Senior Technical Officer

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

We currently have one (1) permanent full-time opportunity available for a Senior Technical Officer to join DPIRD's Livestock Research branch at Katanning Research Station.

About Katanning Research Station

Katanning Research Station operates on a 2000ha property with 2500 merino and 300 crossbred ewes, as well as 300-500ha of sown crop and pasture. The research station is home to a modern, covered, sheep feed intake facility with the capacity to hold 300 sheep and features automated feed delivery and assessment of individual feed intake. With the capacity to support multiple livestock research projects at any given time, this is a fast-paced and varied workplace which gives you a real opportunity to contribute to agricultural research and innovation.

Reporting to the Team Leader - Katanning Research Facility, you will work collaboratively with scientists, technical staff and other stakeholders to support the successful delivery of research programs and farm operations. You will have particular responsibility for managing livestock operations on the research station, ensuring research and farm activities are conducted safely, efficiently and in accordance with relevant procedures and standards.

It is also important to be aware that DPIRD is an emergency management department and so on occasion, all employees may be required to work or travel during, or outside of, normal business hours to assist with incidents and emergencies.

Diversity and inclusion

We value diversity and understand diverse workplaces are more effective and innovative so we encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, women, youth, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. As our department is an equal opportunity employer, supported by the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA), preference may be given to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, people of diverse sexualities and youth.

We are looking for individuals with:

• General farming knowledge of crop, pasture, stock and agricultural machinery.
• A well-developed knowledge and expertise in the use of agricultural practices and research methodology.
• A willingness to work with livestock, particularly sheep.
• Well-developed analytical and problem-solving skills and a demonstrated ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills to work constructively with researchers and stakeholders to achieve shared outcomes.
• The ability to support and guide others, including mentoring junior staff and contributing to a positive team environment.
• Solid technical and computer skills, including data handling, analysis and reporting.

Further information and support

To find out more about the opportunity, please contact Darren Michael, Team Leader Katanning Research Facility, on 04 946 during office hours or send an email to darren.michael@dpird.wa.gov.au.