Are you a strategic thinker who is motivated by delivery of positive economic and community outcomes and is passionate about evidence-based decision-making and stakeholder engagement?

We currently have one (1) permanent, full-time opportunity available for a Principal Regional Development Officer to join the Pilbara Development Commission (the Commission).

The Commission is an innovative statutory authority that coordinates and promotes economic and social development in the Pilbara to maximise prosperity and well-being for this diverse region.

The Commission works across the region and with a wide range of stakeholders to drive investment and economic diversity, support sustainable growth and enhance liveability in the Pilbara. We are responsible for a project portfolio that requires experience and expertise in promoting local job creation, new industry development, economic research, social wellbeing and community infrastructure.

About the opportunity

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a region undergoing significant economic transformation, support major investment and infrastructure announcements, and help shape the narrative of the Pilbara’s future.

This position plays a key role in driving economic growth, regional liveability and shaping the future of our region. In this position, you will combine your expertise in project delivery and strong analytical skills with an emphasis on building and managing relationships across government, industry, business, community and Aboriginal organisations.

If you have a passion for fostering connections, driving regional development, and delivering diverse projects, we want to hear from you!

The position is currently available for immediate filling, with the potential that this process may also be used to fill other same or similar fixed term or permanent vacancies that arise in the Commission (within the locations listed in this advert) over the next 12 months. 

Additional Information

The Commission’s values-based culture speaks to the heart of who we are and reflects how we go about business and what we expect from our people. Delivering outcomes through our overarching value – Excellence In All We Do - is critical to the success of our agency. For more information about the Commission see: About Us » Pilbara Development Commission

Commission staff, including this position, are employees of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) assigned to the Commission under a staffing arrangement (section 29, of the Regional Development Commission Act 1993).

Both the Commission and DPIRD 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 also 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 DPIRD, please visit the DPIRD website. 

About the team and benefits

The Commission recognises the need for work life balance and we offer flexibility in our working arrangements. If you believe you have what it takes to be part of a passionate team making a difference to the Pilbara, we encourage you to apply for this position.

In addition to a highly rewarding role and great team environment, as the successful candidate you may be eligible for the following allowances and entitlements on top of the standard public sector provisions, due to the requirement to be based in Port Hedland or Karratha (subject to the conditions and eligibility criteria being met):

• Housing: where approved and available, you may be provided with housing with subsidised rent or could qualify for a Home Ownership Subsidy Scheme payment
• District Allowance: the payment of up to $9,449 per annum, depending on location (an additional payment applies where there are dependants)
• Additional leave and travel concessions: provision of additional annual leave (total of 5 weeks per year), time where travel is required for medical treatment or bereavement purposes and annual leave travel concession payments
• Air conditioning subsidy: the payment of subsidies to assist with the cost of running refrigerated ducted or split system air-conditioning
• Flexible working arrangements: options to work flexibly to accommodate your personal circumstances, where the operational demands of the Pilbara Development Commission can also be met
• Removal and disturbance allowances

Assessment criteria and eligibility

We are looking for solution focused individuals who can demonstrate:  

• An understanding of the principles of regional development, community engagement, and/or related areas (Role specific criteria 1 and desirable criteria 1 in the JDF)
• Experience successfully identifying, scoping, managing and delivering significant projects within a regional or remote setting, navigating unique challenges and changing circumstances (Role specific criteria 1 and core capability 5 in the JDF)
• A critical thinker and problem solver, with an ability to undertake analysis to inform decision makers, including monitoring and evaluation of the impact of development initiatives (Core capability 3 in the JDF)
• Resilience and curiosity, with the ability to work independently, within a team environment and engage with diverse stakeholders to build relationships across different cultural contexts (Core capability 2 in the JDF)
• Excellent skills in written and verbal communication (Core capability 2 in the JDF)

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 the assessment criteria outlined above and the Commission’s values.

It is recommended that you consider all information contained in the advertisement and any other related information.  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. 

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 Trish Barron, Director Regional Development on 0448 629 049 during office hours or send an email to trish.barron@pdc.wa.gov.au.   

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.