The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) leads 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 permanent, full-time position available for immediate filling.

As a Technical Area Manager, you will lead, and manage the Plant Biosecurity Surveillance and Control program, overseeing a range of complex projects across Western Australia’s plant industries. Your team will conduct surveillance that focuses on early detection of priority plant pests to protect Western Australian agri-businesses.

You will provide strategic advice on surveillance policy, procedure and risk management strategies to the Chief Biosecurity Officer and deputies in relation to the State’s plant industries and represent Western Australia on National Plant Biosecurity Committees, contributing to the development of national surveillance frameworks and standards.

You will also build and maintain strong partnerships with plant industry stakeholders, peak bodies, and government agencies at both state and national levels. You will champion a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement and mentor, empower, motivate and develop staff.

This is an exciting opportunity as your role will be key in delivering effective State and Australian plant biosecurity outcomes.

We are looking for individuals with:

Extensive knowledge and understanding of State and national plant industries and relevant biosecurity legislation.

Post-graduate qualifications and/or training in relevant fields including plant epidemiology, entomology, and plant pathology.

Demonstrated ability to develop, lead and manage complex plant biosecurity surveillance projects to deliver agreed outputs and outcomes in a timely manner.

Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to connect and build strong effective working relationships, motivate teams, and manage competing priorities.

Demonstrated ability to provide technical and strategic advice in high-pressure, changing environments.

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 three (3) pages in length demonstrating how your skills, knowledge and experience relate to the following Work Related Requirement/s:

Role Specific: 1, 2

Core Capabilities: 6

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 Michelle Christy, Deputy Chief Plant Biosecurity Officer, on 0423 021 282 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 4:00pm will not be accepted)