Development Officer
Specified Calling Level 1-2 | Full Time, Fixed Term to 30 June 2023 with the possibility of extension and/or permanency.
- Work within a team that is passionate about industry innovation and farming systems research and development initiatives.
- Apply your expertise and ideas to help boost primary industry productivity and global competitiveness for sustainable economic and regional development.
- Support the evolution of dryland farming systems in WA, through innovation, to ensure growers and industry capture emerging opportunities and successfully address challenges such as climate change, changing consumer expectations and increasing global competition.
What will your typical day look like?
With the guidance of the Manager, the Development Officer will carry out extension and industry development activities to benefit the regional agri-food industry. Your role will include connecting with farmers, allied industries, and the scientific community to collaborate and produce beneficial outcomes to all involved. This is an exciting role for anyone that is forever curious as there is a lot to learn, explore and connect – all in the name of farming systems innovation!
For further key responsibilities please see attached JDF.
Enough about us, let’s talk about you.
Our ideal candidate is someone with knowledge of sustainable production systems and the basic principles of extension and industry development. Being organised, a good communicator, and a highly collaborative team member are desirable competencies to have in this role. A background in project management would also be an asset to bring to the position.
This is a rewarding role in the agri-food industry that will contribute to the economic development and growth of the region. If you think you have these abilities, we encourage you to put forward an application.
For all essential criteria, please see the attached JDF.
This position is based in Merredin (preferred) however Northam or Narrogin may be considered.
This opportunity is a key role located in the iconic Wheatbelt region of Western Australia. A beautiful and ancient landscape, a steady economy based on agriculture, and a region of innovative thinkers and entrepreneurs.
Merredin is a township of nearly 3000 people, nestled next to Merredin Peak, a naturally occurring outcrop of granites that are about 2,700 million years old! The Peak is set in a 1200ha woodland and sandplain affectionately known as Merredin’s National Forest and makes for a beautiful morning or evening walk. Merredin is also known for its friendly people, artisan skills and sporting prowess. There is something for everyone to get involved with, including the Cummins Theatre, Repertory Club, Fine Arts Society, 50m pool, hydrotherapy, football, hockey (turf), netball, gymnasium, tennis, bowls, the list goes on. You will also become immersed in the surrounding landscape, a quilt of modern farming, supporting industries, and fabulous adventures visiting many more Wheatbelt attractions, the granite outcrops, nature reserves, regional history, woodland discovery trails and welcoming communities.
Why DPIRD?
At DPIRD we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce and is 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 if this is something that excites you! All we need is:
- A resume of no more than three (3) pages 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 Essential Work-Related Requirements:
Work Related Requirements Specified Calling Level 1
- Work related requirement 1. Role Specific: Knowledge of agri-food industry sustainable production systems and basic principles of extension and industry development.
- 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 5. Deliver in a changing environment: Ability to organise and prioritise work and complete tasks within deadlines as priorities change.
Work Related Requirements Specified Calling Level 2
- Work related requirement 1. Role Specific: Sound knowledge of agri-food industry sustainable production systems and proven practices of extension and industry development.
- 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 5. Deliver in a changing environment: Well-developed project and time management and organisational skills including the ability to effectively contribute to the management of change.
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 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, Juana Paynter, Manager, on (08) 9690 2146.
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 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.
Special Requirements for this position:
- Bachelor degree in Agricultural Science, Science or an approved equivalent.
- An acceptable National Police Certificate (police clearance) is required. If not currently held, must be acquired prior to commencement at applicant’s expense.
- Occasional travel to and from metropolitan and regional offices may be required
- 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).
- The contract of employment specifies terms and conditions relating to this position.
- Applicants are advised of the recently announced mandatory vaccination policy for a majority of occupations and workforces in WA. This will be introduced in a phased approach and more information can be found Mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy for WA workforces (www.wa.gov.au). Should this policy apply to an offer of employment resulting from this recruitment process, prospective appointees will be advised accordingly.
This process may be used to fill other similar vacancies and in 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.
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. Applicants will be advised of this where necessary.
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: Tuesday, 14 December 2021 at 4:00 PM WST