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, our approach is 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.

• Be part of and lead a motivated, progressive team making a difference to state and regional agricultural, environmental and development outcomes
• Provide guidance, input and support to progress critical Ord River Irrigation Area (ORIA) initiatives
• Offer high-level advice and contribute to executive management for DPIRD-led development projects across the north of WA
• Contribute to and support sustainable development outcomes, with a strong focus on irrigated agriculture and environmental priorities

About the opportunity

There is currently two (2) permanent, fulltime positions available for immediate filling.

Director Northern Agricultural Development

The Director Northern Agricultural Development provides leadership and high-level direction to drive sustainable agricultural growth and regional economic development across northern WA. The role leads the Northern Agricultural Development branch, oversees delivery of the Ord Expansion Project and other regional initiatives, and ensures environmental obligations are met.

You will build strong relationships across government, industry and Traditional Owner groups, while inspiring a geographically dispersed team to deliver outcomes. Knowledge of agricultural systems is highly regarded. Travel is required, particularly for Perth-based roles.

Senior Project Officer (Environmental)

This role is suited to an experienced and environmentally focused Senior Project Officer to support delivery of the WA Government’s ORIA expansion initiative. You will assist the Environmental Project Manager in coordinating projects, managing environmental approvals, compliance and reporting, and contributing to research and policy evaluation. The role involves preparing reports and advice, working with consultants, and may include staff supervision and input into other DPIRD-led projects across northern WA.

Experience with state and federal environmental regulation is essential, with qualifications in environmental or planning fields highly desirable. Knowledge of agricultural or horticultural systems is advantageous. Travel will be required, particularly for those based outside Kununurra.

We are looking for individuals with:

• Demonstrated leadership experience with a strong record of achievement and the ability to provide technical direction and drive project outcomes
• Strong commitment to governance, transparency and integrity, with an understanding of government processes and financial reporting
• Highly developed stakeholder engagement, negotiation and advocacy skills, with the ability to work across all levels of government, industry and Traditional Owner groups
• Experience in complex project management, including planning, coordination and delivery within agreed timeframes

For further information and special requirements for this role please see the 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, and includes details of two (2) referees.
• A cover letter of no more than two (2) pages in length addressing the below Work-Related Requirements in the job description form, and aligning with the Department’s values which are available in the DPIRD Applicant Information Kit.
  
  
  • Role Specific: 1, 2

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 Gordon Verrell, Director, Northern Agricultural Development, on 0428 721 178 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 the 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 leave plenty of time when submitting 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 of the due date will not be accepted).