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) permanent - full time position available for immediate filling. 

If you have a background in Western Australian Agriculture, can find your way around a multi-table database, and want a job that meaningfully contributes to the protection of Western Australian rural communities, we want you.

DPIRD Emergency Management is looking for a Technical Officer to join our Emergency Preparedness team to maintain the state farm database. This is a hands-on role for someone who thrives in a busy, complex environment and enjoys daily variety, working with a diversity of DPIRD projects from Biosecurity, Animal Welfare, Agricultural extension to Emergency management response. You will spend your time working to capture all aspects of agricultural operations across the state.

Your responsibilities will include responding to daily requests for record creation and maintenance, supporting other users with advice and guidance via phone, video conference and email, updating property contact records from a variety of sources, and annual attendance at the big three agricultural field days at Dowerin, Wagin and Newdegate.

This position is based out of the Katanning DPIRD office, however other regional locations across WA may be considered.

We are looking for an individual that:   

• Prizes accuracy and has attention to detail
• Have experience working on and around Western Australian agriculture
• Are familiar with common farming enterprise management structures
• Have good computer skills for data entry and task management
• Are practical, reliable and flexible to work in a job that requires responsiveness to emergency situations.
• Can work with a wide variety of individuals, with varying degrees of understanding of technology and record keeping.

For further information and special requirements for this role please see attached Job Description Form (JDF).

Equity and Diversity

At DPIRD we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce and are an equal opportunity employer. We value and strongly encourage people with disabilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, young people, women and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to apply for positions within our agency.

How to Apply

Click the Apply button and attach the following to your application:

• 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 in length demonstrating how your skills, knowledge and experience relate to the following Work Related Requirements:
  • Role Specific: 1
  • Core Capabilities: 5
• Your cover letter should also include examples from your previous experience and achievements that demonstrate how your personal values align with the departments. For an overview of the department’s values, view the attached DPIRD Applicant Information Kit.

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.

Need further information?

For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Mark Sander, Research Officer Emergency Management, on (08) 9821 3224 during office hours.

If you experience technical difficulties applying online, please contact the RAMS Helpdesk on 1300 733 056 in the first instance. For further information about the recruitment process please contact our Employment team on (08) 6552 1943.

Employment Conditions and Additional Information

DPIRD is an Emergency Management Agency and all employees may be required to work or travel during, or outside of, normal business hours to assist with incidents and emergencies.

Am I eligible to apply?

To be eligible for a permanent appointment to the Western Australian public sector you must be an Australian citizen or have permanent residency status in Australia. To be eligible for a fixed term or a casual appointment you must have documentary evidence of your entitlement to live and work in Australia for the period as part of your application.

You will 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 at applicant’s expense. 

This process may be used to fill other same/similar fixed term, permanent, vacancies that arise in DPIRD at locations listed in this advert. In addition to this, should the successful applicant decline or vacate the advertised position, the panel may select another suitable applicant from this selection process. Both of these options remain valid for a period of twelve (12) months from the approval of the initial recruitment decision.

The recruitment process may include online written assessments, psychometric, cognitive or other testing, job-related tasks, video or live stream interviews, documentation and reference checks or other assessment methodologies as required. We reserve the right to supplement the field of applicants via an executive search if required.

Please ensure you have plenty of time to submit your application to allow for unanticipated problems, as late and proforma applications will not be accepted. (Please note: Online lodgement is system generated. Any submissions on or after 4:00pm will not be accepted)

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.