Senior Technical Officer (Herbarium)
Join us in our mission to promote biodiversity, conserve our valuable ecosystems, and provide engaging attractions that connect people with nature.
THIS IS A 12-MONTH FIXED-TERM, PART-TIME (0.8 FTE) POSITION
(WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF EXTENSION OR PERMANENCY)
THIS POSITION IS BASED IN KENSINGTON
APPLICATIONS FOR THIS POSITION CLOSE AT
MIDDAY ON TUESDAY, 13 OCTOBER 2026
Applied research undertaken by the Plant Science and Herbarium Program documents the diversity and investigates the conservation biology of Western Australia’s flora. The Western Australian Herbarium houses the State collection of scientific specimens of vascular plants, algae, bryophytes, lichens, fungi and slime moulds. This collection is dynamic and provides the authoritative, permanent and physical record for the presence, distribution and names of plant species in Western Australia.
We are currently seeking a Senior Technical Officer (Herbarium) to join our team.
This position supports the Western Australian Herbarium’s contribution of data assets to the Departmental and national biodiversity infrastructure (e.g. Florabase, Dandjoo, ALA, AVH) and provides technical advice on the impact of data changes on downstream systems, workflows, and users. Working closely with collections staff, technical teams, and taxonomists, the position implements and maintains automated data workflows, assists with access and training for database use, and improves alignment with international biodiversity and herbarium data standards (e.g. DarwinCore, HISPID). This position will also have opportunities to support digital transformation of processes within the Western Australian Herbarium, providing expert advice and support as required.
At DBCA, we have adopted Leadership Expectations which provides a common understanding of the mindsets and expected behaviours required of all our employees and the public sector. In this role, you will demonstrate Personal Leadership to help drive positive change.
Selection Criteria
Applicants should address the following four (4) criteria. These should be addressed in no more than three (3) pages in total.
- Relevant experience in biodiversity data management or equivalent, including data curation, cleaning and integration of new data to existing records, alignment of data to relevant recognised data standards and understanding of data collection processes.
- Proven ability in the use of relational databases and data manipulation at scale.
- Proven high level attention to detail and ability to identify inconsistencies or discrepancies in information and an understanding of implications for downstream impacts.
- Proven ability to work with others in a team environment by problem solving, building collaborative networks and effectively communicating technical information to a range of audiences.
About Us
DBCA, one of Western Australia's largest state government agencies, providing exciting and challenging career opportunities in biodiversity conservation and park and natural resource management. We employ people with world-class scientific, policy, land and marine management, visitor services, research and educational skills.
For more information on what we do, our recruitment process, and why working at DBCA is an attractive proposition, please visit our website.
Benefits of working with us
In addition to the attractive salary and opportunities to contribute to biodiversity and environmental conservation initiatives, the department offers incentives including:
- Flexible working arrangements.
- 12% superannuation, full employer contribution and salary packaging options.
- 4 weeks annual leave with 17.5% loading paid as additional pay every December.
- 3 days additional public sector holidays each year.
- Cultural leave for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.
- Access to study, bereavement, foster caring and parental leave.
- A confidential employee assistant program (EAP) for you and your family, including psychology and counselling services.
- An annual National Park Entry Pass.
- Well-established learning and development programs.
- Free staff parking.
How to apply:
All applications are to be submitted online. Select 'Apply for job', located at either the top or the bottom of the screen, and follow the instructions; you will need to provide a:
- a covering letter.
- a statement addressing the above requested criteria (in no more than three (3) pages.
- current CV, including the details of two referees with one being a recent or current manager/supervisor.
For further job-related information: contact Shelley James on (08) 9129 9130 or shelley.james@dbca.wa.gov.au or for further information about the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, visit https://www.dbca.wa.gov.au/.
We have a detailed Job Application Kit to provide information about us, the value of the department and practical guidance on the process for you. Please ensure you have saved your documents in MS Word (.docx files only) or PDF format and have allowed plenty of time to submit your application, as late, emailed and proforma applications will not be accepted.
For the full role description, detailed responsibilities and a full list of selection criteria, please refer to the Job Description link below. The documents linked to this advertisement are available in alternative formats upon request.
Eligibility: To be eligible for permanent appointment, it is essential to have Australian citizenship, New Zealand citizenship or Australian permanent residency status. To be eligible for contract employment, it is essential to have a visa with entitlement to live and work in Australia for the term of the contract.
A search for additional applicants may be conducted for this position where necessary to provide a more diverse and/or competitive field.
Agency Referrals: Public sector agencies seeking to refer surplus employees should contact Recruitment at recruitment@dbca.wa.gov.au during the advertising period.
Substantive Equality Statement
DBCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages Indigenous Australians, young people, people with disabilities, people from culturally diverse backgrounds and women to apply for positions within our agency. People with disability will be provided with reasonable adjustments in our recruitment processes and in the workplace. The Department also promotes flexible working arrangements.
Applicants with a disability who require adjustments in the recruitment process, including an alternative to applying online, can contact the Senior Recruitment Officer on (08) 9219 9879 or recruitment@dbca.wa.gov.au. Do not send job applications to this email; they will not be accepted.
If you are an Aboriginal person who would like assistance with your application, please contact Jobs and Skills WA on 13 64 64.
Similar appointments may be made from this process in locations throughout Western Australia within a 12-month period to positions that may be permanent or contract, including contract appointments with the possibility of subsequent permanency.
