The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) leads 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 have a newly established Director Animal Biosecurity and Chief Veterinary Officer position available for immediately filling. The successful candidate will be offered a 12-month fixed term opportunity, with the possibility of extension or permanency. As an accomplished leader with strong technical knowledge in animal health and biosecurity and demonstrated executive experience, you will deliver state and national animal biosecurity, traceability and product integrity outcomes that underpin Western Australia’s animal biosecurity status.  

This is a critical leadership position for the Department, working closely with the Director General, Deputy Director General, Minister, industry and key stakeholders to deliver benefits for our animal industries and the community. The successful candidate will have a proven track record of developing and delivering strategic policies and programs, as well as influencing outcomes at a national level. In this role you will have the opportunity to represent Western Australia at national and international forums on animal health and biosecurity matters, as well as oversee emergency animal disease preparedness and responses.

Leading a state-wide team, the Director provides trusted veterinary and technical policy advice to protect the state from significant pests and diseases. We are seeking an individual who prioritises teamwork and is dedicated to supporting and empowering staff, driving a strong and inclusive culture, and achieving outcomes in partnership with key stakeholders.   

DPIRD is an Emergency Management Agency. Employees may be required to work or travel during or outside normal business hours to assist with incidents and emergencies. Travel to metropolitan and regional offices may also be required.

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.
• Contributing to Western Australia’s preparedness and response to animal and plant pest and disease emergencies
• Opportunity to be a valued team member undertaking a range of interesting and important projects.
• Access to a range of flexible working arrangements, including working from home and a range of generous leave entitlements.

Assessment criteria and eligibility

We are looking for individuals with:    

• Extensive strategic expertise and demonstrated experience developing and delivering animal biosecurity programs, leading responses to biosecurity incidents and emergencies, and contributing to state and national animal health policies and response arrangements.
• Exceptional executive leadership skills, including the ability to provide trusted veterinary and technical advice, build collaborative relationships and influence government policy.
• Highly developed analytical skills, including the ability to anticipate opportunities and risks, think strategically, evaluate complex and challenging issues, develop innovative solutions and drive continuous improvement to achieve organisational objectives.

To be eligible for appointment we will also require you to submit:

• copies of your degree in Veterinary Science (obtained from an Australian university or recognised equivalent),
• copies of your current recognised registration (or able to obtain prior to commencement) with the Veterinary Surgeons Board of Western Australia,
• a copy of your current and valid Western Australian C (car) class driver's licence, or equivalent, and
• evidence 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 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 Dr Mia Carbon, Deputy Director General Biosecurity and Emergency Management on 0477 335 264 during office hours or send an email to bemoddg@dpird.wa.gov.au.  

If you have any support or access needs that may require adjustments to allow you to fully participate in the assessment process, or other questions about the recruitment process, please contact our Talent team via recruitment@dpird.wa.gov.au or (08) 6552 1943.

Please note that candidates found suitable through this process may be used to appoint suitable candidates to other vacancies fixed term or permanent vacancies that arise over the next 12 months.  

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.