Job opportunity

Please note that salary rates will be increasing to $144,755 - $154,717pa, effective 13 June 2026.

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. To learn more about our department, our team and the work we do, please visit our website.

About the opportunity

There is currently one (1) permanent – full time position available for immediate filling. 

As the Manager Invasive Species Policy, you will lead the design, development and coordination of strategic invasive species biosecurity policy initiatives, including identifying and addressing priority issues and responses. You will lead complex policy and project work relating to the State’s invasive species challenges, providing high-level advice to support evidence-based decision-making. The role requires strong stakeholder engagement skills, including building and maintaining effective relationships across government, industry and national forums, and representing the Department on inter-agency and national committees.

We are looking for individuals with:   

• Demonstrated experience leading, facilitating and advising on invasive species biosecurity policy, strategy and initiatives.
• Substantial experience in complex project management; including the ability to lead, manage, take the initiative, resolve problems, and deliver agreed outcomes within specified timeframes.
• Strong communication and relationship management skills, with the ability to convey information clearly in both written and verbal formats.
• Excellent time management skills, with the ability to prioritise competing demands to meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated leadership and management expertise, with the ability to negotiate effectively, inspire teams, and influence stakeholders to achieve strategic outcomes.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyse complex issues, develop practical solutions within a policy context, and provide advice to support decision-making.

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:

• 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 Requirements:
  • Role Specific: 1, 2
  • Core Capabilities: 3, 5
• Your cover letter should also include examples from your previous experience and achievements that demonstrate how your personal values align with the department's. 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 Ron Shepherd, Director Invasive Species & Environment Biosecurity on 0409 570 235 or Tim Thompson (Acting Director) on 0428 930 428 during office hours.

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 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).