CLOSING DATE 12 November 2020 at 16:00PM WST

Who we are

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s (DPIRD) purpose is to create enduring prosperity for all Western Australians. Our department ensures that primary industries and regions are key contributors to the Government’s agenda for economic growth and diversification, job creation, strong communities and better places.

We work collaboratively across government, industry and community to advance three goals: Protect, Grow, Innovate.

For more information about the Department, please visit our website.

Position Profile

We currently have one (1) fixed term full time appointment available up to June 2022 with the possibility of extension and/or permanency.

This process may be used to fill other similar vacancies throughout the department. In addition to this, should the successful applicant decline or vacate the advertised position, the panel may select another suitable applicant from this selection process. Both of these options remain valid for a period of six (6) months from approval of the initial recruitment decision.

This is an exciting opportunity for a registered veterinarian with an interest in beef cattle, wildlife and dogs to work with a biosecurity team to deliver some innovative disease surveillance and disease control programs in the WA Kimberley and Pilbara regions.  DPIRD works alongside private veterinarians, industry service providers and pastoralists to generate disease knowledge than underpins the WA Livestock export markets.  Whilst the beef industry is the major focus of this role the field veterinary officer in Broome will also assist with aquatic and wildlife disease investigations and actively participate in detection and containment of new exotic or zoonotic diseases, such as Ehrlichia canis and Australian Bat Lyssavirus in northern WA.  DPIRD veterinary officers enjoy the support of a team of experienced veterinarians working in the field, providing policy direction and in the laboratory to enable you to diagnose and control disease incidents.  An ability to investigate livestock diseases and work in remote locations to deliver programs in accordance with state and national policies and procedures is required.  The position is based in the beautiful location of Broome, a vehicle is provided for work and subsidised accommodation can be requested for someone moving into the area.

Please refer to the Job Description Form attached for full position details.

Eligibility / Other Conditions

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 of the contract and this is required as part of your application.

Subject to appointment, successful applicants will be required to:

• provide evidence of eligibility to work in Australia for the term of the vacancy before commencing employment;
• obtain and provide a current National Police Certificate (police clearance) before commencing employment;
• provide a tertiary qualification in Veterinary Science (obtained from an Australian university or recognised equivalent) and current registration (or able to obtain prior to commencement); and
• complete the Department’s induction program within three months of commencement.

This position is located in Broome.

Please note, any successful candidate, including current employees of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, will be offered employment subject to the award and agreement conditions that apply to the advertised role as outlined in the attached JDF/s. By accepting an offer of appointment, the successful applicant accepts the conditions and entitlements under the specified award and agreement.

Further Job Related Information

To discuss this role or for specific enquiries please contact Bruce Twentyman, Technical Area Manager, on (08) 9363 4127 (during business hours).

How to Apply

Applicants are required to submit:

1. A current comprehensive CV, including details of two (2) referees;
2. A covering letter/statement that demonstrates how your skills, knowledge and experience relate to the following Work Related Requirements, as detailed on the Job Description Form and in the context of the job specific details in this advertisement / in no more than four (4) pages; and
3. Please specify which level(s) you are applying for and address the highest criteria in your application.

• Work Related Requirement 1. – Demonstrated knowledge and experience in production animal medicine, including the ability to investigate disease at an individual and herd/flock level; carry out clinical and necropsy examinations; select and submit appropriate specimens to a diagnostic laboratory; and formulate plans for treatment and control. Experience with and or an understanding of tropical and subtropical diseases of animals would be an advantage.
• Work Related Requirement 2 .– Build effective relationships: Strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to confidently liaise, collaborate with and communicate scientific information to departmental staff, industry and the community. Experience working in and an understanding of the pastoral cattle industries in Australia would be an advantage.
• Work Related Requirement 3. – Well developed research, conceptual and analytical skills including the ability to provide innovative solutions to complex and challenging issues and problems.
• Work Related Requirement 4.– Strong project, time management and organisational skills including the ability to effectively contribute to the management of change and the ability to develop and apply complex veterinary science techniques to enable the generation of specialist input into animal biosecurity and welfare planning processes.

Please refer to the attached JDF’s for work related requirements for your nominated Special Calling Level(s).

Applications will be assessed against these work related requirements of the position. The values and business needs of our Department may also be considered. It is therefore recommended that you consider all information contained in the advertisement and any other related information before applying for the vacancy.

Please note that, should you be shortlisted, your ability to meet the other work related requirements will be assessed through future stages of the recruitment process.

Applicants are required to apply on line by clicking on the “Apply for Job” button at the top/bottom of the screen. Applicants must have a current, valid email address in order to apply online and this email address will be used for communication with applicants. Further information is available in the attached Applicant Information Kit.

Equity and Diversity

DPIRD is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce and is 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.

The Department also promotes staff health and wellbeing, through the provision of flexible work provisions and a wellbeing and support program.

If you are having trouble downloading the attachments or lodging your application online, please contact (08) 6552 1943 (during business hours) and quote the Reference number.

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 11:45pm will not be accepted)

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has a four day breach claim period. For more information, please see the Public Sector Commission Website