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

About the opportunity

There is currently one (1) 3-year fixed-term position for the Fly Pollination Project with the possibility of extension and/or permanency available for immediate filling. 

This role supports scientific research and investigation activities under the guidance of senior staff to contribute to the growth and sustainability of the agri-food industry. You will co-design, coordinate and undertake field- and laboratory-based trials to support the Horticulture innovation project – Flies as Effective Pollinators in Horticulture, ensuring agreed project milestones are achieved. This role offers the opportunity to develop your research skills and make a meaningful contribution to outcomes that benefit industry and the wider community.

We are looking for individuals with:   

• Knowledge of agri-food industry sustainable production systems and in particular, insect-pollinated crops along with basic principles of scientific research.
• An understanding of fly life cycles and their role in pollination in order to initiate, implement, measure and analyse field and lab-based trials.
• Ability to contribute to the development of plans and projects and able to use initiative to deliver improvements to outputs/outcomes relevant to improved pollination and crop yield.

For further information and special requirements for this role please see 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 including details of two (2) referees.
• A cover letter of no more than two (2) pages in length demonstrating how your skills, knowledge and experience relate to the following Work Related Requirements:

• Role Specific 1: Knowledge of agri-food industry sustainable production systems and basic principles of scientific research.

• Core Capabilities 2 and 4:

  • Well-developed written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to relate to people from a wide and varied range of backgrounds, both internal and external to the organisation.
  • Ability to apply good conceptual, analytical and problem skills to resolve identified issues.

• Your cover letter should also include examples from your previous experience and achievements that demonstrate how your personal values align with the departments. For an overview of the department’s values, view the attached DPIRD Applicant Information Kit.

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 David Cook, Senior Research Scientist, on 0416181162 during office hours.

If you experience technical difficulties applying online, please contact the RAMS Helpdesk on 1300 733 056 in 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 applicant’s expense. 

This pool will be valid for a period of twelve (12) months following finalisation of the process and may be used to fill other same/similar permanent and fixed term, full-time and part-time vacancies with the possibility of extension or permanency at locations listed in this advert.  Please note, being appointed to the pool does not guarantee you a placement to a position.

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 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)

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.