Principal Investigator

The Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage is seeking a Principal Investigator to lead complex investigations into breaches of legislation administered by the department. The Principal Investigator will prepare detailed investigation reports, briefing notes, and prosecution briefs. The role supports the Director by coordinating investigations, ensuring quality assurance and mentoring staff. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential to this role.

There is one permanent fulltime position available for immediate appointment. This process may be used to fill future similar permanent or fixed-term positions that may arise within the Department and across the WA public sector in the next 12 months from the initial date of appointment.

Our Perth office is located in the Perth CBD in a convenient location, above the Perth Underground rail; close to the Wellington Street Bus Station and City CAT services.

To be successful for this position, you need to demonstrate:

1. Extensive experience in conducting and managing sensitive, critical and highly complex contentious investigations of a protracted nature, including experience in preparing briefs of evidence and providing evidence in court.
2. Proven ability to critically analyse investigative information to form an opinion and make recommendations.
3. Demonstrated knowledge of relevant Acts, policies, procedures and guidelines and law applicable to investigations.
4. Significant experience in providing leadership and team building to encourage high performing teams.
5. Proven effective communication skills with high-level conflict resolution and negotiation skills, including de-escalation of volatile situations.
6. Demonstrate the behaviours within the leadership context as outlined below.

Core leadership behaviours outlined in Leadership Expectations are applicable to this role and should be demonstrated in the context of Leading Others. Leading Others context is about motivating and enabling others to deliver high quality work that contributes to the agency.

The expected behaviours may be assessed during the recruitment and selection process.

Special Requirements for this position:

• Current "C" class drivers' licence.
• Possession of, or willingness to undertake Regional First Aid Training.
• Possession of, or willingness to undertake 4WD training.
• Possession of, or willingness to obtain a Diploma in Government Investigations within 24 months.

About us

For more information on what we do, our recruitment process, and why working at the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage is an attractive proposition, please visit the Department page on the DPLH website.

We have a comprehensive Applicant Information Pack to provide information about us, the values of the department and practical guidance on the process for you.

Benefits of Working at DPLH

DPLH offers a broad range of benefits including but not limited to:

• Access to flexible working arrangements including working from home or alternate work locations for enhanced work life balance.
• 12% superannuation, full employer contribution and salary packaging options
• Comprehensive learning and professional development opportunities.
• 4 weeks annual leave with 17.5% loading paid as additional pay every December.
• 3 days additional public sector holidays each year
• Cultural leave for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff
• Leave for study, bereavement, foster caring and parenting
• Free access to a confidential employee assistance program (EAP) for you and your family, which includes psychology and counselling services.

How to apply:All applications are submitted online. Select 'Apply for Job', located at either top or bottom of the screen, and follow the instructions; you will need to provide a:

• Comprehensive CV that clearly shows your skills, experience, and key achievements, including the details of two referees.
• A maximum 3-page cover letter outlining your skills and experience in relation to requirements 1 to 5, as listed above and in the JDF.

Further Information:

If you would like to know more, please giveNathan Halletta call on to discuss the role in further detail. Please do not send your application to Nathan Hallettto seek their assistance with lodging your application.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants – For a confidential discussion about the recruitment process, please reach out to Barb Culbong from our Aboriginal Employment and Engagement team. You can contact Barb at , or email us at 

The Department is an equal opportunity employer and as a measure to achieve equality under sections 51, 66R and 66ZP of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, young people (24 years of age and under) and people with disability who meet the requirements of the position, may be prioritised for appointment.

Accessibility:If you have any communication or access needs that require adjustment to allow you to participate in this recruitment process, please contact our HR Services team on or email 

We can also be contacted via the National Relay Service on the below numbers:

TTY/voice calls –

Speak and Listen –

SMS relay –

Special Requirements for this position:

The Department will conduct a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check for applicants successful to this recruitment process.

To be eligible for a permanent appointment to the Western Australian public sector it is essential that you are an Australian citizen or have permanent residency status in Australia. To be eligible for a fixed term appointment you must have documentary evidence of your entitlement to live and work in Australia for the period of the contract.

Please ensure you have saved your documents in MS Word (.docx files only) or PDF format and have allowed plenty of time to submit your application, as late, emailed and proforma applications will not be accepted.

If you experience technical issues when submitting your application, contact , or please call for any other queries.

Closing Date – Monday 17 November @ 4:00pm