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 - full-time opportunity available for a Senior Project Officer to join DPIRD’s Surveillance and Control team.

As the Senior Project Officer, you will play a key role in strengthening Western Australia's plant biosecurity preparedness. Working closely with industry, government and research stakeholders, you will coordinate and deliver preparedness initiatives that help build awareness, improve preparedness and encourage adoption of practical biosecurity measures across agricultural industries.

The role combines project delivery, stakeholder engagement and facilitation, requiring someone who can build trusted relationships, communicate complex information clearly and work collaboratively with others to achieve positive outcomes. You will work with scientific, technical and policy information, translating complex concepts into practical, accessible guidance that supports informed decision-making and encourages stakeholder action. You will contribute to preparedness projects, workshops, industry engagement activities, planning exercises and evaluation initiatives that support Western Australia's ability to prevent, detect and respond to plant pest and disease threats.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Coordinate and deliver preparedness projects that support Western Australia's plant biosecurity and departmental objectives.
• Monitor project progress, identify risks and support evaluation activities to improve preparedness outcomes.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with growers, industry organisations, government agencies and other stakeholders to support preparedness outcomes.
• Prepare reports, guidance material and presentations that translate complex research based information into practical outcomes.

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. 

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 scientists, compliance officers and other specialists.
• Contributing to outcomes for the Hazard Management Agency for animal or plant pest or disease emergencies.
• Undertaking interesting and important work that involves collaborating and partnering with industry, universities, government and the 9 Regional Development Commissions to deliver commercial outcomes and make a real difference to local communities.
• Opportunity to be a valued team member undertaking a range of interesting and important projects.
• Access to a range of flexible working arrangements, including working from home for 50 percent of your work week and a range of generous leave entitlements.
• Being part of a fun, supportive and inclusive team.
• Offices and facilities at more than 60 locations from Broome and Kununurra in the north, through Perth, and down to Albany and Eucla in the south (where you will be located is subject to discussion and negotiation with the hiring manager).
• Modern, easily accessible and centrally located office premises and facilities, with proximity to a range of public transport options.

Assessment criteria and eligibility

We are looking for individuals with:    

• Role Specific 1: Demonstrated experience in complex project management, including the ability to deliver agreed outcomes within specified timeframes. Demonstrated experience delivering projects, initiatives or programs from planning through to implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
• Core Criteria 3: Challenge for innovation. Demonstrated ability to develop practical and innovative solutions to complex problems in order to meet organisational objectives. Ability to identify opportunities, influence change and develop practical solutions that support preparedness outcomes and stakeholder adoption.
• Core Criteria 4: Think Strategically. Well developed conceptual, analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to provide strategic solutions to project management problems. Ability to digest complex scientific, technical and policy information and translate it into practical and accessible guidance for a range of audiences.
• Core Criteria 6: Lead and empower Others. Proven ability to work collaboratively within a team environment and contributes to the achievement of team goals. Strong communication and facilitation skills, including the ability to lead discussions, support workshops and encourage stakeholder participation.

All work related requirements may be assessed at some stage during the selection process

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.

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.

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 Dr Tamrika Lanoiselet, Project Manager. Plant Biosecurity, Preparedness and Response on 0428 949 103 during business hours.

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.