CLOSING DATE EXTENDED Closing date extended until 4:00pm WST Monday, 25 October 2021.
Research Scientist
Specified Calling Level 1 - 2 | Full Time, 5-year Fixed term contract with the possibility of extension and/or permanency
- Are you passionate about evolving farming systems to meet the challenges and opportunities being faced by crop and livestock producers in Western Australia?
- Join WA’s Public Sector and experience a diverse and supportive workplace, work-life balance and flexible work arrangements whilst contributing to the growth of our thriving and diverse regional economy.
What will your typical day look like?
We have two exciting opportunities available for enthusiastic early career research scientists to conduct research, development and extension activities to support the economic development of the Grains and Livestock industries in the dryland, broadacre regions of Western Australia.
The successful applicants will undertake a diverse role supporting industry and farming system development through engaging and working with growers, grower groups, research and extension specialists, private consultants, marketers and end users.
Your role will be varied, at different times you may be required to design and conduct field and/or laboratory experiments including small plot field trials and on-farm trials and demonstrations; undertake economic and industry analyses; support development of policy; integrate and test new technology; investigate market opportunities; develop and deliver workshops, extension and adoption activities and to apply scientific knowledge in the context of developing resilient, sustainable and profitable farming systems.
Enough about us, let’s talk about you.
The ideal candidate will be eager and able to assist with research and development to improve sustainable & profitable agricultural production.
You will have knowledge and understanding of scientific research methodologies and key extension skills to facilitate practice change. You will work in a team environment within the Dryland Farming Systems branch alongside experienced research scientists, development, extension and adoption specialists, climate scientists and system analysts and modellers
If you have a strong interest in agricultural production systems, sustainability, climate resilience and biological systems and are a recent or soon to be graduate or an early to mid- career research scientist please consider applying.
For all essential criteria, please see the attached JDF.
Why DPIRD?
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.
Get ready to apply. It’s simple.
Click the Apply for job button if this is something that excites you! All we need is:
- A resume of no more than four (4) pages including details of two (2) referees
- A cover letter of no more than two (2) pages in length stating the level/s you are applying for and that demonstrates how you meet the essential work-related requirements.
If applying for more than one level, please address the work-related requirements for the highest level you are applying for, demonstrating how your skills, knowledge and experience relate to the following Essential Work-Related Requirements:
SCL 1 - Essential Work-Related Requirements
- Work related requirement 1. Role specific: Knowledge of agri-food industry sustainable production systems and basic principles of scientific research.
- Work related requirement 2. Build effective relationships: Well-developed written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to relate to people from a wide and varied range of backgrounds, both internal and external to the organisation.
- Work related requirement 4. Think strategically: Ability to apply good conceptual, analytical and problem-solving skills to resolve identified issues.
SCL 2 - Essential Work-Related Requirements
- Work related requirement 1. Role specific: Demonstrated experience in scientific research and knowledge of agri-food industry sustainable production systems.
- Work related requirement 2. Build effective relationships: Well-developed communication skills, both verbal and written, including the ability to consult, advise and convey information to stakeholders in order to achieve strategic outcomes.
- Work related requirement 4. Think strategically: Well-developed conceptual and analytical skills including the ability to provide practical solutions to challenging issues and problems.
It is recommended that you consider all information contained in the advertisement and any other related information. Please note that all of the Work-Related Requirements outlined in the job description forms (JDF) will be assessed at some stage during the selection process.
Need further information?
We’d love to hear from you!
To have a confidential discussion please contact Vanessa Stewart, Manager Dryland Farming Systems, on (08) 9081 3149 or 0429 441 007 (during business hours).
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 of the contract and this is required as part of your application.
You will be required to provide a current National Police Certificate (police clearance) before commencing employment.
Subject to appointment, successful applicants will be required to:
- provide evidence of eligibility to work in Australia for the term of the vacancy before commencing employment;
- obtain and provide a current National Police Certificate (police clearance) before commencing employment;
- Bachelor degree in Agricultural Science, Science or an approved equivalent
- A current and valid Western Australian "C" class (car) drivers’ license or equivalent is required (if not currently held must be acquired prior to commencement at applicant’s expense).
- Occasional travel to and from metropolitan and other regional offices may be required
This process may be used to fill other similar full time/part-time, fixed term and/or permanent vacancies throughout the department. 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 approval of the initial recruitment decision.
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)
CLOSING DATE: Monday, 25 October, 2021 at 4:00 PM WST