The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) lead the sustainable development of Western Australia’s regions and agriculture, aquaculture, food and fisheries sectors. In everything we do, we take an approach to protect, grow and innovate WA’s economy, community and environment. 

We value diversity and understand diverse workplaces are more effective and innovative so we encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, women, youth, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. 

It is also important to be aware that DPIRD is an emergency management department and so on occasion, all employees may be required to work or travel during, or outside of, normal business hours to assist with incidents and emergencies. 

To learn more about our department, our team and the work we do, please visit our website. 

About the opportunity

We currently have one (1) fixed-term, full-time opportunity available until 30 June 2028, for a Development Officer to join DPIRD’s Plant Biosecurity team.

As the successful candidate, you will contribute to the delivery of extension, industry development and research activities that support biosecurity outcomes and the sustainable growth of Western Australia’s grains industry.

You will build and maintain effective relationships with grains industry stakeholders including producers, agribusinesses and research organisations, provide advice on farm biosecurity practices, contribute to scientific research and data analysis, and support initiatives that strengthen biosecurity systems and product integrity across the state.

As a Development Officer within Plant Biosecurity, you will:

• Play an important role in supporting biosecurity outcomes and the sustainable development of Western Australia’s grains industry. You will contribute to extension and industry development activities that help producers and agribusinesses strengthen biosecurity practices and product integrity.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with grains industry stakeholders, producer groups, research and development organisations and agribusinesses to support the sharing of knowledge, promote best practice and address emerging biosecurity challenges.
• Contribute to scientific research and investigative activities, including designing and conducting field and/or laboratory experiments, collecting and analysing data, and preparing technical reports to inform decision-making and improve biosecurity systems.
• Support the development and implementation of biosecurity risk assessment methodologies, grains industry initiatives and project proposals, while monitoring emerging trends and changes that may affect the biosecurity status of the grains industry in WA.

The position is currently available for immediate filling and includes the possibility of extension or permanency in the future. This process may also be used to fill other same or similar fixed term or permanent vacancies that arise in DPIRD (within the locations listed in this advert) over the next 12 months. 

About the team and benefits

We are genuinely committed to developing and supporting our workforce to be their best by creating a positive work environment, supporting work/life balance and encouraging our employees to learn on the job and build their skills.

Some of the benefits of this job and working at DPIRD include:

• Opportunity to work for a department that is renowned as a world leader in a range of fields, from research and development to biosecurity and sustainability.
• Opportunity to work alongside and learn from world leading scientists, compliance officers and other specialists.
• Opportunity to work alongside and learn from leading Grains Biosecurity Officers in other states under the industry funded Grains Farm Biosecurity Program.
• Contributing to outcomes for the Hazard Management Agency for animal or plant pest or disease emergencies.
• Undertaking interesting and important work that involves collaborating and partnering with industry, universities, government and the 9 Regional Development Commissions to deliver commercial outcomes and make a real difference to local communities.
• Opportunity to be a valued team member undertaking a range of interesting and important projects.
• Access to a range of flexible working arrangements, including working from home for 50 percent of your work week and a range of generous leave entitlements.
• Being part of a fun, supportive and inclusive team.
• Offices and facilities at more than 60 locations from Broome and Kununurra in the north, through Perth, and down to Albany and Eucla in the south (where you will be located is subject to discussion and negotiation with the hiring manager).
• Modern, easily accessible and centrally located office premises and facilities, with proximity to a range of public transport options.

Assessment criteria and eligibility

We are looking for individuals with:

• Sound knowledge of biosecurity science and systems, together with demonstrated experience in agricultural extension and grain production systems.
• Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to consult, provide advice and build effective relationships with industry stakeholders to achieve strategic outcomes.
• Strong analytical, conceptual and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify practical solutions, evaluate information and contribute to project planning and delivery.
• Well-developed project management, organisational and time management skills, including the ability to establish plans, manage competing priorities and deliver outcomes in a changing environment.
• The ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and contribute to shared goals and outcomes.

An Honours Degree in Agricultural Science or an approved equivalent is desirable.

For further information and requirements for this position, please see the attached Job Description Form (JDF). 

How to apply 

If you are interested in this opportunity, make sure you have read through all the attached information, click the ‘Apply’ button and upload the following:  

• A comprehensive CV that highlights your skills, experience, and achievements including details of your referees.  

• A cover letter of no more than two (2) pages demonstrating how your skills, knowledge, experience and attributes relate to this opportunity and the values of DPIRD.

Role Specific:

1. Sound knowledge of biosecurity science and systems, and proven practices of extension and industry development.

Demonstrated experience in grain production systems and developing and delivering agricultural extension, communication and training programs, and working with industry stakeholders to improve biosecurity awareness, surveillance, preparedness and adoption of best-practice farm biosecurity measures.

Core Capabilities:

1. Build effective relationships Well-developed communication skills, both verbal and written, including the ability to consult, advise, and convey information to stakeholders in order to achieve strategic outcomes.

Demonstrated experience building productive partnerships with growers, agronomists, industry groups, research organisations and government agencies to achieve shared biosecurity, surveillance and preparedness outcomes.

1. Deliver in a changing environment: Well-developed project and time management and organisational skills including the ability to effectively contribute to the management of change.

Demonstrated experience managing projects, coordinating multiple work priorities and delivering agreed outcomes within specified timeframes while adapting to changing operational and stakeholder requirements.

1. Think strategically: Well-developed conceptual and analytical skills including the ability to provide practical solutions to challenging issues and problems.

Demonstrated experience analysing biosecurity risks, identifying emerging issues and developing practical solutions, plans or initiatives that support long-term industry preparedness and biosecurity outcomes

1. Lead and empower others: Ability to lead teams and work collaboratively in a team environment contributing to the achievement of team goals.

Demonstrated experience providing leadership, guidance and mentoring to staff, project team members or stakeholders, fostering collaboration and supporting the achievement of shared goals and outcomes.

All Work-Related Requirements in the JDF will be assessed at some stage during the selection process.

The successful candidate will also be required to provide a current National Police Certificate (police clearance) before commencing employment. If not currently held, this must be acquired prior to appointment, which will be at your expense. 

Copies of any relevant documents to demonstrate you are eligible for appointment. It is recommended that you consider all information contained in the advertisement and any other related information.

Please be aware that late applications will not be accepted. It is your responsibility to ensure it has been submitted prior to the closing date and time. If you experience technical difficulties applying online, please contact the RAMS Helpdesk on 1300 733 056.

Further information and support

To find out more about the opportunity, please contact Tamrika Lanoiselet, Project Manager on 0428 949 103 during office hours or send an email to Tamrika.lanoiselet@dpird.wa.gov.au.  

If required, we may also use other assessment methods to gather evidence in relation to the suitability requirements of the position and supplement the field of applications by conducting a candidate search.

If you have any support or access needs that may require adjustments to allow you to fully participate in this assessment process, or other questions about the recruitment process, please contact our Talent team via recruitment@dpird.wa.gov.au or (08) 6552 1943.

Privacy and your personal information 

DPIRD handles and releases information in accordance with relevant privacy and information access laws including the Freedom of Information Act 1992 (FOI) and the Privacy and Responsible Information Sharing Act 2024  (WA) (PRIS). Further information is available via our Privacy Statement.