Biosecurity Officer

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.

About the opportunity

There are currently two (2) permanent, full-time positions available for immediate filling, one position based in Katanning and the other in Northam.

As a Biosecurity Officer, you'll play a crucial role in protecting Western Australia's economy, environment, and communities from pests and diseases that threaten our animals, plants, and ecosystem across both land and aquatic environments. In this position, you will conduct biosecurity inspections at properties and other premises, including associated document checks for livestock, agricultural produce, and related industries. You will also undertake surveillance, control, and eradication activities to detect, manage, and eliminate pests and diseases, ensuring compliance with relevant biosecurity legislation and programs.

We are looking for individuals with:

• Experience undertaking field, regulatory, surveillance and/or inspection activities.
• Knowledge of livestock industries including stock husbandry and handling.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply and advise on relevant acts, regulations, policies, procedures and systems.

• Ability to work autonomously, collaboratively within a team environment and contribute to achievement of team goals.

• A keen interest in upholding biosecurity for WA livestock industries.

• Physical fitness and capability to work with livestock on farms when required.

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 Requirement/s:

• Role Specific: 1, 2

• Core Capabilities: 3, 7
• Your cover letter should also include examples from your previous experience and achievements that demonstrate how your personal values align with the departments. 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. 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 Peta Fissioli, Regional Biosecurity Coordinator, 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

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.

You need to be willing to be tested for Q Fever by an approved General Practitioner (and possibly vaccinated), as you will be required to work with animals and in environments where Q Fever is a risk.

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 pool will be valid for a period of twelve (12) months following finalisation of the process and may be used to fill other same/similar permanent and fixed term, full-time and part-time vacancies with the possibility of extension or permanency at locations listed in this advert.  Please note, being appointed to the pool does not guarantee you a placement to a position.

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)