Environment & Water Jobs

We recruit permanent technical roles across both the environmental and water sides in WA. 

On the environmental side that includes environmental scientists and advisors, approvals and impact assessment specialists, ecologists, botanists, and contaminated land and remediation specialists. 

On the water side it includes hydrogeologists, hydrologists, water resources and water engineers, and water treatment specialists. 

These roles sit across consultancies, utilities, government and resource companies.

Most people get in through a relevant degree such as environmental science, geology, hydrogeology or ecology, then build experience either in a consultancy or on the client side with a resources or infrastructure company. 

Early on, being open about the type of work and willing to get field experience helps a lot. A specialist recruiter is useful because we know which employers are hiring and what they're looking for. Send us your CV and we'll tell you honestly where you'd fit and what's realistic.

Most roles need a relevant degree, such as environmental science, geology, hydrogeology or ecology, plus the right to work in Australia. 

For approvals and contaminated land work, familiarity with the relevant WA and federal legislation matters, and for hydrogeology, modelling and field experience are often expected. 

As you get more senior, a track record on specific project types tends to count for as much as the qualification. If you're unsure whether your background fits, ask us.

As a rough guide in 2026, environmental scientists in WA typically earn around $80,000 to $120,000 depending on experience, with senior and principal roles higher. 

Hydrogeologists and experienced water specialists generally earn more, commonly around $110,000 to $160,000, with principals higher again. 

Contaminated land and approvals specialists often command a premium because they're in short supply. Treat these as ballpark, since pay varies with the employer and the project, and we'll give you a realistic figure for a specific role.

You can also download our conprehensive Environmental Salary Survey here - https://www.gatherrecruitment.com.au/2026-australian-environmental-salary-survey

It depends what you want. Consultancy usually gives you variety, exposure to lots of projects and clients, and faster technical development early on, but can mean tight deadlines and utilisation targets. 

Client-side roles with a resources company or utility often mean deeper involvement in fewer projects, different pressures, and sometimes better pay and conditions. 

Neither is better in the abstract. We'll be clear about which side a role sits on so you can decide what fits where you are in your career.

Read our blog on this topic here - https://www.gatherrecruitment.com.au/a-comparative-analysis-salary-hours-pressures-and-ethics-for-environmental-professionals-in-consulting-government-and-mining-sectors

Yes. Demand for experienced environmental and water professionals in WA is strong, driven by the approvals workload across resources and infrastructure and a limited pool of experienced people, especially in hydrogeology, approvals and contaminated land. 

That means good people tend to have options, and the harder-to-find skills carry a premium. If you've got sought-after experience, it's worth knowing what's out there even if you're not actively looking.

We specialise. Gather works only in environment, water, mining and engineering across WA, so we understand these roles and employers properly. 

That means the person handling your application knows the difference between an approvals specialist and a field ecologist, and can talk to you about the work rather than matching keywords.

 At a technical level, that depth matters.

Both, though experienced roles are the bulk of what we handle. We work with  early-career people where employers are open to it, and with experienced specialists throughout their careers. 

If we can't place you straight away, it's still worth being known to us for when the right role appears.

Your CV stays with us and only ever goes to an employer once you've agreed to a specific role. 

We don't forward your details without asking, and we don't circulate them around a small market where word travels. 

If there's nothing suitable now, we keep you in mind for future roles, and you can ask us to update or remove your details at any time.

Yes. You'll hear back from us either way, including when it's a no. 

Being left in silence after applying is the most common complaint about recruiters, and we don't operate like that.

If you're in a process with us, we'll keep you informed rather than leaving you wondering.

No. Candidates never pay to work with us. Our clients cover the fee, so there's no cost to send your CV, have a conversation or be put forward. Our job is to find you a role that genuinely suits you.