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

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

As a policy officer you will contribute to the development, implementation, and review of strategic policy initiatives focused on improving Western Australia’s biosecurity system, ensuring alignment with the Department’s goals and broader government priorities. You will provide well-informed policy advice by conducting thorough analysis, preparing recommendations, and supporting decision-making for senior executives and Ministers. You will actively engage with stakeholders to build collaborative relationships that advance strategic initiatives. Success in this role requires strong skills in policy formulation, communication, strategic thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork in a dynamic environment.

We are looking for individuals with:

Well-developed experience in policy formulation, advice, implementation and evaluation.

Demonstrated research skills to gather, interpret and apply information from desktop analysis and stakeholder engagement.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Proven ability to work effectively within a team environment and with external stakeholders.

Ability to adapt to changing priorities and urgent tasks in a dynamic environment.

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 Requirement:

Role Specific: 1

Core Capabilities: 5

Your cover letter should also include examples from your previous experience and achievements that demonstrate how your personal values align with the departments. 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 Rebecca Heath, A/ Assistant Director, on 9690 2171 during office hours.

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 9:00am will not be accepted)