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 fixed term full-time opportunity available for a Workplace Relations Consultant to join DPIRD’s People and Culture team, for 12 months with a possibility of extension and/or permanency.

As the successful candidate you will provide professional advisory and consultancy services on complex employee relations and integrity matters, partnering with management, key stakeholders across the directorate and staff to provide practical, timely and solutions-focused advice.

You will contribute to the development and implementation of strategic, proactive and innovative employee relations and integrity policies, strategies and initiatives, helping to foster a fair, respectful, high-performing and values-driven workplace.

Reporting to the Manager Employee Relations, you will support the Employee Relations and Integrity Coordination Units in the resolution of formal workplace matters. This includes providing advice and assistance in relation to disciplinary matters, grievances, unsatisfactory and substandard performance, workplace disputes and breach claims.

This is a varied and rewarding opportunity to apply your workplace relations expertise to complex matters, build strong partnerships and make a meaningful contribution to positive workplace 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.
• Undertaking interesting and important work that involves collaborating and partnering with industry, government and the 9 Regional Development Commissions that deliver commercial outcomes and make a real difference to local communities.
• Opportunity to be a valued team member undertaking a range of interesting and important projects.
• Access to a range of wellbeing options, including working from home arrangements, generous leave entitlements and gym membership
• Being part of a fun, supportive and inclusive team.
• Modern, easily accessible and centrally located office premises and facilities, with proximity to a range of public transport options.

Assessment criteria and eligibility

We are looking for individuals with:    

• Demonstrated experience in providing comprehensive advisory and support services to stakeholders on employee relations matters, and the ability to interpret and apply employment legislation, public sector and department polices and workforce management practices, including the ability to provide accurate and practical workplace relations advice

• Demonstrated case management experience in areas of misconduct, investigation and discipline matters, grievance management, sub-standard performance management, ensuring procedural fairness and compliance with legislative and industrial requirements

• Demonstrated ability to analyse complex workplace issues, identify risks, interpret legislation and industrial instruments, evaluate options, and develop practical, evidence-based recommendations and solutions

• Demonstrated ability to build effective working relationships and provide high-quality advice to managers, employees, unions and senior stakeholders, including the ability to influence outcomes in challenging or sensitive workplace situations

• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare correspondence, reports, industrial responses, discipline and grievance assessments, and policy documentation tailored to a range of audiences

• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and deliver quality outcomes across multiple workplace relations matters within a complex operational environment.

Previous experience in the WA Public Sector is desirable.

To be eligible for appointment we will also require you to submit copies of your right to work in Australia (citizenship, residency, relevant visa) 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 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.

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 Susan Hancy, Manager Employee Relations on 0474 776 660 during office hours or send an email to susan.hancy@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.