Department of Primary Industries and Regions
Job reference: 853434
Location: 5000 - ADELAIDE
Job status: Short Term Contract
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

The Opportunity

PIRSA is seeking a Technical Advisor - Wildlife to provide specialist expertise supporting South Australia's preparedness for emergency animal disease events. This is an opportunity to apply your knowledge of wildlife ecology, wildlife health, disease risks and surveillance to support evidence-based decision-making, operational planning and response activities in partnership with government agencies, research organisations and technical stakeholders. The role will play a key part in strengthening understanding of wildlife disease risks, informing response priorities and supporting effective biosecurity outcomes for South Australia.

How You'll Make a Difference:

As the Technical Advisor - Wildlife, you will:

• Provide expert technical advice on wild bird and mammal populations, wildlife ecology, management and wildlife disease risks to support critical operational and strategic decision-making.
• Contribute specialist wildlife expertise to incident action planning, wildlife surveillance strategies, risk assessments and response activities.
• Analyse technical information, surveillance findings, wildlife data and emerging issues to identify risks, assess impacts and inform response priorities.
• Identify and communicate technical risks, operational constraints and potential impacts on wildlife, providing practical mitigation strategies where appropriate.
• Develop technical briefings, guidance materials, situation reports and specialist advice to support informed decision-making and effective response delivery.
• Build and maintain effective partnerships with wildlife organisations, research institutions, laboratories, government agencies and community stakeholders to support coordinated biosecurity outcomes.
• Contribute to the development, review and continuous improvement of response procedures, operational guidance and preparedness activities.

About You

You will bring:

• A degree qualification in Veterinary Science, Wildlife Biology, Zoology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Animal Science or another relevant discipline.
• Demonstrated expertise in wildlife health, wildlife management, biosecurity, disease surveillance or a related specialist field.
• Experience applying technical expertise in operational, regulatory, emergency management, disease surveillance or biosecurity environments.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex technical information, assess risks and develop practical solutions.
• Experience building productive working relationships with government, research, industry and community stakeholders to achieve shared outcomes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex scientific and technical information to diverse audiences.
• The ability to work effectively in dynamic, time-critical environments while managing competing priorities.

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.

It's no wonder there are so many exciting and diverse career opportunities in our organisation. If you’re ready to join us, apply now!

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

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace.  We embrace diversity and welcome applications from all people, irrespective of culture, faith, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or age.

Special Conditions

• Successful applicant will be required to satisfactorily complete a National Police Check (NPC) prior to being made an offer of employment.
• 12-month opportunity available.
• Full-time, 37.5 hours per week.

Requirements

• Possession of a current driver’s licence and willingness to drive.
• Out of hours work and inter / intrastate travel may be required.
• Australian residency or current works permit is required (responsibility of applicant to provide evidence of a current work permit).
• You acknowledge your work, health and safety obligations and our expectations when applying for a role.
• 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.

Remuneration

PO3 - $111,870 min - $119,994 max per annum, plus superannuation

Enquiries

Frances Walters
Deputy CVO Epidemiology, Risk and EAD Preparedness
Phone: +61884297439
Email: [email protected]

Website: www.pir.sa.gov.au

Application Instructions

All applications must be submitted online.

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, Builds Networks and Innovation 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: 26/08/2026 6:00 PM

Attachments:
- Application Guidelines#6.pdf
- Pre-Employment-Declaration_240522.pdf
- Role description - PO3 Technical Advisor - Wildlife - HPAI Response Program.pdf

Flexibility Statement
The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.