Technical Specialist

• Temporary until 30 June 2026
• Full Time, 35 hours per week
• Location: Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute (EMAI), Menangle
• Professional Officer Grade 5 | Salary from $149,739 to $152,730 (commensurate with qualifications, skills and experience) plus superannuation

Diversity, equity and inclusion are central to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, reflecting the rich diversity of the communities we serve. We actively encourage individuals of all backgrounds – including but not limited to; gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural heritage, disability, religion and sexual orientation to submit an application. We strive to ensure that every stage of the recruitment process and overall employee experience is accessible, welcoming and free from barriers.

Learn more about the benefits of joining our diverse and talented DPIRD team.

About the Role

As a Technical Specialist, you'll be at the forefront of driving innovation across research, diagnostics and services through the Advanced Gene Technology Centre (AGTC). You'll manage state-of-the-art facilities, support researchers with expert technical advice, design and deliver new methodologies, attract external co-investment and ensure our lab remains a hub of innovation and excellence.

You'll also lead a team of up to five direct reports and coordinate contractors and partners to lift internal capability, drive uptake of new technologies and services and ensure projects are delivered effectively.

What You'll Be Doing

• Overseeing day-to-day lab operations and equipment use; participating in governance groups as required
• Providing expert technical advice, service and support to capability-building, troubleshooting, and analysis across research, diagnostics and commercial delivery
• Ensuring compliance with quality, biosafety, gene technology and WHS standards and regulations
• Managing budgets, consumables, and equitable access to facilities
• Coordinating maintenance and contractors
• Advising on future infrastructure needs, research direction, technology development and investment opportunities

About You

You thrive in a fast-paced environment; can juggle multiple priorities with ease; fully understand and routinely stay ahead of the latest genetic technologies, instrumentation and the regulatory landscape; have experience dealing with a broad client base; and know how to get the best out of people, equipment, and systems.

To succeed in this role, you'll bring:

• Qualifications in accordance with Part 2 (xviii) of the Crown Employees (Department of Industry) Technical Staff Award
• Extensive experience in coordinating laboratory facilities and state-of-the-art equipment
• Valid driver's license
• A comprehensive understanding of emerging genetic technologies, workspaces and instrumentation and their application and potential in research, diagnostics and fee-for-service environments
• Superior communication skills to deal with internal and external clients, contractors, manufacturers

For a confidential discussion about this vacancy please contact:

Dr Deborah Hailstones, Manager Science Strategy on or

Please click here to view the full role description

Applying is easy

Please apply via our online portal. Submit your current Resume/CV and a Cover Letter (max. 2 pages) outlining your relevant skills and experience, and why you're our ideal candidate.

Applications Close: Sunday 21 September 2025, at 11:55pm AEST

If you require adjustments in completing your application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, require information in an alternative format, or otherwise participating in the recruitment process, please let us know so we can assist. Send an email to or contact the hiring manager listed above for a confidential discussion.

What to expect next

Once you submit your application, you'll receive an email confirmation. After the advertisement closes, all applications will be reviewed by the hiring manager and selection panel. If shortlisted, you may be invited to an interview—this could be in person, over the phone, or via video. You may also be asked to complete role-related tasks, such as a written assessment, skills test, or psychometric assessment. Reference checks will be conducted for candidates progressing to the final stages.

Additional Information

The successful applicant in this role may be required to undergo reference checks, a national police check, bankruptcy check, health assessment and/or other assessments as required.

A talent pool may be created for ongoing and temporary roles of the same type that may arise within the next 18 months.

About us: Together, we are DPIRD

The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) protects, supports and develops primary industries and regional economies.

Collectively we support strong and sustainable agriculture, forestry, fishing and mining industries, and regional economies. We actively manage our natural assets: our lands and soils, minerals, waterways and oceans, vegetation and forests.

The department brings together:

• Local Land Services
• NSW Resources
• Agriculture and Biosecurity
• Fisheries and Forestry
• Regional Development and Delivery.

With nearly 5,000 employees, and 75 per cent of the DPIRD team living and working in regional NSW, we are embedded in the regions we serve.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is proud to announce that we have achieved Disability Confident Recruiter status, by Australian Disability Network. DPIRD is committed to providing an inclusive candidate experience and through the Disability Confident Recruiter program, identify and remove unintended barriers for candidates.