Job opportunity

Join us in our mission to promote biodiversity, conserve our valuable ecosystems, and provide engaging attractions that connect people with nature.

THESE ARE PERMANENT, FULL-TIME POSITIONS

THESE POSITIONS ARE BASED IN BUSSELTON, MARGARET RIVER AND NANNUP

APPLICATIONS FOR THESE POSITIONS CLOSE AT
MIDDAY ON MONDAY, 6 JULY 2026

National Parks and in the South West Region include Yalgorup, Wellington, Greater Preston, Wiltshire-Butler, Dalgarup, Forest Grove, Blackwood River, Wooditjup, Yelverton, Whicher, Leeuwin-Naturaliste, Scott River, Hilliger and Tuart Forest. The Ngari Capes Marine Park stretches along the west coast from Geographe Bay in the north to Flinders Bay near Augusta in the south.

The South West Region’s key service deliverables include nature conservation, parks and visitor services, sustainable forest management, fire management, and land-use planning. The region’s headquarters is based in Bunbury. Services are also delivered via the Blackwood District, located at Busselton with work centres at Margaret River, Nannup and Kirup, and the Wellington District, located at Collie with a smaller work centre at Harvey.

We currently have opportunities for three Machine Plant Operators to join our team.

DBCA0876069 is based in Busselton

DBCA3126654 is based in Margaret River

DBCA3164821 is based in Nannup

Under the direction of the Work Centre Coordinator, these positions:

• Operate heavy machinery such as a Front End Wheeled Loader (FEL), and larger track-type bulldozer or equivalent in forested environments and challenging terrain.
  
  
• Undertake bushfire suppression work at all categories of bushfire (level 1, 2 and 3) and are fire line competent.
  
  
• Apply appropriate disease hygiene requirements at all times.

At the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), we have adopted Leadership Expectations which provides a common understanding of the mindsets and expected behaviours required of all our employees and the public sector. In this role, you will demonstrate Personal Leadership to help drive positive change.

Selection Criteria

Applicants should submit a cover letter using the following criteria as a guide to express their interest in being considered for selection for interview.

1. Demonstrated ability to operate heavy machinery such as a Front End Wheeled Loader (FEL), and larger track-type bulldozer or equivalent in forested environments and challenging terrain.
   
   
2. Ability to supervise and coach others in a range of work situations, identify training needs, conduct training as appropriate, and promote an environment of continuous learning.
   
   
3. Ability to plan and implement works programs in an efficient manner, organise resources, determine day to day priorities and ensure best practice quality control measures are achieved.
   
   
4. Ability to liaise with and negotiate with other parties to ensure all approvals are in place and agree on standard of work before operational works commence
   
   
5. Proven ability to undertake roles in prescribed burning, and incident and fire management activities. Willing and able to participate in ongoing training, physically fit for “on ground” fire work and able to pass the departmental fire fitness test and medical associated with emergency management roles. Ongoing willingness and ability to participate in fire management activities that contribute to bushfire suppression and prescribed burning operations commensurate with capability, capacity, training, and level of experience.
   
   
6. Good oral and interpersonal skills, ability to work effectively in a team and under limited supervision with departmental employees and contractors.
   
   
7. Good writing skills including the ability to produce reports and programs and apply computer skills (including Word, Excel) to the requirements of the job.
   
   
8. Knowledge of the basic principles of fauna, flora and hygiene management, with a preference for someone with experience in Dieback Disease Hygiene requirements and machine operations in environmentally sensitive areas.
   
   
9. Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management or ability and willingness to acquire.
   
   
10. Understanding of work, health and safety, and equity and diversity principles and practices.
    
    
11. Western Australian ‘MR’ and ‘C’ Class Driver’s Licences with a preference for someone with a HC Licence or willingness to obtain.

About Us

DBCA, one of Western Australia's largest state government agencies, providing exciting and challenging career opportunities in biodiversity conservation and park and natural resource management. We employ people with world-class scientific, policy, land and marine management, visitor services, research and educational skills.

For more information on what we do, our recruitment process, and why working at DBCA is an attractive proposition, please visit our website.

Benefits of working with us

In addition to the attractive salary and opportunities to contribute to biodiversity and environmental conservation initiatives, the department offers incentives including:

• Flexible working arrangements.
• 12% superannuation, full employer contribution and salary packaging options.
• Cultural leave for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.
• Access to study, bereavement, foster caring and parental leave.
• A confidential employee assistant program (EAP) for you and your family, including psychology and counselling services.
• An annual National Park Entry Pass.
• Well-established learning and development programs.

How to apply: 

All applications are to be submitted online. Select 'Apply for job', located at either the top or the bottom of the screen, and follow the instructions; you will need to provide a:

• a covering letter using the above criteria as a guide to express your interest in being considered for selection for interview.
• current CV, including the details of two referees with one being a recent or current manager/supervisor.

For further job-related information: contact Steve Tate on 0427 525 497 or for further information about the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, visit https://www.dbca.wa.gov.au/.

We have a detailed Job Application Kit to provide information about us, the value of the department and practical guidance on the process for you. Please ensure you have saved your documents in MS Word (.docx files only) or PDF format and have allowed plenty of time to submit your application, as late, emailed and proforma applications will not be accepted.

Prior to commencement, the successful applicant will need to possess or obtain:

• A current Western Australian ‘MR’ and ‘C’ Class Driver’s Licences with a preference for someone with a HC Licence or willingness to obtain.

For the full role description, detailed responsibilities and a full list of selection criteria, please refer to the Job Description link below. The documents linked to this advertisement are available in alternative formats upon request.

Eligibility: To be eligible for permanent appointment, it is essential to have Australian citizenship, New Zealand citizenship or Australian permanent residency status. 

A search for additional applicants may be conducted for this position where necessary to provide a more diverse and/or competitive field.

Substantive Equality Statement

DBCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages Indigenous Australians, young people, people with disabilities, people from culturally diverse backgrounds and women to apply for positions within our agency. People with disability will be provided with reasonable adjustments in our recruitment processes and in the workplace. The Department also promotes flexible working arrangements.

Applicants with a disability who require adjustments in the recruitment process, including an alternative to applying online, can contact the Senior Recruitment Officer on (08) 9219 9879 or recruitment@dbca.wa.gov.au. Do not send job applications to this email; they will not be accepted.

If you are an Aboriginal person who would like assistance with your application, please contact Jobs and Skills WA on 13 64 64.

Similar appointments may be made from this process in locations throughout Western Australia within a 12-month period to positions that may be permanent or contract, including contract appointments with the possibility of subsequent permanency.