% standard employer contribution, plus an additional 2% employer co-contribution that matches your own 2% contribution
• 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

Discover more benefits we offer to support the unique and individual ways our employees live.

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. You will:

• Lead the development and implementation of environmental approvals strategies in line with legislative requirements (e.g. Environmental Protection Act 1986, 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 with key external stakeholders such as DWER, DBCA, EPA, and advocacy groups.
• 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. 

Key skills and experience

• 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 strong relationships with regulators, industry bodies, and mentoring/coaching internal teams.
• Advanced communication, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• A commitment to continuous improvement, environmental advocacy, and ethical leadership.

Apply: If you are interested in the above opportunity, please submit a covering letter and resume that best demonstrates your ability to meet the requirements of the role.

As part of the recruitment process you may be required to complete pre-employment screening which may include a medical, qualification check, police clearance and Australian working rights check.

Applications close Wednesday 23^rd July 2025

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.

Applicants with disability who require adjustments, or alternative methods of communication in the recruitment process, can contact a Recruitment Officer recruitment@watercorporation.com.au or 9420 2000.

To read our diversity and inclusion statement, please visit our website