Senior Technical Officer - Wetlands
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, FULL-TIME POSITION
THIS POSITION IS BASED IN KENSINGTON
APPLICATIONS FOR THIS POSITION CLOSE AT
MIDDAY ON TUESDAY, 20 OCTOBER 2026
Applied research undertaken by the Ecosystem Science Program seeks to understand the environmental, ecological and biogeographical processes that determine the conservation values, health and productivity of the lands and inland waters managed by the department.
We currently have an opportunity for a Senior Technical Officer - Wetlands to join our team.
The role involves planning and carrying out field work (especially to survey and monitor wetland fauna and habitats), management of a wetland ecology laboratory including maintenance of laboratory equipment, morphological and genetic identification of invertebrates to species level (including maintaining and creating identification tools), management of complex datasets, contribution to data analysis, preparation of publications, supervision of junior technical staff and volunteers.
At the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (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 be Leading Others 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.
- Substantial (Level 3) or considerable experience (Level 4) in planning for and undertaking field trips, including extended trips to remote areas and current ability and willingness to undertake extended field work.
- Substantial (Level 3) or considerable experience (Level 4) in identifying freshwater invertebrates to species level and collation and creation of taxonomic tools.
- Relevant experience in maintaining a laboratory, including procurement, equipment maintenance and construction and chemical handling and safety.
- Experience in managing data and contributing to reporting.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, and as part of a project team.
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 Adrian Pinder on 0400 629 658 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. 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.
