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

We currently have one (1) permanent full-time opportunity available for a Senior Technical Officer to join DPIRD’s Livestock Research branch at Katanning Research Station.

About Katanning Research Station

Katanning Research Station operates on a 2000ha property with 2500 merino and 300 crossbred ewes, as well as 300-500ha of sown crop and pasture. The research station is home to a modern, covered, sheep feed intake facility with the capacity to hold 300 sheep and features automated feed delivery and assessment of individual feed intake. With the capacity to support multiple livestock research projects at any given time, this is a fast paced and varied workplace which you a real opportunity to contribute to agricultural research and innovation.

Reporting to the Team Leader - Katanning Research Facility, you will work collaboratively with scientists, technical staff and other stakeholders to support the successful delivery of research programs and farm operations. You will have particular responsibility for managing livestock operations on the research station, ensuring research and farm activities are conducted safely, efficiently and in accordance with relevant procedures and standards.

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, 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. 

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 in a regional area and be directly engaged with livestock industries
• Work alongside and learn from nationally recognised animal and plant scientists.
• Being part of a motivating, supportive and inclusive team.

We are looking for individuals with:    

• General farming knowledge of crop, pasture, stock and agricultural machinery.
• A well-developed knowledge and expertise in the use of agricultural practices and research methodology.
• A willingness to work with livestock, particularly sheep.
• Well-developed analytical and problem-solving skills and a demonstrated ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills to work constructively with researchers and stakeholders to achieve shared outcomes.
• The ability to support and guide others, including mentoring junior staff and contributing to a positive team environment.
• Solid technical and computer skills, including data handling, analysis and reporting.

For further information and requirements for this position, please see the attached Job Description Form (JDF). 

All Work-Related Requirements will be assessed at some stage during the selection process.

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 this opportunity and the values of DPIRD.
• Copies of any relevant documents to demonstrate you are eligible for appointment.

As part of your application, we will also require you to submit copies of documents confirming your right to work in Australia (proof of citizenship, permanent residency, or a relevant visa).

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. 

A current and valid Western Australian C or C-A (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.

Further information and support

To find out more about the opportunity, please contact Darren Michael, Team Leader Katanning Research Facility, on 0417 187 946 during office hours or send an email to darren.michael@dpird.wa.gov.au.

We are planning to conduct interviews for shortlisted candidates on the 3 November 2026 at the DPIRD Head Office (1 Nash St, East Perth). 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.