Job opportunity

There is an exciting opportunity at The Department of the Premier and Cabinet’s (DPC) office of Digital Government! We are seeking a talented and driven cyber security professional to be a part of building the WA Government’s centralised Penetration Testing Function. 

There is currently one (1) permanent position available for immediate filling.  

The Department is offering an attractive remuneration package of up to $143,549 for your first year of employment.

Remuneration is based on salary, superannuation and an attraction and retention incentive (ARI) payment. The ARI is currently in place for your first 12 months of employment and may be extended beyond this term.

The WA Government is investing a further $25.5m into Office of Digital Government’s Cyber Security Unit to increase the Government’s ability to prevent, detected, and respond to cyber threats. The unit is expanding into one of the largest dedicated cyber security teams in the WA Government to add new capabilities and expand on existing programs.  WA Government agencies run some of the largest networks in the state, with a diverse range of technologies managing sensitive information and services for citizens and industry. The Cyber Security Unit’s role is to assist agencies with their cyber security programs and to develop whole-of-government cyber security solutions. We are establishing a Whole of Government Penetration Testing team to help improve the WA Government's cyber security maturity through contemporary and collaborative security testing.

Suitable applicants will be placed into a Whole-of-Government Pool which permanent and/or fixed term appointments may be made throughout DPC and across other Public Sector agencies. The pool will operate for a period of 12 months from when the breach claims period has been finalised. By applying for this pool, you agree for your application to be shared amongst multiple Public Sector agencies. 

This position is based in Perth, Western Australia, however short-term remote work options are available for inter-state applicants who unable to travel immediately.  

As a member of the Penetration Testing team, you will: 

• Perform a variety of meaningful penetration tests and vulnerability assessments against State Government networks that address risk and create maximum value, not just meet compliance requirements. Including but not limited to:
• External penetration tests against both traditional and cloud environments
• Internal penetration tests against enterprise environments, large and small
• Web and thick client application assessments
• Provide actionable advice to defenders on how to better secure their networks, systems, and applications, including working with the Whole of Government Cyber Security Operations Centre (SOC) to continuously improve their detection and mitigation strategies.
• Contribute to the improvement of testing methodologies by performing research into adversary tools, techniques, and procedures to ensure that penetration tests are representative of the threat environment.

We are looking for applicant with some of the below: 

• Minimum 2 years’ experience performing Penetration Testing in a corporate (in-house or consulting) setting, beyond just performing testing with automated tools.
• A strong interest in Penetration Testing/ethical hacking, vulnerability research, and cyber security in general.
• Demonstrated experience working both as part of a collaborative team, or independently with limited supervision.
• Demonstrated experience writing reports on penetration testing, vulnerabilities, and risk for business and executive audiences.
• Experience with scripting and automation of common penetration testing tasks.
• An appreciation for working in a secure environment, to defined methodologies and standards.
• A relevant tertiary qualification or industry certification is desired but not required.

For further information, please refer to the attached Job Description Form (JDF) or contact Mr Daniel Meakins, Director Cyber Security, on (08) 6552 6687 (not to be contacted for assistance with lodging your application).  

Benefits of working for the Cyber Security Unit 

• Dedicated annual training budget as part of a formal Performance Development program to help build your skills and career.
• Opportunities to work with Government IT networks of varying scale and complexity, including OT/IOT.
• Help build innovative capabilities to better secure public data and services.
• Work with our SOC, Government agencies, and other partners to leverage threat intelligence information and keep up with the tools and techniques of current threat actors.
• Flexible work arrangements (flex time) and work from home.
• 10% superannuation contribution, increasing to 12% by 1 July 2025.
• Salary packaging opportunities.
• Three additional days of leave per year (public service holidays).

Applicants are required to submit:  

• A written application in no more than two (2) pages (minimum 10-point size font), detailing how your qualifications and experience meet the requirements of the advertised position; and
• A current and detailed resume/curriculum vitae.

Suitable applicants will be required to provide:  

• Proof of identity based on a 100-point identity check.
• A satisfactory National Police Certificate issued by the Western Australian Police Force
• Undergo a Baseline Personal Security Clearance (details will be advised after selection).

Equity and Diversity:

The Department of the Premier and Cabinet is committed to improving employment opportunities and outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.  As a measure to achieve equality and support, section 51 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA) will apply to this position. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply. 

Eligibility:

To be eligible for appointment, applicants must have a valid working visa (for fixed term appointments) or be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or have a visa to live and work indefinitely in Australia (for permanent appointments) at the time of application. 

How to Apply: 

Click ‘Apply for Job' at the bottom of this advertisement to submit your application. 

If you experience technical difficulties applying online, please contact the RAMS Helpdesk on 1300 733 056, in the first instance. For information about the process you can contact People Services at peopleservices@dpc.wa.gov.au. 

Applications are to be received no later than 4:00pm, Monday 11 April 2022. 

Please ensure you allow sufficient time to submit your application as late and incomplete applications will not be accepted. 

Subsequent vacancies: 

Applicants who are found suitable, but not recommended for the vacancy, may be considered for subsequent vacancies in accordance with Part 5 (General Appointment) of the Commissioner’s Instructions No.2: Filling a Public Sector Vacancy.