The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) lead the sustainable development of Western Australia’s (WA) 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. To learn more about our department, our team and the work we do, please visit our website.
Please note that the closing date has been extended until 2 February 2026, 4PM AWST.
About the opportunity
DPIRD has the following permanent – full time positions available for immediate filling within our Primary Industries Development (PID) pillar. These leadership positions are based in Perth Metropolitan Area, however regional locations across WA will be considered. These positions report to the Executive Director, Animal Systems and play a critical role in the leadership of the Directorate and the research, development and extension of livestock and aquaculture industries in WA.
Director Aquaculture Research and Development
This role leads a complex, research-focused branch responsible for advancing aquaculture in WA through high-impact, strategically aligned programs. The role provides high-level scientific and strategic advice, drives industry development and innovation, working closely with industry and research partners. As a senior scientific leader to the Executive Director Animal Systems, this role offers expert guidance on policy, commercialisation, industry development, governance and strategic planning, providing scientific leadership across diverse programs to deliver strong outcomes for the WA aquaculture sector in line with state and industry priorities.
Director Livestock Research
This role is responsible for leading a research focused livestock branch that delivers programs that advance WA’s livestock industries in line with state and industry priorities to deliver strong outcomes for the WA livestock sector. The role ensures coordinated and impactful research working closely with industry and research partners.
As a senior scientific leader to the Executive Director Animal Systems, you will oversee diverse research programs, advise executive leadership on policy and major scientific issues, and strengthen governance, strategic planning and collaborations to support growth, resilience and long-term success across WA’s livestock industries.
Director Intelligence, Extension and Support
Through a scientific lens, this role oversees a development, extension, intelligence and policy focused branch, including some sections within the branch having a pillar and DPIRD wide function. Being outcome driven, the Director of this branch will work closely with the Director of Livestock research, to ensure strategic animal research, development and extension activities are delivered across WA. This branch also leads the Northern Beef team, working closely with industry, to achieve state and industry priorities.
With a focus on primary industries, the Director will also work closely with Directors across PID and DPIRD to use regional intelligence to inform strategic policy decisions and responses to support WA’s primary industries.
Through a strong focus on governance and compliance, the Director of this branch will lead DPIRD’s Animal Ethics Office, enabling the department to meet its legislative obligations when conducting animal research.
As a senior leader to the Executive Director Animal Systems, you will provide expert leadership across geographically dispersed teams and lead diverse research, development, extension and intelligence functions and policy programs, advise executive leadership on policy and major issues, and strengthen governance, strategic planning and collaborations to long-term success across WA’s primary industries.
What we are looking for: The ideal candidates will be experienced leaders with a strong connection to values and an understanding of the important contribution DPIRD can play to development of Animal Industries in WA. In terms of experience and expertise we are looking for individuals with:
- Bachelor degree in Animal Science, Agriculture Science, Aquaculture Science or approved equivalent.
- Strategic Leadership: Significant leadership experience across a geographically diverse team.
- Transformational Change Agent: Proven success in leading reform initiatives, with substantial experience working in research in a relevant industry.
- Collaborative Influence – Demonstrated ability to navigate complex political and multi-stakeholder environments, building strong relationships across government, industry, organisations, and community groups to deliver meaningful outcomes.
- High-impact Execution: The ability to drive and translate agency objectives into clear strategic projects and performance priorities.
- Values-Driven Leadership: Proven capability in driving high team performance through clear expectations and shared understanding.
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
- A comprehensive CV that highlights your skills, experience, and achievements including details of two (2) referees.
- A cover letter of no more than three (3) pages in length demonstrating how your skills, knowledge and experience related to the following Role Specific Requirements:
- Director Aquaculture Research and Development
- Substantial experience working in research in the aquaculture industry.
- Significant scientific leadership experience across a geographically diverse team.
- Director Intelligence, Extension and Support:
- Substantial experience in either development or extension.
- Significant scientific leadership experience across a geographically diverse team.
- Director Livestock Research:
- Substantial experience working in research in livestock or other associated industries.
- Significant scientific leadership experience across a geographically diverse team.
- Your cover letter should also clearly demonstrate what you will bring to the role in the context of the required leadership behaviours and mindset, as well as your alignment with DPIRD’s values. (For an overview of the department’s values, please refer to the attached DPIRD Applicant Information Kit).
- You will need to demonstrate your alignment to DPIRD’s values throughout the process to be considered suitable.
- As there are multiple positions being advertised, please clearly indicate which role/s you are applying for in your 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 Julia Smith, Executive Director Animal Systems on 0447 531 627 during office hours. DPIRD is closed between 25 December 2025 and Sunday 4 January 2026.
If you experience technical difficulties applying online, please contact the RAMS Helpdesk on 1300 733 056 in the 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 for Western Australia 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 process may be used to fill other same/similar fixed term, permanent, vacancies that arise in DPIRD at locations listed in this advert. In addition to this, should the successful applicant decline or vacate the advertised position, the panel may select another suitable applicant from this selection process. Both of these options remain valid for a period of twelve (12) months from the approval of the initial recruitment decision.
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 10:00am will not be accepted).
