Principal Research Scientist

Salary: Specified Calling Level 4, $146,998 - $157,135 pa, Public Sector CSA Agreement 2024

Location: Perth Metropolitan Area, Geraldton, Carnarvon, Broome, Kununurra, Northam, Bunbury or Albany

Closing Date: 2025-11-03 4:00 PM (YYYY-MM-DD)

Fisheries and Sustainability

Branch: Agriculture Resource Management and Assessment

Are you interested in leading the Rangelands Science team, and playing a key role in the sustainable, productive use of WA's pastoral lands?

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. To learn more about our department, our team and the work we do, please visit our website.

About the opportunity

There is currently one (1) permanent position for immediate filling. We are seeking a proactive team leader for DPIRD's Rangelands Science Section. You will initiate and shape projects and mentor your team in delivering: trusted advice; science products (including vegetation mapping); and land condition assessment, monitoring and reporting services (including regulatory support) for the Soil and Land Conservation Commissioner, the Pastoral Lands Board, pastoralists and other stakeholders.

You will play a key role in the Agriculture Resource Management and Assessment branch's leadership team, by:

• working with the branch's policy, regulatory, agricultural extension and science leads to shape strategic direction, culture, risk management and business delivery; and
• engaging across the Department, the public sector and with partners and stakeholders, to meet customer needs and influence sustainable land management.

• Scientific leadership and team management experience, with a supportive, collaborative, solution-focussed and customer-focussed style.
• Experience in sustainable management of natural resources and/or land, with ability to deliver applied science which suits its context (e.g. legislative, policy, strategic, operational, stakeholder). Desirable: Experience in rangelands ecology or rangelands pastoral production.
• Demonstrated expertise in program delivery and project management.
• A Bachelor degree in Agricultural Science, Science or an approved equivalent scientific degree appropriate for the role.

This role may have the opportunity to up to 2 days per week work from home.

Further information and special requirements for this role are outlined in the 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.

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 referees.
• A cover letter (maximum 1,000 words) demonstrating how your skills, knowledge and experience relate to the opportunity.
• Your cover letter should also include examples from your previous experience and achievements that demonstrate how your personal values align with the department's. 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. Please note you do not have to address the work-related requirements from the JDF at this stage. All Work-Related Requirements will be assessed at some stage during the selection process.

Please select your preferred location(s) when applying as this role may be undertaken at locations being Perth Metropolitan Area, Geraldton, Carnarvon, Broome, Kununurra, Northam, Bunbury or Albany.

For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Anya Lam, Director Agriculture Resource Management and Assessment, on during office hours.

If you experience technical difficulties applying online, please contact the RAMS Helpdesk on in first instance. For further information about the recruitment process please contact our Employment team on .

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.

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 similar fixed term, permanent, vacancies that arise in DPIRD at locations listed in this advert. The panel may select another suitable applicant from this selection process. Both options remain valid for 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, 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; late and proforma applications will not be accepted. Online lodgement is system generated. Any submissions on or after 4:00pm will not be accepted.

dpird.wa.gov.au