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. 

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

Protect Western Australia's Animal Health and Biosecurity

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is seeking one (1) permanent - full time Principal Veterinary Pathologist to join its Diagnostics and Laboratory Services team in Perth.

This is a senior veterinary pathology opportunity with a focus on production animals, combining complex diagnostic pathology, animal disease investigation and surveillance, scientific leadership, research and team development.

Working within a highly skilled multidisciplinary diagnostic laboratory, you will contribute directly to scientifically valid diagnostic and surveillance outcomes that support Western Australia's animal health monitoring and market outcomes.

We welcome interest from experienced veterinary pathologists and veterinarians with strong diagnostic pathology expertise from across Australia and internationally who are eligible, or able to become eligible, for veterinary registration in Western Australia.

About the opportunity

As a Principal Veterinary Pathologist, you will work within DPIRD's veterinary pathology team, supported by a multidisciplinary diagnostic laboratory.

You will undertake and oversee disease investigations, case manage diagnostic submissions, interpret and integrate laboratory results, and provide comprehensive scientific reports and advice to internal and external stakeholders.

In this role you will:

• provide high-level veterinary pathology expertise, including gross and histopathological examination, interpretation and reporting;
• investigate complex animal disease at individual and population level and guide appropriate diagnostic testing;
• contribute to surveillance for diseases of state and national significance;
• provide expert veterinary pathology input into strategic planning, animal health policy and laboratory practice;
• recognise and respond to exotic and emerging diseases, residue issues, zoonoses and other significant animal conditions;
• lead, mentor and support staff and contribute to building technical capability across the team, with responsibility for the direction of staff;
• translate complex scientific findings into clear advice for technical and non-technical audiences;
• work collaboratively with laboratory scientists, field veterinarians, government agencies, industry, producers and research partners; and
• contribute to research, scientific publications and the development of contemporary diagnostic approaches.

Why this opportunity?

This is an opportunity to apply your veterinary pathology expertise to work with genuine scientific, industry and community impact.

You will:

• join an established and collegial laboratory team of veterinary pathologists supported by a multidisciplinary diagnostic laboratory;
• work on diverse and challenging diagnostic investigations; and
• build your career within an organisation whose work directly supports Western Australia's animal industries, communities and economy.

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 (at the location listed in this advert) over the next 12 months. 

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.

DPIRD supports flexible working arrangements where these are compatible with the operational and laboratory requirements of the role and provides access to a range of public sector employment and leave benefits.

Assessment criteria and eligibility

We are interested in hearing from veterinary professionals who can bring high-level diagnostic expertise, scientific judgement and leadership to the role.

You will also bring:

• Significant knowledge and experience in veterinary species including performance and oversight of pathology examinations; selecting specimens for diagnostic laboratory testing and interpreting and applying laboratory data in disease diagnosis.
• Demonstrated extensive knowledge and understanding of reporting requirements, to various stakeholders such as the public, industry groups and Government, with competent use of ICT applications such as laboratory information systems, databases, spreadsheets and word processing.
• Substantial experience leading a team of laboratory professionals to fulfil diagnostic and surveillance objectives, including mentoring of staff.

• the ability to manage competing deadlines and operate effectively in a changing environment.

To be eligible for appointment, you must have:

• A degree in Veterinary Science from an Australian university or recognised equivalent;
• Current recognised registration with the Veterinary Surgeons Board of Western Australia, or the ability to obtain registration prior to commencement. Veterinary registration must be maintained throughout employment; and
• Advanced post-graduate qualifications in Veterinary Pathology or a relevant field, recognised in Australia (DACVP or equivalent preferred).

DPIRD is an Emergency Management Agency, and employees may be required to work or travel during or outside normal business hours to assist with incidents and emergencies.

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 three (3) 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 ensure you have plenty of time to submit 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 will not be accepted) If you experience technical difficulties applying online, please contact the RAMS Helpdesk on 1300 733 056.

Further information and support

A conversation about the opportunity is encouraged, particularly if you would like to understand the scope of the pathology work, team, laboratory or how your current veterinary pathology experience may transfer to the role.

Please contact Shane Besier, Principal Veterinary Pathologist, on 0491 218 972 during office hours.

DPIRD may supplement the field of applicants through targeted candidate search and may use this recruitment process to fill other same or similar permanent or fixed-term vacancies arising within the following 12 months.

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.

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