Plant Diseases Officer
Join us in our mission to promote biodiversity, conserve our valuable ecosystems, and provide engaging attractions that connect people with nature.
THIS IS A PERMANENT, PART-TIME (0.6 FTE) POSITION
THIS POSITION IS BASED IN KENSINGTON, BUNBURY OR MANJIMUP
APPLICATIONS FOR THIS POSITION CLOSE AT
MIDDAY ON MONDAY, 12 OCTOBER 2026
Job Description
Ecosystem Health Branch provides the framework for efficient and effective management of invasive species including plant diseases, weeds and pest animals to help conserve natural values on lands managed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions' (DBCA) Parks and Wildlife Service. The branch is responsible for the coordination of the Western Shield program, Cane Toad Strategy and Vegetation Health Service diagnostic laboratory as well as providing policy support for the implementation of the Forest Management Plan.
We are currently seeking a Plant Diseases Officer to join our team.
As a member of the Plant Diseases Program this position, contributes to the administration of the system for registering Phytophthora Dieback Interpreters, monitoring standards of interpretation, provides support and guidance for project management in relation to disturbance of native vegetation, and the development, maintenance and delivery of training in plant disease management.
At DBCA, we have adopted Leadership Expectations which provides a common understanding of the mindsets and expected behaviours required of all our employees and the public sector. In this role, you will demonstrate Personal Leadership to help drive positive change.
Selection Criteria
Applicants should address the following five (5) criteria. These should be addressed in no more than two (2) pages in total.
- Demonstrated experience in plant disease detection, interpretation and mapping in different natural vegetation and landform types, including those where disease expression can be cryptic.
- Experience in management of Phytophthora dieback and plant disease risks associated with disturbance operations in a wide range of landscapes.
- Knowledge and understanding of the challenges facing natural ecosystems associated with various plant pathogens and disease impacts in the south-west of Western Australia, or similar environments.
- Demonstrated experience in capturing GPS and sample evidence, and in using GIS software to develop disease occurrence maps.
- Demonstrated ability to work and collaborate effectively in a team environment.
About Us
DBCA, one of Western Australia's largest state government agencies, providing exciting and challenging career opportunities in biodiversity conservation and park and natural resource management. We employ people with world-class scientific, policy, land and marine management, visitor services, research and educational skills.
For more information on what we do, our recruitment process, and why working at DBCA is an attractive proposition, please visit our website.
Benefits of working with us
In addition to the attractive salary and opportunities to contribute to biodiversity and environmental conservation initiatives, the department offers incentives including:
- Staff discounts at gyms, pools and fitness centres (where available) through the Fitness Passport program.
- Flexible working arrangements.
- 12% superannuation, full employer contribution and salary packaging options.
- 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.
- Access to study, bereavement, foster caring and parental leave.
- A confidential employee assistant program (EAP) for you and your family, including psychology and counselling services.
- An annual National Park Entry Pass.
- Well-established learning and development programs.
- Free staff parking.
How to apply:
All applications are to be submitted online. Select 'Apply for job', located at either the top or the bottom of the screen, and follow the instructions; you will need to provide a:
- a covering letter.
- a statement addressing the above requested criteria (in no more than two (2) pages).
- current CV, including the details of two referees with one being a recent or current manager/supervisor.
For further job-related information: contact Nathan Ashburner on 0418 862 216 or for further information about the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, visit https://www.dbca.wa.gov.au/.
We have a detailed Job Application Kit to provide information about us, the value of the department and practical guidance on the process for you. 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.
Prior to commencement, the successful applicant will need to possess or obtain:
- A current Western Australian motor vehicle drivers licence.
For the full role description, detailed responsibilities and a full list of selection criteria, please refer to the Job Description link below. The documents linked to this advertisement are available in alternative formats upon request.
Eligibility: It is essential to have Australian citizenship, New Zealand citizenship, Australian permanent residency status or a valid working visa to be appointed to this role. Only applicants who meet this eligibility requirement will be considered for this position.
A search for additional applicants may be conducted for this position where necessary to provide a more diverse and/or competitive field.
Agency Referrals: Public sector agencies seeking to refer surplus employees should contact Recruitment at recruitment@dbca.wa.gov.au during the advertising period.
Substantive Equality Statement
DBCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages Indigenous Australians, young people, people with disabilities, people from culturally diverse backgrounds and women to apply for positions within our agency. People with disability will be provided with reasonable adjustments in our recruitment processes and in the workplace. The Department also promotes flexible working arrangements.
Applicants with a disability who require adjustments in the recruitment process, including an alternative to applying online, can contact the Senior Recruitment Officer on (08) 9219 9879 or recruitment@dbca.wa.gov.au. Do not send job applications to this email; they will not be accepted.
If you are an Aboriginal person who would like assistance with your application, please contact Jobs and Skills WA on 13 64 64.
Similar appointments may be made from this process in locations throughout Western Australia within a 12-month period to positions that may be permanent or contract, including contract appointments with the possibility of subsequent permanency.
