About the role
Water Corporation is seeking an experienced Principal – Marine Science & Approvals to play a critical senior role in enabling the delivery of major water infrastructure across Western Australia.
Reporting to the Senior Principal – Marine Science, this role provides expert marine science, environmental approvals and governance leadership to support the planning, design, construction and operation of new and upgraded marine assets.
You will lead the development and delivery of robust environmental approval strategies under State and Commonwealth legislation, ensuring regulatory compliance while supporting Water Corporation’s long-term sustainability objectives and Thrive 2035 strategy.
This is a senior technical role suited to a marine environmental professional who thrives in complex regulatory environments, enjoys influencing outcomes at a strategic level, and is passionate about achieving positive environmental outcomes.
Real benefits that matter
- Real flexibility with options to work from home or negotiate 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:
- Delivering expert leadership and advice on marine environmental approvals and compliance under State and Commonwealth legislation, including developing strategies to secure statutory approvals.
- Delivering environmental and regulatory risk assessments and risk management for complex marine projects across asset lifecycles, from planning through to operations.
- Providing expert technical review, strategic direction and/or preparation of a range of documents such as environmental reports, management plans, policies, position statements, frameworks, presentations and briefing materials.
- Establishing and maintaining strong relationships with key external stakeholders, including State and Commonwealth regulators, industry bodies, research organisations and environmental groups.
- Supporting our project and operational teams with specialist technical marine environmental advice.
- Mentoring and coaching team members.
A full job description of what this exciting position entails can be provided on request.
Key skills and experience:
- Degree qualification in marine environmental science or a related discipline.
- Substantial experience leading environmental impact assessments and securing complex environmental approvals for marine infrastructure projects.
- Strong expertise in marine environmental planning, risk assessment, approvals processes, operational management and regulatory compliance.
- Demonstrated success delivering positive environmental outcomes under State and Commonwealth legislation, including the Environmental Protection Act 1986 and Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
- Advanced capability in environmental advocacy and governance.
- Highly developed communication and relationship‑building skills with the ability to influence diverse internal and external stakeholders.
- Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making capability in complex environments; proven ability to plan, prioritise and manage competing demands to achieve high‑quality outcomes.
- Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on sustainable, long‑term results.
- Demonstrated leadership capability, including mentoring and developing others and fostering inclusive, high‑performing teams.
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 Tuesday 24th February 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 [email protected]or 08 9420 2000.
To read our diversity and inclusion statement,please visit our website
