Forest Pathologist or Senior Forest Pathologist

Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions; Perth; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

12% superannuation

Flexible working arrangements

4 weeks annual leave with 17.5% load

Public sector holidays (3 extra)

Annual National Park Entry Pass

Free staff parking

Study leave / learning opportunities

Job summary

The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) invites applications for a Forest Pathologist or Senior Forest Pathologist based in Kensington, WA. This fixed-term, full-time position supports the Ecosystem Health Branch by researching plant pathogens and pests to inform conservation of WA forests.

Reporting to the Plant Diseases Program Leader, responsibilities include planning studies on Phytophthora dieback and PSHB, data management, manuscript preparation, and stakeholder

Qualifications

• Relevant experience in planning and undertaking plant pathology research to monitor pest and disease impacts (ESSENTIAL).
• Strong project management skills under general supervision.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including peer‑reviewed publications and technical reports.
• Ability to translate research outputs into practical conservation and management outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate and implement research into plant pathogens and pests to inform conservation of WA forests.
• Manage data collection and analysis, and prepare manuscripts for publication.
• Liaise with DBCA, external scientists and staff to inform programs.
• Provide expert scientific advice and translate results for management programs.

Skills

Plant pathology research

Experimental design

Statistical analysis

Scientific writing

Job description

Join us in our mission to promote biodiversity, conserve our valuable ecosystems, and provide engaging attractions that connect people with nature.

THIS IS A FIXED-TERM (UNTIL 30 JUNE 2028), FULL-TIME POSITION

WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF EXTENSION OR PERMANENCY

THIS POSITION IS BASED IN KENSINGTON

APPLICATIONS FOR THIS POSITION CLOSE AT MIDDAY ON FRIDAY, 23 OCTOBER 2026

Ecosystem Health Branch provides the framework for efficient and effective management of invasive species including plant diseases, weeds and pest animals to help conserve natural values on lands managed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions' (DBCA) Parks and Wildlife Service. The branch is responsible for the coordination of the Western Shield program, Cane Toad Strategy and Vegetation Health Service diagnostic laboratory as well as providing policy support for the implementation of the Forest Management Plan.

We currently have an opportunity for a Forest Pathologist or Senior Forest Pathologist to join our team.

Reporting to the Plant Diseases Program Leader, this position:

• Plans, coordinates and implements research into plant pathogens and pests to inform the management and conservation of Western Australian forests and natural ecosystems, with a focus on the key threatening processes of Phytophthora dieback and Polyphagous Shot-Hole Borer (PSHB).
• Is responsible for collection, management and analysis of data, preparation of manuscripts for publication and reporting on progress.
• Liaises with DBCA and external scientists, Forest Management Plan (FMP), Plant Diseases Program and Regional and District staff and stakeholders.
• Provides expert scientific advice and effectively translates results of research to inform departmental plant pest and disease management programs.

At the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), we have adopted Leadership Expectations which provides a common understanding of the mindsets and expected behaviours required of all our employees and the public sector. In this role, you will be Leading Others to help drive positive change.

Selection Criteria

Applicants should address the following four (4) criteria. These should be addressed in no more than four (4) pages in total.

• Relevant (SC Level 2) or considerable (SC Level 3) experience in planning and undertaking plant pathology research, including experimental design and statistical analysis, to monitor pest and disease impacts and assess the efficacy and suitability of diagnostic protocols or management interventions in the context of plant disease or threatening process management and/or ecological community conservation (ESSENTIAL). Relevant experience in entomology research (DESIRABLE).
• Strong project management skills under general (SC Level 2) or limited (SC Level 3) supervision.
• Well-developed (SC Level 2) or demonstrated high level (SC Level 3) written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare and publish peer-reviewed journal articles and technical reports, and effectively present research findings and technical information to a range of audiences.
• Demonstrated (SC Level 2) or high level (SC Level 3) ability to translate research outputs into practical conservation and/or management outcomes and effectively engage with internal and external stakeholders.

About Us

DBCA, one of Western Australia's largest state government agencies, providing exciting and challenging career opportunities in biodiversity conservation and park and natural resource management. We employ people with world-class scientific, policy, land and marine management, visitor services, research and educational skills.

For more information on what we do, our recruitment process, and why working at DBCA is an attractive proposition, please visit our website.

Benefits Of Working With Us

In addition to the attractive salary and opportunities to contribute to biodiversity and environmental conservation initiatives, the department offers incentives including:

• Staff discounts at gyms, pools and fitness centres (where available) through the Fitness Passport program.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• 12% superannuation, full employer contribution and salary packaging options.
• 4 weeks annual leave with 17.5% loading paid as additional pay every December.
• 3 days additional public sector holidays each year.
• Cultural leave for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.
• Access to study, bereavement, foster caring and parental leave.
• A confidential employee assistant program (EAP) for you and your family, including psychology and counselling services.
• An annual National Park Entry Pass.
• Well-established learning and development programs.
• Free staff parking.

For further job-related information

contact Kylie Ireland on 0447 353 953 or for further information about the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, visit https://www.dbca.wa.gov.au/.

We have a detailed Job Application Kit to provide information about us, the value of the department and practical guidance on the process for you. Please ensure you have saved your documents in MS Word (.docx files only) or PDF format and have allowed plenty of time to submit your application, as late, emailed and proforma applications will not be accepted.

Prior to commencement, the successful applicant will need to possess or obtain

• A current (issue date not older than 6 months) and satisfactory National Police Check.
• A current Western Australian motor vehicle drivers licence.

For the full role description, detailed responsibilities and a full list of selection criteria, please refer to the Job Description link below. The documents linked to this advertisement are available in alternative formats upon request.

Eligibility

To be eligible for permanent appointment, it is essential to have Australian citizenship, New Zealand citizenship or Australian permanent residency status. To be eligible for contract employment, it is essential to have a visa with entitlement to live and work in Australia for the term of the contract.

A search for additional applicants may be conducted for this position where necessary to provide a more diverse and/or competitive field.

Substantive Equality Statement

DBCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages Indigenous Australians, young people, people with disabilities, people from culturally diverse backgrounds and women to apply for positions within our agency. People with disability will be provided with reasonable adjustments in our recruitment processes and in the workplace. The Department also promotes flexible working arrangements.

Applicants with a disability who require adjustments in the recruitment process, including an alternative to applying online, can contact the Senior Recruitment Officer on 08 9219 9879 or [e-mail]. Do not send job applications to this email; they will not be accepted.

If you are an Aboriginal person who would like assistance with your application, please contact Jobs and Skills WA on 13 64 64.

Similar appointments may be made from this process in locations throughout Western Australia within a 12-month period to positions that may be permanent or contract, including contract appointments with the possibility of subsequent permanency.