Technical Officer

**Department of Primary Industries and Regions**
**Job reference**: 670695
**Location**: 5223 - KANGAROO ISLAND
**Job status**: Long Term Contract
**Eligibility**: Open to Everyone

**The Opportunity**

We have an opportunity for a Technical Officer to work as the main technician in the Sheep Blowfly rearing facility on Kangaroo Island, part of our South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) Division within the Department of Primary Industries and Regions.

The primary purpose of the role is to plan and oversee the day-to-day operations of the Sheep Blowfly Sterile Insect Facility and to develop and maintain systems, processes and resources for the development and deployment of Sheep Blowfly control using the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) on Kangaroo Island. The role coordinates, supervises, trains, and provides guidance to a small team of contract labour staff. The role also develops and maintains procedures and schedules for the servicing, maintenance and calibration of equipment and machinery, monitors and documents quality control checks and audits, and maintains the parent colony, egg laying, larval and pupal development, and irradiation. Initial contract duration will be till June 2027 with a possible extension if the project continues.

The role contributes to SARDI’s main objectives of delivering environmentally sound quality management and work health and safety systems allowing growth and development of the agricultural industry.

**About Us**

South Australia is internationally recognised for the quality of its agriculture, food, and wine. Our regions are the backbone of our state and the economic powerhouse that drives prosperity for all South Australians.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) is a key economic development agency working in partnership with our primary industries, regional stakeholders and across all levels of government to advance the prosperity and sustainability of South Australia’s primary industries and regional communities.

We are a passionate team of around 800 people working across metropolitan and regional South Australia to develop and protect our state’s regions and food, wine, aquaculture, fisheries, forestry, grains, livestock, dairy and horticulture industries.

**Benefits**

At the Department of Primary Industries and Regions, we offer our employees challenging and rewarding work with opportunities for career progression, learning and development and flexibility.

**Our Commitment to Diversity**

**Special Conditions**
- Successful applicant will be required to satisfactorily complete a National Police Check (NPC) prior to being made an offer of employment.
- Opportunity up to June 2027 with a possible extension if the project continues.
- Full-time, 37.5 hours per week.

**Requirements**:

- The incumbent will be located on Kangaroo Island due to the 24/7 nature of the blowfly production systems.
- Possession of a current driver’s licence and willingness to drive.
- Occasional out of hours work may be required at times of heavy workloads including an on-call rotation of weekends.
- The incumbent will be required to undertake emergency management training and must be willing to participate in emergency preparedness, response and recovery activities required by government agencies.
- Upholding the ethical behaviour and professional integrity standards as contained in the _Public Sector Act, 2009_.
- Participating in PIRSA’s Performance Management and Development Program.

**Qualifications**
- Essential: BSc in biology or equivalent or proven experience in intensive (insect) rearing, laboratory or small animal production.
- First aid certificate, or willingness to obtain.
- Fork Lift license, or willingness to obtain.
- Certificate ‘Licence to operate radiation apparatus (EPA)’, or equivalent or willingness to obtain.

**Remuneration**

OPS4 - $76,561 min - $80,256 max per annum, plus superannuation

**Enquiries**

Maarten Van Helden
Research Entomologist
Phone: 0884290642

Helen Brodie
Facility Manager Sheep Blowfly Facility Kangaroo Island
Phone: 0884290557

**Application Instructions**

If you are interested in this opportunity, please see the attached applicant instructions, and outline your skills and experience in relation to the Professional and Technical Knowledge, People Management and Planning and Organising capabilities of the attached role description.

Applicants must include the contact information of at least 2 referees with 1 being your immediate supervisor/manager and a completed “Pre-Employment Declaration in the SA Public Sector” form.

**Applications close**: 30/05/2025 11:45 PM