The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) leads the sustainable development of Western Australia’s agrifood industry - agriculture, horticulture, aquaculture, food and fisheries sectors; and regions. We protect, grow and support innovation in all these sectors and regions.
About the opportunities
Following a review of the Industry and Economic Analysis (IEA) branch succession plan, DPIRD is seeking to recruit a pool of economists within the IEA branch to fill permanent and fixed term positions of varying levels of seniority. Successful applicants will join a vibrant, collaborative environment in the WA public sector with inclusive values of dedication, diversity and long-term commitment to public sector and industry impact. Our expectations are high, and the opportunity to do meaningful, relevant and credible economic analysis will be rewarding and significant. The branch contributes to DPIRD's strategic outcomes through providing economic services in policy development, regulation impact assessment, original research and public investment evaluation.
The IEA branch sits within DPIRD's Policy, Innovation, and Performance directorate, conducting economic modelling and data analysis, and providing timely, evidence-based analysis, policy advice and communications advice to internal and external clients. These clients include WA Treasury, other state and federal agencies and industry groups.
We undertake economic analyses that yield insights that enhance productivity, profitability, international competitiveness, and the climate resilience and natural capital of WA’s primary industries and regions. Our efforts ultimately support enduring prosperity for all Western Australians. We collaborate within and outside DPIRD, across a wide and diverse range of disciplinary groups including (but not limited to) plant and livestock scientists, biosecurity experts, fisheries specialists, soil scientists, treasury analysts, ecosystem managers, agribusiness food and trade staff.
We are seeking candidates with diverse analytical skills with good communication ability covering disciplines such as systems modelling, data analysis, economic appraisal techniques and optimization.
The team draws on diverse datasets and research to form and underpin advice to internal and external clients. Where necessary, bioeconomic models, simulations, system dynamics, and climate-economic models are employed to further explore issues and opportunities. Our analyses extend over different scales – from paddock to national impacts. The successful candidates will also have sound skills in written and verbal communication.
Agricultural Economist (Specified Calling Level 1)
Under immediate guidance of senior staff, conduct assigned economic research, analysis and policy advice activities. Commensurate with level of appointment, work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve common goals and drive innovative solutions in agricultural research and development. Contribute to the sustainability of resources and economic development of the agri-food industry with a focus on export led growth and/or maintenance/protection of productive agricultural systems/resources.
Agricultural Economist (Specified Calling Level 2)
Under general guidance and utilising independent judgement, conducts economic research, analysis and policy advice, as required. Commensurate with level of appointment, work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve common goals and drive innovative solutions in agricultural research and development. Contribute to the sustainability of resources and economic development of the agri-food industry with a focus on export led growth and/or maintenance/protection of productive agricultural systems/resources.
Agricultural Economist (Specified Calling Level 3)
Under limited direction and demonstrating considerable initiative and independent judgement, conducts economic research, analysis and policy advice, as required. Commensurate with level of appointment, work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve common goals and drive innovative solutions in agricultural research and development. Contributes to the sustainability of resources and the economic development of the agri-food industry with a focus on export led growth and/or maintenance/ protection of productive agricultural systems/resources.
For further information and special requirements for these roles please see attached Job Description Form (JDF).
Equity and Diversity
Section 51 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 applies to all these positions; therefore, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are highly encouraged to apply. Appointments can be made at one of three possible specified calling levels.
DPIRD is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce and being 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 referees.
- A cover letter of no more than two pages detailing how your knowledge, skills and experience relate to the role(s) of your choice.
Please clearly indicate which level you are applying for in your cover letter. We strongly recommend focusing your application on the level that best matches your qualifications and career goals to maximise your chances of success. You may apply for multiple levels in the same application.
Applicants in regional locations are encouraged to apply, as DPIRD has a large number of regional locations, and offers flexible workplace especially over career. This pool recruitment may be used to fill other positions.
It is recommended that you consider all information contained in the advertisement and any other related information. Please note you do not have to address the work-related requirements at this stage. 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 Amir Abadi, Manager IEA Unit, on 0448 879 757 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
DPIRD is an Emergency Management Agency and all employees may be required to work or travel during, or outside of, normal business hours to assist with incidents and emergencies.
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 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)
