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. 

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. 

It is also important to be aware that DPIRD is an Emergency Management Agency 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. 

To learn more about our department, our team and the work we do, please visit our website. 

About the opportunity

We currently have one (1) permanent - full time opportunity available to join DPIRD’s Emergency Management team as a Manager, Emergency Coordination. This position is located in Nash Street Perth.

As the successful candidate you will play a leading role in the development and coordination of a cross-agency emergency management framework to strengthen the department’s preparedness and response to large-scale incidents affecting the sustainability and international competitiveness of WA’s agriculture, aquatic and food industries.

The role applies and interprets relevant legislation with regards to DPIRDs obligations as a HMA and support agency. The role assists with the development and review of policy, procedures, response plans, training and preparedness initiatives, including agency-wide emergency exercises and staff development programs. It also leads significant incident response activities across the state and contributes to the management of major incidents and emergencies as a member of an Incident Management Team.

Key responsibilities include: 

• Contribute to the Department’s emergency management capability and preparedness program, developing and implementing strategic frameworks, policies, plans and initiatives that enhance prevention, preparedness, response and recovery outcomes.
• Provide operational leadership and advice on emergency management, biosecurity preparedness and significant agricultural incidents, representing the Department in state and national forums and across industry and government stakeholders.
• Provide leadership and coordination for incident response and recovery operations for major and complex emergencies, fulfilling Incident Management Team leadership roles when required and driving continuous improvement through lessons management, training, validation and exercising programs.
• Actively participate and contribute to complex, high-profile projects and strategic partnerships, ensuring effective governance, resource management and delivery of outcomes, while fostering productive relationships across government, industry and key external stakeholders.

The position is currently available for immediate filling, with the potential that 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.  

Benefits of Working at DPIRD

Working with DPIRD provides the opportunity to be part of a professional, supportive, and purpose-driven organisation that delivers important outcomes for Western Australia. Some of the benefits of this role include:

• Working for a department recognised as a leader in research, development, biosecurity, and sustainable management practices.
• Learning from and collaborating with experienced scientists, compliance officers, emergency management professionals, and other subject matter experts.
• Contributing to the delivery of critical outcomes for the Hazard Management Agency during animal and plant biosecurity incidents and emergencies.
• Supporting the activation and coordination of the State Support Plan – Animal Welfare in Emergencies.
• Playing a valued role within Incident Management Teams, supporting a diverse range of state-wide and regional activities.
• Access to flexible working arrangements, including working from home opportunities and generous leave provisions.
• Being part of a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive team environment where no two days are the same.
• A predominantly Perth-based role located at Nash Street, with convenient access to public transport.
• Requirement to work from the State Biosecurity Response Centre in Canning Vale one day a week.
• The chance to undertake meaningful work that directly contributes to protecting Western Australia's agriculture, environment, communities, and economy.

Assessment criteria and eligibility

We are seeking high-performing individuals who can demonstrate:

• Substantial experience and expertise in contemporary emergency management, gained within a large and complex organisation.
• Strong knowledge of emergency management frameworks, preferably within a biosecurity or related operational environment, with the ability to provide high-level policy advice and contribute to policy development, implementation, review, and evaluation.
• Extensive experience in managing complex projects, including the ability to lead initiatives, exercise sound judgement and initiative, manage competing priorities, and deliver outcomes within agreed timeframes.
• Highly developed stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with a proven ability to build productive relationships, collaborate across diverse groups, and influence decision-making at all organisational levels, including senior executives.
• A proactive and innovative mindset, with strong problem-solving abilities and a demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement and organisational success.
• Proven leadership capability, with the confidence to lead and develop teams while maintaining a collaborative, practical, and service-oriented approach to achieving operational outcomes.

To be eligible for appointment we will also require you to submit copies as part of your application to demonstrate you meet the position requirements.

• A current and valid Western Australian C (car) class driver's licence, or equivalent is required (if not currently held, must be acquired prior to commencement at applicant's expense).

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 Scott Beaton, Director, Emergency Management Directorate on 0492 354 614 during office hours or send an email to Scott.Beaton@dpird.wa.gov.au.  

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.