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 department 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 L4 Senior Biosecurity Officer and one (1) permanent L5 Senior Biosecurity Officer positions available for immediate filling in the Perth Metropolitan area. This process will also be used to establish a pool of suitably qualified applicants for the role of Level 4 and Level 5 Senior Biosecurity Officers.

What would your typical day look like?

As a Senior Biosecurity Officer Level 5, you will manage a large team of biosecurity officers located in Perth and regional WA while working closely with a team of biosecurity and technical specialists. This position involves developing, planning and managing metropolitan and regional targeted surveillance activities for priority plant pests and diseases that may impact on the States agriculture and environment. The position will contribute to sampling design and data management, conduct compliance, managing budgets, and preparing project and activity reports.  You will also be required to champion a culture of excellence, innovation and continuous improvement and motivate staff. You will have opportunities to contribute new ideas to enhance biosecurity service delivery in WA.

As a Senior Biosecurity Officer Level 4, you will manage a small team of biosecurity officers, provide technical knowledge, scheduling and on-ground operational management, in-field delivery of surveillance and sampling activities, data collation and management. This position is required to issue and manage regulatory instruments in accordance with relevant biosecurity arrangements.

Applications are now open for Full-Time permanent Senior Biosecurity Officer positions at level(s) 4 and 5. Candidates found suitable through this process will be placed in a pool and may be offered a permanent or fixed term position where they become vacant over the next 12 months. Please note, being appointed to the pool does not guarantee your placement in a position. 

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.
• Opportunity to work alongside and learn from world leading biosecurity experts, compliance officers and other specialists.
• Undertaking interesting and important work to protect WA from biosecurity risks that involves collaborating and partnering with industry, government and the public to deliver agriculture and environmental outcomes and make a real difference to local communities.
• Being part of a fun, supportive, dedicated and inclusive team.

Assessment criteria and eligibility

We are specifically looking for individuals with:

• Sound knowledge of plant pests and diseases and biosecurity legislation.
• Proven ability in developing and implementing surveillance programs.
• Demonstrate substantial experience leading fieldwork, regulatory activities, surveillance, and/or inspection activities, data management and preparing technical reports.
• Good leadership capabilities and communication skills, supporting team performance development, and building effective relationships.
• Demonstrated initiative, adaptability and personal accountability, embracing change and new challenges with a positive and proactive can-do approach.

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 resume of no more than three (3) pages 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, experience relate to the following Work-Related Requirements listed in the JDF.

If you are applying for Level 4

• Role Specific: 1
• Core Capabilities 3 and 5

If you are applying for Level 5

• Role Specific: 1
• Core Capabilities: 3 and 7.

• Copies of any relevant documents to demonstrate you are eligible for appointment.

As there are multiple levels being advertised, please clearly state which level/s you are applying for in your cover letter. You may apply for multiple levels in the same application. 

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 Roslyn Jettner, Technical Area Manager - Surveillance on 93683538 during office hours or send an email to roslyn.jettner@dpird.wa.gov.au.

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.