Department of Primary Industries and Regions
Job reference: 857034
Location: 5024 - WEST BEACH
Job status: Ongoing
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

Protect South Australia's seafood industries and help shape the future of aquatic biosecurity
South Australia's aquaculture and seafood industries are critical to the state's economy, regional communities and global reputation. As Manager Aquatic Animal Health, you will play a key role in safeguarding these industries by leading aquatic animal health programs, strengthening biosecurity, supporting sustainable growth and helping maintain market access.

This is a unique opportunity to combine technical expertise, regulatory leadership and strategic influence to drive outcomes that support industry resilience, environmental sustainability and emergency preparedness.

The Opportunity
As PIRSA's lead aquatic animal health specialist, you will provide expert technical and policy advice while leading the delivery of aquatic animal health programs across the Fisheries and Aquaculture Division.

Working closely with industry, researchers and government partners, you will oversee aquatic animal health regulation, disease surveillance, mortality investigations, biosecurity initiatives and emergency preparedness activities. You will also represent South Australia's interests in state and national policy forums, ensuring the industry's priorities are championed and protected.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic direction and delivery of the aquatic animal health program.
• Provide expert advice to senior executives, the Chief Veterinary Officer and the Minister.
• Regulate aquatic animal health, including veterinary medicine use, livestock movement controls and disease management.
• Lead disease surveillance, preparedness and emergency response activities.
• Drive science-based decision-making through risk assessments and policy development.
• Oversee key industry programs, including the Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome Surveillance Program.
• Influence state and national policy to support industry growth, biosecurity and market access.
• Build strong partnerships across government, industry and research organisations.

About You
You are a strategic and collaborative leader with extensive experience in aquatic animal health, biosecurity or veterinary science. You can translate complex technical information into practical advice and build strong relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.

You will bring:

• Strong knowledge of aquatic animal health, disease management and biosecurity.
• Experience working within regulatory or policy environments.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Strong analytical, project management and problem-solving capabilities.
• The ability to influence and provide trusted advice at senior levels.

Why Join PIRSA?
At PIRSA, you'll be part of an organisation that helps drive the growth, sustainability and resilience of South Australia's primary industries and regional communities.

This is an opportunity to apply your expertise to challenges that matter, influencing aquatic animal health policy, strengthening biosecurity systems, protecting trade and market access, and supporting the long-term success of South Australia's aquaculture sector. Working alongside industry leaders, researchers and government partners, you'll contribute to outcomes that have a lasting impact on both industry and the state's economy.

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

With a team of around 800 employees across metropolitan and regional South Australia, we support and protect industries including aquaculture, fisheries, agriculture, food, wine, forestry and livestock production.

At PIRSA, you'll join a collaborative, values-driven organisation where your expertise can help shape industries, support regional growth and deliver meaningful outcomes for South Australia.

If you're ready to make an impact, we'd love to hear from you. 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.
• Opportunity to be Ongoing.
• Full time opportunity, 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
PO4 - $122,752 min - $133,635 max per annum, plus superannuation

Enquiries
Emily Mellor
General Manager, Aquaculture
Phone: 8429 0360
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, Planning and Organising (Work Management) and Communication 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: 05/10/2026 11:45 PM

Attachments:
- Application Guidelines.pdf
- Pre-Employment-Declaration_240522.pdf
- Role Description - Manager Aquatic Animal Health - M26015 - PO4 (002).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.