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.  

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

About the opportunity

There is currently one (1) full-time opportunity for a Senior Administration Officer to join DPIRD’S regional administration team until 30 June 2027, with the possibility of extension or permanency.

The Regional Administration team is seeking a motivated and capable Senior Administration Officer to support the effective operation of our northernmost regional research facility.

Experience the unique Kimberley lifestyle while living and working amongst world-renowned natural attractions, rich cultural heritage and welcoming regional communities. This is an opportunity to combine a rewarding career with an unparalleled lifestyle in one of Western Australia's most distinctive regions.

As the senior administrative lead on site, you will play an integral role in supporting research activities and ensuring the efficient operation of the facility. Responsibilities include overseeing office administration, supporting financial and asset management processes, coordinating fleet and facilities operations, and supervising up to three Administration Officers.

Reporting to Senior Client Services Officer, you will also contribute to staff training, continuous improvement initiatives, and the efficient delivery of administrative services that support the facility's research and operational outcomes.

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.  

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.   

Diversity and inclusion  

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. As our department is an equal opportunity employer, supported by the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA), preference may be given to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, people of diverse sexualities and youth. 

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.
• 12% employer contributed superannuation into a fund of your choice.
• Access to generous salary packaging arrangements
• Flexible working arrangements
• Flexible leave arrangements  
• District Allowance (dependant on location)

We are looking for individuals with:   

This position is ideal for someone who enjoys taking initiative, exercising sound judgement and building positive relationships with customers and stakeholders. You will provide leadership and support to the administration team, maintain records and business systems, coordinate meetings and site services, manage office resources and staff amenities, and deliver a professional reception function.

This is an excellent opportunity for an organised and adaptable professional seeking a rewarding leadership role in a unique regional setting, where your contribution will make a genuine difference to the success of the facility and its people.

For further information and special requirements for this role please see 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 two (2) referees.
• A cover letter of no more than two (2) pages demonstrating how your skills, knowledge, experience and attributes relate to the Key Responsibilities listed in the attached JDF and the values of DPIRD.  
• 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.  All Work-Related Requirements will be assessed at some stage during the selection process and can be used to support your written application.

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.

This position also requires the successful candidate to have a current and valid Western Australian C (car) class driver's licence, or equivalent is required (if not currently held, must be acquired prior to commencement at applicant's 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.  

Need further information?

To find out more about the opportunity, please contact Margery Stevens, Senior Client Services Officer, on 08 9780 6170 during office hours or send an email to Margery.Stevens@dpird.wa.gov.au.

We are planning to conduct interviews for shortlisted candidates on the week commencing 14th September at Kununurra, Frank Wise Institute of Tropical Agriculture. 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.