Principal - Environmental Impact Assessment

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 have a permanent opportunity for an experienced environmental professional to join our Environment team as a Principal - Environmental Impact Assessment (Planning). This position is a new role to assist with the delivery of Water Corporation’s infrastructure by securing environmental approvals for housing and planning developments 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.

What the role will involve

In this role, you’ll strategically lead environmental approvals and compliance efforts across urban planning and development 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. 48 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 as well as the 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 urban 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. 

Real benefits that matter

• Real flexibility with options to work from home, 9 day fortnights, and flexible work hours
• Two well-being days each year to do whatever you need to do to feel good
• 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.   

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

About you

• A degree in environmental science or a related field.
• Substantial experience in environmental impact assessments in a planning and urban development context.
• Demonstrated success securing approvals under relevant legislation (e.g. EP Act Parts IV & V, EPBC Act).
• In-depth understanding of environmental risk assessment, and urban and rural planning processes
• 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.

Sound like a match? Apply today

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. 

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 Friday 3^rd July 2026

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