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 two (2) full-time positions available for immediate filling.

One position is permanent and the other position is fixed-term until 31 December 2028 with the possibility of extension and/or permanency.

These positions are based at our Hillarys office within the Hillarys Boat Harbour, 20 minutes north of Perth city. The harbour is one of Perth’s premier waterfront destinations.

Position 70260121 – Sustainable Ecosystems (permanent)

As Senior Principal Research Scientist, you will lead the Sustainable Ecosystems team (20 staff) within the Fisheries Science and Assessment Branch, ensuring the timely delivery of high-quality scientific research to internal and external stakeholders. You will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for research on bycatch, interactions with protected species, habitat assessment, and indigenous science and engagement.

You will lead innovation in the development and delivery of significant research programs and translate scientific outcomes into evidence-based management advice that supports ecologically sustainable resource use and third-party sustainability certification.

This position plays a critical role in these emerging areas of research supporting the long-term sustainability of Western Australia’s fisheries and aquatic resources.

Position 70260158 – Fish Science and Assessment (fixed-term)

As Senior Principal Research Scientist, you will lead the Fish Science and Assessment team (35 staff) within the Fisheries Science and Assessment Branch, ensuring the timely delivery of high-quality scientific research to internal and external stakeholders. You will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for fisheries research on demersal, pelagic and nearshore scalefish and sharks.

You will lead innovation in the development and delivery of significant research programs, including a new Enhanced Science Program utilising fisheries independent surveys to support a recovery plan for demersal scalefish stocks.

This position plays a critical role in these emerging areas of research supporting the long-term sustainability of Western Australia’s fisheries and aquatic resources.

At DPIRD, we have adopted Leadership Expectations which provides a common understanding of the mindsets and behaviours required of all employees in the public sector. In the above roles, you will be Leading Leaders to help drive positive change.

Both positions are 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 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.
• Access to a range of flexible working arrangements, including working from home and a range of generous leave entitlements.
• Being part of a fun, supportive and inclusive team.

Assessment criteria and eligibility

We are looking for candidates who can bring:

• Deep expertise in fisheries science and the fishing industry in Western Australia or comparable jurisdictions,
• Outstanding communication and stakeholder engagement skills across government, industry, indigenous groups, environmental non-governmental organisations, and the community.
• A collaborative style that creates partnerships, builds high-performing teams and fosters staff development.
• Strong strategic thinking with the ability to anticipate emerging risks and opportunities.
• The ability to translate complex science and uncertainty into practical, future-focused management solutions.

We are looking for individuals with / who can demonstrate:    

• Extensive knowledge and understanding of the fishing industry (all sectors) relevant to Western Australia or comparable jurisdictions, including an extensive knowledge of fisheries and aquatic science relative to applied natural resource management. (Role Specific 1)

• Highly effective management, interpersonal, presentation and negotiation skills with a proven ability to consult across senior levels in the public and private sectors building and sustaining productive working relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders; facilitating collaborative partnerships, providing policy advice on significant scientific matters and resolving conflicts effectively. (Core Capability 5)

• Inspires a sense of purpose and direction and focusses strategically, establishing operational goals that link to strategic objectives; harnesses information and considers opportunities (Core Capability 6)

To be eligible for appointment we will also require you to submit copies of your bachelor’s degree in an appropriate scientific discipline or an approved equivalent as part of your application to demonstrate you meet the position requirements.  

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 in length demonstrating how your skills, knowledge and experience relate to the assessment criteria above:
  • Role Specific: 1
  • Core Capabilities: 5, 6

• Copies of any relevant documents to demonstrate you are eligible for appointment.

In your application, please include if you would like to be considered for the Sustainable Ecosystems position, the Fish Science and Assessment position or both positions.

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 Steve Taylor Director Fisheries Science and Assessment on (08) 9203 0141 during office hours or send an email to Steve.Taylor@dpird.wa.gov.au.

We are planning to conduct interviews for shortlisted candidates. 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.