The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) lead the sustainable development of Western Australia’s (WA) 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. To learn more about our department, our team and the work we do, please visit our website.
About the opportunity
This is an exciting opportunity to join our Animal Biosecurity team as a Veterinary Officer (Policy) and to be involved in developing and influencing WA and national animal biosecurity strategies, policies and plans.
We currently have several vacancies in the areas of livestock disease surveillance and control, animal biosecurity policy, and emergency animal disease preparedness.
The following positions are available for immediate filling:
SCL2 Veterinary Officer (Policy)
- Two (2) permanent – full time positions
SCL3 Senior Veterinary Officer (Policy)
- One (1) permanent – full time position
- One (1) fixed term – full time position for 12 months.
- One (1) fixed term – full time position until September 2027.
Please note that where a position is fixed term, there is a possibility of extension and/or permanency.
As a SCL2 Veterinary Officer (Policy), you will contribute to protecting and enhancing WA’s animal biosecurity, market access and social licence by supporting animal health policy development, providing scientific and regulatory advice, contributing to emergency animal disease preparedness and response, and engaging with stakeholders to support sustainable industry outcomes.
At the SCL3 Senior Veterinary Officer (Policy) level, you will perform the same core functions as the SCL2 role, but with responsibility for more complex and strategically significant policy, regulatory and project work. Applying advanced technical expertise and independent judgement, you will provide high-level advice, lead complex stakeholder engagement activities, and help shape animal health and biosecurity outcomes across WA.
We are looking for individuals with:
- Demonstrated ability to support the development and implementation of animal biosecurity policy initiatives within a government or regulatory environment.
- Knowledge of, and experience interpreting and applying, legislation, regulations, policies and guidelines relating to animal biosecurity and animal welfare.
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to clearly convey scientific and technical information to colleagues, industry representatives and the broader community.
- Well-developed organisational and project management skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities.
- Ability to apply veterinary expertise and scientific knowledge to provide informed advice on animal biosecurity and animal welfare matters.
Please note that for the fixed term, SCL3 Senior Veterinary Officer (Policy) position that is available until September 2027, a detailed knowledge and understanding of the pig and poultry industries at both state and national levels, including production systems, supply chains, regulatory frameworks and associated industry stakeholders is desirable.
A degree in Veterinary Science (obtained from an Australian university or recognised equivalent), and current recognised registration with the Veterinary Surgeons Board of Western Australia is essential for all of these roles.
For further information and special requirements for these roles please see attached Job Description Form/s (JDFs).
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 Requirements:
- SCL2 Veterinary Officer (Policy)
- Role Specific = 1
- Core Capabilities = 3, 4
- SCL3 Senior Veterinary Officer (Policy)
- Role Specific = 1
- Core Capabilities = 3, 4
- If you are applying for the SCL3 position that is available until September 2027, please ensure that you include details about your knowledge and experience with the pig and poultry industries.
- As there are multiple levels being advertised, please clearly state which level/s you are applying for in your cover letter. You may apply for multiple levels in the same application. Tailor your application towards the highest level you are applying for.
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 roles, please contact Diana Turpin, Technical Area Manager, Surveillance and Control, on 0457 020 120 during office hours.
If you experience technical difficulties applying online, please contact the RAMS Helpdesk on 1300 733 056 in the 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 pool will be valid for a period of twelve (12) months following finalisation of the process and may be used to fill other same/similar permanent and fixed term, full-time and part-time vacancies with the possibility of extension or permanency at locations listed in this advert. Please note, being appointed to the pool does not guarantee you a placement to a position.
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)
