Please note that salary rates will be increasing to Level 6-7 $124,673 - $154,717 pa, Public Sector CSA Agreement 2024 as of 13 June 2026.
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. To learn more about our department, our team and the work we do, please visit our website.
About the opportunity
Plant Biosecurity’s Pest Risk & Analytics Team is expanding to strengthen its digital systems and data capability. We are seeking motivated, technically capable professionals who enjoy applied, hands‑on work with data and digital systems to join a multidisciplinary team that supports market access, pest risk assessment, surveillance, and preparedness activities across Western Australia.
We have the following permanent – full time positions available for immediate filling within our Plant Biosecurity team:
- One (1) Level 6 Senior Project Officer (Data Management)
- One (1) Level 7 Project Manager (Systems)
As a Senior Project Officer (Data Management), you will be responsible for the practical management of biosecurity data so it can be confidently used for analysis, reporting and decision‑making. You will work closely with epidemiologists, system specialists and operational teams to ensure information captured through digital surveillance systems is accurate, consistent and fit for purpose.
Key responsibilities include:
- Managing, curating and validating data from multiple digital surveillance and reporting systems.
- Applying consistent data standards, documentation and quality assurance processes across plant biosecurity datasets.
- Preparing clean, well‑structured datasets to support epidemiological analysis, pest risk assessment, market access evidence (including area freedom) and surveillance reporting.
- Developing and maintaining repeatable reporting products using tools such as SQL, R and Power BI, and supporting ad‑hoc analytical requests.
- Working with operational teams to understand data capture processes and improve data integrity and usability.
As the Project Manager (Systems), you will be responsible for providing coordination and oversight of key digital surveillance and data systems that underpin Plant Biosecurity operations. This role ensures systems are stable, well maintained and effectively support users across market access, pest risk assessment, surveillance, and preparedness activities.
Key responsibilities include:
- Coordinating system maintenance, configuration and enhancement activities across digital surveillance platforms.
- Acting as a central point of contact for system issues, troubleshooting, user support and system documentation.
- Supporting the ongoing use and improvement of systems, including liaison with technical specialists, internal Information Services, and external service providers where required.
- Improving how system outputs are transformed into clear, reliable and consistent operational and program‑level reports.
- Working across multidisciplinary teams to align system capability with market access, pest risk assessment, surveillance, and preparedness priorities.
We are looking for individuals who enjoy working at the interface between data, systems and real‑world biosecurity operations.
Across both roles, you will ideally bring:
- Experience working with biological, environmental or surveillance datasets in an applied or operational context.
- Demonstrated experience using data, analytics or reporting tools such as R, Python, SQL, Power BI and SharePoint for information management and reporting.
- Experience supporting digital systems used for data collection, analytics or reporting, including mobile or field‑based applications.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with operational staff, technical specialists and multidisciplinary teams.
- A practical, problem‑solving approach and the ability to translate program needs into workable data or system solutions.
Highly desirable (but not essential):
- Knowledge of biosecurity, epidemiology, and or biological sciences related to plant pests and diseases.
- GIS skills and experience working with spatial data.
- Experience supporting surveillance, response, regulatory or market access programs.
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 Requirements:
- L6 – Senior Project Officer (Data Management)
- Role Specific: 1
- Core Capabilities: 4, 5
- L7 – Project Manager (Systems)
- Role Specific: 1
- Core Capabilities: 4, 5
- 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 by addressing the Work Related Requirement/s for the higher position.
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 Nichole Hammond, Technical Area Manager, on 0460 020 081 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 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).
