This is a permanent part-time (0.4 FTE) position commencing Term 1, 2026
The Role
The Western Australia College of Agriculture – Harvey (WACOA – Harvey) is seeking an enthusiastic person with experience and interest in general farm operations to join the team as an Agricultural Training Officer.
The ideal candidate would be someone with industry experience who is keen on passing on their passion and experience to upper-secondary school age students in a specialised Agricultural College setting. Our students are the next generation of farmers and industry leaders, and we are looking for the right people with the right attitude (with or without the usual qualifications) to help them get there.
Agricultural Training Officers assist in the management and operation of the College’s farm enterprises and conduct training and assessment in that context. As such the successful applicant will have specific industry skills in developing and maintaining general farm operations and will have (or be supported to develop) a range of generic skills such as handling livestock and operating machinery.
The successful applicant’s skill set and experience will determine how they are deployed across the College farm. Experience in livestock management, machinery and equipment use and horticulture will be highly considered.
The successful applicant will assist in the preparation and delivery of training programs and the instruction and supervision of groups of Year 10 to 12 students in a workplace environment. Additionally, they will ideally have the ability to work as part of a vibrant close team, have strong organisational skills and the ability to develop effective and appropriate working relationships with young adult students and other staff.
Whilst predominantly involved in the general farm operations at the College, the successful applicant will also be expected to assist in the dairy and other animal enterprises as the occasion demands. Appropriate training will be provided.
Agricultural Training Officers work a set Monday to Friday roster but also share in weekend and after hours’ overtime to cover livestock welfare needs and other essential farm tasks. They are paid 150 hours of commuted overtime per year, equating to an additional 15% salary on top of the base rate. Annual leave must be taken during school term breaks.
Applicants for this position will be assessed against the level 1 selection criteria. To reach level 2, Agricultural Training Officers must hold a Certificate III in Agriculture (or equivalent) and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. Don’t worry if you don’t have these qualifications because if you are the successful applicant we will upskill you within the first 6 to 12 months of your employment.
Please note: The successful applicant will have the opportunity to have their skills and experience further assessed after commencement, which may result in an adjustment to their salary level. This assessment will be determined against the eligibility criteria outlined in the attached JDFs, in the context of the role’s responsibilities and expected outcomes.
Below are the salary levels applicable to this role:
Level 1.3, $72,026 - Level 1.4, $74,951 per annum (pro-rata) (PSCA 2024) + 15.3% commuted allowance (PSCA 2024)
Level 2, $76,912 - $82,464 per annum (pro-rata) (PSCA 2024) + 15.3% commuted allowance (PSCA 2024))
Level 3, $86,439 - $92,795 per annum (pro-rata) (PSCA 2024) + 15.3% commuted allowance (PSCA 2024)
Onsite accommodation may be available if required for the successful applicant to take up the position.
About the School
The WACOA - Harvey is a co-educational school for students in Years 10, 11 and 12. As a specialist Agriculture and related trades training school, students come from across Western Australia with most boarding on site. Students apply to attend the College for the real-life learning environment and with a genuine interest in our programs and what these can do for their future job prospects. As a result, our students choose to be at the College and want to learn.
The College is located in Wokalup, 8kms south of the Harvey town centre, on a 900ha farm run on a semi commercial basis. The farm runs several sections which provide students with real life working experiences in horticulture (parks and gardens, vegetables, citrus and vines), beef, sheep, dairy, poultry, pigs, farm workshop and general farm maintenance.
Harvey is a 1.5-hour drive south of Perth, a 20-minute drive to the coast, and a 40-minute drive to the city of Bunbury. The area is well supported with a range of sporting and recreation opportunities, schooling options, shopping and medical services. It is a great place to live.
To learn more about our College and what we offer, we encourage you to visit our website at www.harveyag.wa.edu.au.
Want to know more?
Full details of the role, selection criteria and training requirements are listed in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Stephen Watt, Principal on (08) 9782 2100 or emailing stephen.watt@education.wa.edu.au.
During the school holidays, please contact Stephen Watt on 0477 413 464.
Equity and Diversity
We are committed to an inclusive and culturally responsive workforce reflecting the diversity in our schools and the Western Australian community. We welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, young people, people of diverse sexualities and genders, people with disability, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Explore our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Plan 2021-2025 for more details.
Eligibility
To work with us, you must:
- be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident or have a valid visa with relevant work rights for the term of the appointment.
- obtain a valid Working With Children Check before you start; and
- consent to a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and obtain a current Screening Clearance Number issued by the Department of Education’s Screening Unit before you start.
Additional eligibility and training requirements are outlined in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).
Application Instructions
Apply online in two easy steps:
Step 1: Select Apply for Job
Complete the online application form, including details of two (2) work related referees, preferably one (1) being your current line manager.
Step 2: Attach your documents
Your application should include:
- A CV of up to two (2) pages outlining your employment history and professional learning summary relevant to this position
- A two (2) page statement addressing the following selection criteria as outlined in the attached JDF:
- Demonstrated experience and competency in supporting agricultural enterprises specific to the requirements of the college or school.
- Demonstrated good written and oral communication skills with interpersonal skills appropriate for working with young people in an educational environment.
- Demonstrated ability to provide a skill demonstration to others.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively without close supervision as a member of a team.
It is recommended you have your attachments ready before selecting Apply for Job.
Your application must be received before the closing date and time. Late applications will not be accepted.
For technical support submitting your application, you can call the Department of Education’s Recruitment team on (08) 9264 4127 for assistance.
Advertised Vacancy Number: IPS/SS1016080
Suitable applicants may be considered for similar vacancies arising within the next 12 months following this selection process. This may include circumstances where the successful applicant declines or vacates the position.
The Department applies a four (4) day breach period to this selection process.
Applications close: 4.30pm (AWST) on Monday, 22 December 2025
