Technical Officers/Station Hands
Sheep, Cropping and Pasture
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.
Katanning WA
- Diverse role with options to work with sheep, crop and pasture
- Flexible working arrangements
- Professional development and training opportunities
DPIRD Livestock is excited to offer an opportunity for passionate individuals to contribute to our Katanning Research Station. We are looking to recruit several Technical Officers to work within our mixed sheep, cropping and research enterprise.
About Katanning Research Station (KRS)
Established in 1980 and located in the heart of the Great Southern, KRS operates on 2000ha as a research station with elements of a commercial mixed farming operation. Committed to sustainable farming practices, it is DPIRD’s primary location for innovative and industry-leading sheep genetics research, as well as carbon and methane emissions, saltland rehabilitation, grains and pasture research.
KRS is located approximately 5km from the town site; Katanning boasts a vibrant multicultural community with various social and sporting events and access to all necessary services.
About the role
There are currently two full time permanent positions and three full time fixed-term (12-14 months) positions with the possibility of extension and/or permanency available for immediate filling.
Our Technical Officers assist with all aspects of operating a mixed sheep and cropping program and supporting research projects on site. The property operates a flock of 2000 merino and 600 crossbred ewes as well as conducting 300-500ha of broadacre cropping yearly. You will work within a team under the direction of the Farm Manager in all aspects of the operation, using your previous experience with livestock, cropping or pastures and a range of modern infrastructure and technology.
Tasks will be diverse and include stock handling and husbandry, pasture measurement and manipulation, broadacre cropping activities, operation and maintenance of farm machinery (including seasonal tractor driving), data collection and management, use of agricultural herbicides/pesticides and spraying equipment, and general infrastructure maintenance.
About you
Ideally, you’ll have worked in a similar role previously (either in research or as a farm hand), with a passion for agriculture and possess the following attributes:
- Proven experience and knowledge in sheep, cropping or pastures, including the use of machinery, equipment and technology
- Proficiency using MS Office (primarily Excel spreadsheets) and attention to detail is essential; experience using other technology for on-farm data collection is advantageous but not essential.
- Physically fit, willing and able to complete manual, labour-intensive work in all weather conditions
- General farm maintenance and repair skills and knowledge is highly desirable
- Excellent communication, organisation and teamwork skills
- Ability to think critically and problem solve whilst carrying out duties. Confident in working independently when necessary
- ChemCert, Forklift ticket, MR or HR license is advantageous but not essential
Accommodation options can be discussed if required, so if this sounds like the opportunity for you, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
For further information and special requirements for this role 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:
Please submit your CV and a cover letter addressing your suitability – tell us what you love about the role and how you think you’re the right fit.
It is recommended that you consider all information contained in the advertisement and any other related information.
Need further information?
For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Keren Muthsam, A/Development Officer, on 0457 211 064 or Daniel Real, Senior Principal Research Scientist, on 0409 016 422 during office hours.
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.
Employment Conditions and Additional Information
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)
