Principal Policy Officer

Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration; Perth; Hybrid; AUD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements

Working from home

Training and development opportunities

Ongoing support

Job summary

Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration seeks a Principal Policy Officer for fixed-term governance of Aboriginal heritage, native title and land access policy. You will drive reform initiatives, provide strategic policy advice, and lead complex projects with government and industry partners in Western Australia.

You will bring strong policy development experience, stakeholder engagement expertise, and a track record of delivering outcomes in a regulated resources environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in policy reform and strategic advisory roles.
• Strong stakeholder engagement across government, partner agencies and communities.
• Ability to influence outcomes and manage complex projects from concept to delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead policy reform initiatives across Aboriginal heritage, native title and land access.
• Provide strategic advice to support Western Australia’s resources sector.
• Coordinate with diverse stakeholders and ensure deliverables meet policy objectives.

Skills

Policy development

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical thinking

Communication

Project leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Policy

Job description

Fixed term opportunity until 31 December 2027 with the possibility for extension and/or permanency Shape the future of resource policy in Western Australia by leading high-impact reform initiatives and providing strategic advice on Aboriginal heritage, native title, land access and resource sector regulation. As a member of the department, you will help support the development of Western Australia's resources sector, which oversees resource development and improved environmental outcomes for mining, petroleum and exploration for the benefit of WA and future generations.

Our people will be provided with a range of benefits, including:

• flexible work arrangements
• working at home
• in the field or in the office
• training and development opportunities
• ongoing support

We value diversity and appreciate every individual's perspective, bringing together a diverse and inclusive workforce to drive innovation and success.

The role As the Principal Policy Officer, you will join a dynamic team shaping policy and reform initiatives across Aboriginal heritage, native title, land access and resource sector regulation. Drawing on your experience in policy development and stakeholder engagement, you will play a key role in delivering strategic outcomes that support Western Australia's resources sector. Your strong analytical, communication and relationship-building skills, together with experience navigating complex policy issues, will be key to your success in this role. You will bring expertise in policy reform and strategic stakeholder engagement, along with the ability to influence outcomes, provide trusted advice and lead complex projects from concept to delivery. Please refer to the Job Description Form (JDF) attached for further information regarding the position, including any specific requirements, capabilities and pre-employment checks which will be assessed as part of the selection process. While this selection process will initially be used to fill the above vacancy, it may also be used to fill other similar vacancies (permanent, fixed-term, full-time or part-time) within the department for the next 12 months, from the date that the recruitment breach period has been finalised.

Eligibility

To be eligible for fixed term employment you must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, have a visa to live and work indefinitely in Australia or have a valid visa to live and work in Australia for the duration of the fixed term employment at the time of application. Should a qualification be required for this position, applicants must provide their certification and/or academic transcripts to verify relevance to the job requirements. Qualifications obtained outside of Australia must be provided with an assessment from the Overseas Qualifications Unit to ensure they meet Australian Standards (this is a free service). To work for DMPE, you must consent to a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and obtain a clearance before you start. If deemed suitable, DMPE will coordinate and pay for your NCCHC as part of your pre-employment checks. More information about eligibility requirements can be found on the Job Description Form.

Further Information

Contact Jared Barnett, Executive Director Resource Tenure on [phone] or via [e-mail] or visit our website. You can also keep up to date on DMPE achievements and activities by following us on LinkedIn.

Supporting Diversity and Inclusion

The department is committed to building and maintaining an inclusive and supportive workplace. That's why championing diversity and inclusion is so important to us; when we embrace different perspectives and give everyone the chance to be the best they can be, we can think in new, creative ways that grow and enhance our department. Our department is an equal opportunity employer, supported by the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA), preference may be given to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, people of diverse sexualities and youth.

We are proud to be recognised as an Inclusive Employer for 2023-2024 by Diversity Council Australia. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion here.

We use the National Relay Service (NRS) to ensure we are accessible to people who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment. NRS can help you connect with us on:

• TTY/voice calls - 133 677
• Speak & Listen - 1300 555 727
• SMS relay - 0423 677 767

If you have any access needs that may require adjustment to allow you to fully participate in the application and interview process, including alternate methods of communication, or to request a document in an alternative format please contact us at [e-mail]

CLOSING DATE: 4.00PM on Monday, 19 October 2026 (WST)