We’re looking for someone who can turn research strategy into on-farm reality.
Around here we sometimes joke that it takes a bit of a Sheep Superhero.
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
We are seeking a Senior Technical Officer (Level 4) to join the team at Katanning Research Station on a fixed-term basis for six months, with the possibility of extension or permanency. This position is available for immediate filling.
Working with a high degree of autonomy, you will lead on-ground sheep operations, support and guide technical staff, and provide high-level input into research delivery.
What the role actually looks like
You will:
- Lead and coordinate day-to-day sheep operations across multiple research projects.
- Maintain high standards of animal welfare, compliance and data integrity.
- Work closely with researchers to understand trial requirements and ensure they are delivered accurately and efficiently.
- Support, mentor and guide technical staff — building skills and confidence.
- Troubleshoot issues in real time — livestock, systems, data or logistics.
- Contribute to planning, prioritisation and continuous improvement of farm systems.
- Use technology and data systems to maintain accurate records and support decision-making.
The tools of the trade
You’ll be working with systems like AgriWebb, Sapion or Stockbook, EID technology, Prattley autodrafters, Tru-Test, Excel and GPS auto-steer.
You don’t need to know everything — but you do need to be able to figure it out quickly when it matters. Because sometimes the data doesn’t add up, the sheep don’t cooperate or the plans change last minute, and you’ll be the person that the team looks to for a solution.
About Katanning Research Station
Katanning Research Station operates on a 2000ha property with 2000 merino and 600 crossbred ewes, as well as 300-500ha of sown crop and pasture. With the capacity to support multiple research projects across all enterprises at any given time, this is a fast paced and varied workplace which gives you a real opportunity to contribute to agricultural research and innovation.
We’re looking for someone who:
- Has strong, demonstrated expertise in sheep husbandry and farm systems.
- Understands research environments and can work effectively within them.
- Is confident making decisions and solving problems.
- Can support and guide others — mentoring junior staff and contributing to a positive team environment.
- Works and communicates constructively with researchers and stakeholders to achieve shared outcomes.
- Is practical, reliable and comfortable working in a physically demanding, hands-on environment.
- Has solid technical and computer skills for data handling, analysis and reporting.
Experience in livestock research operations will be highly regarded but transferrable skills will also be assessed. Relevant qualifications are valued, but substantial practical experience will be equally considered.
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
You should apply if you:
- Can explain the why, not just the what.
- Work constructively with researchers, even when priorities differ.
- Don’t mind the occasional curveball.
- Lead by example in the yards and in the way you work with people.
- Enjoy working with a team that works hard, laughs a bit, and gets through it together.
Click Apply and submit your CV and a cover letter telling us which part of the role made you think “that’s me” and how your prior experience will allow you to succeed in the role
For an overview of the department’s values, view the attached DPIRD Applicant Information Kit.
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 Keren Muthsam – Team Leader, Katanning Research Station on 0457 211 064 during office hours or make email contact via keren.muthsam@dpird.wa.gov.au.
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 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 4:00pm will not be accepted)
