Plant Pathologist Pool
Specified Calling Level 1 and 2 | Pool Ref AV8531
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.
About the opportunity
The Plant Biosecurity team works to protect our land, water, and agriculture resources for a sustainable future and to protect WA’s reputation as a reliable producer of premium products to domestic and international markets.
We are seeking individuals that would like to apply their knowledge of plant pathology, risk analysis and plant disease surveillance to join our Plant Biosecurity team.
Working in a team environment you will contribute to the development of pest risk analyses and provide scientific advice to support our biosecurity policy, surveillance, monitoring and control programs for plant pests and diseases of state and national significance.
We are currently looking to fill two (2) vacancies; one (1) permanent role in the Pest Risk and Analytics group, and one (1) 12-month fixed term position in the Plant Pest and Disease Surveillance group, however, other opportunities may arise.
We are looking for individuals with:
- A degree in Agriculture science, or approved equivalent with undergraduate training in plant pathology.
- Knowledge and experience in plant pathology, pest risk assessment and/or field surveillance for plant diseases.
- The ability to apply conceptual, analytical, and problem-solving skills to provide risk-based plant health advice to support effective biosecurity outcomes.
- Capacity to communicate complex scientific information and advice to departmental staff, industry providers and the community.
For further information and special requirements for these roles 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 Requirement/s:
Specified calling level 1
- Work related requirement 1 – Role Specific: Basic knowledge and experience in plant pathology; including risk analysis, surveillance, investigations and control activities related to plant diseases.
- Work related requirement 4 – Think strategically: Ability to apply good conceptual, analytical and problem skills to resolve identified issues.
- Work related requirement 5 – Deliver in a changing environment: Ability to organise and prioritise work and complete tasks within deadlines and the capacity to develop and apply basic plant pathology techniques that assist in the generation of advice for plant health and laboratory practice.
Specified calling level 2
- Work related requirement 1 – Role Specific: Knowledge and experience in plant pathology; including in risk analysis, surveillance, investigations and control activities related to plant diseases.
- Work related requirement 4 – Think strategically: -Well-developed conceptual and analytical skills including the ability to provide practical solutions to challenging issues and problems.
- Work related requirement 5 – Deliver in a changing environment: Well-developed project and time management and organisational skills including the ability to effectively respond to change and to develop and apply advanced plant pathology techniques to enable the generation of advice for plant health and laboratory practice.
- 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.
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 Nichole Hammond, Technical Area Manager on (08) 9368 3967.
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.
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)
CLOSING DATE: Monday, 31 January 2023 at 4:00 PM WST
