Senior Medical Officer

Salary: SMO Level 1 to 4 - $550,858 to $631,005 (inclusive of base salary, 12% superannuation, on call allowance and PDL allowance)

Location: Karratha Health Campus, WA

Unit/Division: WACHS - Pilbara

Work Type: Fixed Term - Full Time, Fixed Term - Part Time

WA CountryHealth Service is seeking a Senior Medical Officer to lead our team at Karratha Hospital in the beautiful Pilbara region of Western Australia.

We currently have 1 FTE vacant and can provide a 12 month Fixed-Term Full-Time, with the possibility of extension and/or permanency - in line with Part 3, 20 (3)(b) (i) to cover one-off or temporary periods of relief, such as parental leave cover; of the WA Health AMA Industrial Agreement 2024.

About the Role

As the Senior Medical Officer (SMO) at Karratha Health Campus, you will provide high-level medical leadership across the West Pilbara, overseeing services at Karratha, Roebourne, Tom Price, Paraburdoo, and Onslow. In this critical role, you will drive clinical governance, patient safety, and quality improvement initiatives, while leading and supporting a dedicated team of medical professionals.

You will play a key role in mentoring Health Service Medical Practitioners, District Medical Officers, and Resident Medical Officers, ensuring the delivery of safe, effective, and culturally responsive care. Working in collaboration with nursing, midwifery, allied health, and executive colleagues, you will provide strategic advice on medical workforce management, service delivery, and clinical education.

This is a residential leadership position based in Karratha, offering the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the health outcomes of the Pilbara community, with a strong focus on advancing Aboriginal health and reducing disparities.

About You

You are an experienced and compassionate Senior Medical Officer, Rural Generalist or General Practitioner who thrives on making a difference in regional and remote communities. With strong clinical and leadership skills, you bring the ability to guide and support teams in high-pressure environments while maintaining a clear focus on patient safety and quality care.

You are committed to improving Aboriginal health outcomes, culturally responsive care, and building strong relationships with diverse patient populations. Equally, you are motivated by professional growth and the opportunity to mentor the next generation of clinicians.

If you are seeking a role that combines clinical leadership, cultural advocacy, and adventure, this position offers the chance to shape healthcare delivery in the West Pilbara while making a meaningful and lasting impact.

About the Region

The Pilbara is one of Australia’s most unique regions – twice the size of the UK and world-renowned for its mining and energy industries. Rich in Aboriginal culture and heritage, it is home to more than a million ancient rock engravings dating back over 30,000 years.

Karratha and Port Hedland are thriving hubs with modern amenities, shopping, dining, and recreational facilities. The region is also an adventurer’s paradise, offering spectacular natural attractions such as Karijini National Park and the Dampier Archipelago, with opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and boating.

About Karratha Health Campus

The Karratha Health Campus is a $173 million state‑of‑the‑art facility and the largest ever investment in regional healthcare in WA. Opened in 2018, it provides a comprehensive range of services, including emergency, surgical, maternity, paediatrics, and specialist clinics.

As a modern hub for health care and clinical training in the West Pilbara, the Campus plays a vital role in delivering safe, high-quality, and culturally appropriate services to the community.

What's in it for You

Enjoy generous entitlements, including up to 4 weeks annual leave, 3 weeks professional development leave, and additional leave for cultural, compassionate, or long service (13 weeks after 10 years). Eligible staff can also access 5 weeks of overseas PDL after 5 years.

Additional benefits include:

- Unforgettable Lifestyle: Discover the Pilbara’s natural wonders and experience the Pilbara’s extraordinary landscapes, from rugged gorges and waterfalls to pristine beaches and offshore islands – perfect for hiking, camping, fishing, and boating.

- Strong Community Spirit: Join a welcoming and close‑knit community where genuine connections, cultural richness, and year‑round local events create a true sense of belonging.

- Easy Access to Perth: Need to travel to the city? Perth is only a 2‑hour flight away from Karratha, with regional residents entitled to capped flight pricing.

- Competitive Salary Packages: Among the highest in Australia.

- Regional Incentives: Additional entitlements for working in a rural location such as district allowance, accommodation subsidies, air‑conditioner subsidies and travel days.

- Salary Packaging: Up to $9,010 for living expenses + $2,650 for meals.

- Novated Leasing and 12 % Superannuation

- Relocation Support: If you are coming to work from overseas or interstate:

- You will be eligible to be reimbursed for costs related to the relocation of yourself and your immediate family (conditions apply and subject to regional approval).

- We can offer a range of employee‑sponsored work visas including PR (conditions apply).

Applicants seeking flexible work arrangements are welcome to apply and will be considered within operational requirements.

We value your contribution – and back it with benefits that support your lifestyle, growth, and long‑term career.

For Further Job‑Related Information

If you’re interested in this role and want to learn more, we encourage you to contact Dr Nicolaas van Zyl, Regional Medical Director by phone on 0427 054 955 or by email at wachspilbara.medicalworkforce@health.wa.gov.au.

- Due to the limited supervision capacity at Karratha Health Campus, supervised practice placements for Specialist International Medical Graduates (SIMGs) cannot be supported for this opportunity. Preference will therefore be given to applicants currently residing in Australia who:

- Hold unrestricted General Registration with the Medical Board of Australia, and

- have at least two years of clinical experience in Australia or are recognised Competent Authority country.

- Exceptional overseas candidates may be considered on a case‑by‑case basis.

- Australian citizenship or permanent residency is an essential requirement for applicants to be considered for permanent positions in the public sector. Applicants on a visa can be appointed on a fixed‑term contract.

- Comprehensive and Current Curriculum Vitae (CV) outlining qualifications, training, and relevant experience, demonstrating how you meet the requirements of the role.

- Two Professional Referees including names and contact details. One must be your current supervisor or line manager.

- 2‑3 Page maximum Statement addressing the Essential and Desirable Work‑Related Requirements (see attached job description).

Other Conditions

Whilst this selection process will initially be used to fill the above vacancy, it may also be used to fill other “similar” vacancies throughout the health service. In addition to this, should the successful applicant decline or vacate the advertised vacancy, then the next most suitable applicant may also be selected from this process. Both of these options remain valid for a period of twelve (12) months from when the authorised delegate endorses the recruitment decision.

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce where every employee feels valued and empowered. We believe that a diverse team brings unique perspectives and drives innovation to meet our community’s needs. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and experiences to join us in shaping a more equitable future and as a measure to achieve equality, under the Equal Opportunity Act 1984.

WA Health engages staff in positions of trust and responsibility. WA Health policies require applicants to undertake criminal records screening and integrity checking as part of the appointment process. Referees may also be asked to comment on an applicant’s integrity and past demonstration of ethical behaviour.

Please note this recruitment process requires completion of satisfactory Pre‑Employment Health Assessment (PEHA). Any offer of employment with WA Country Health Service (WACHS) is conditional on satisfactory PEHA to ensure you are able to perform the inherent requirements of the position. An unsatisfactory PEHA will result in the offer of employment being withdrawn. Please see the attached WACHS PEHA Policy for further information.

Late or emailed applications will not be accepted.

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