Department of Primary Industries and Regions
Job reference:
******
Location:
**** - ADELAIDE
Job status:
Short Term Contract
Eligibility:
Open to Everyone
The
Opportunity
PIRSA is
seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead the HPAI Response
Program and strengthen South Australia's emergency animal disease
preparedness.
This is an opportunity to provide strategic
leadership of a multidisciplinary program that supports planning,
capability development and operational readiness in partnership
with government, industry and national stakeholders.
The role will
play a key part in protecting animal health, supporting primary
industries and maintaining confidence in South Australia's
biosecurity systems.
How
You'll Make a Difference
As the
Program Manager, you will:
Lead the
day-to-day management of PIRSA's Highly Pathogenic Avian
Influenza (HPAI) Response Program, ensuring preparedness,
planning, response and recovery activities are effectively
coordinated and aligned with national response frameworks and
PIRSA's strategic objectives.
Provide
strategic leadership, governance and oversight of the program,
including managing the Incident Management Team structure and
ensuring delivery of program outcomes.
Drive
informed decision-making by monitoring risks, analysing complex
information and providing high-level advice and reporting to
executive leaders and key stakeholders.
Build
and maintain strong relationships with industry partners,
government agencies and other stakeholders to support a
coordinated and effective emergency animal disease
response.
Lead
continuous improvement, preparedness and capability-building
initiatives that strengthen South Australia's readiness to
respond to and recover from emergency animal disease
incidents.
Manage
human, financial and physical resources to ensure program
objectives are achieved while maintaining compliance with
relevant legislation, governance requirements and work health
and safety obligations.
About
You
You will
bring:
Significant experience
leading complex programs, emergency management initiatives or
biosecurity response activities within government or a related
environment.
Demonstrated leadership
capability, with the ability to inspire, guide and motivate
teams, establish priorities and deliver outcomes in dynamic and
high-pressure environments.
Strong




strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to
assess risks, analyse complex information and make informed
decisions in changing environments.
Experience developing
and maintaining effective relationships across industry,
government and community stakeholders to achieve shared
outcomes.
Excellent verbal and
written communication skills, with the ability to provide
high-level advice, influence stakeholders and communicate
complex information clearly.
Knowledge of emergency
management, incident management systems, emergency animal
disease frameworks or biosecurity planning, with relevant
qualifications or training highly regarded.
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
prospect 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 license 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.
PIRSA
works under the South Australian government's Protective
Security framework.
By applying for this role, you consent to
obtaining and being screened under the process of a Nationally
Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC).
Remuneration
ASO8 -
$130,046 min - $134,956 max per annum, plus
superannuation
Enquiries
Georgie
CornishExecutive Director,
BiosecurityPhone:
************
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, Political Nous and
Analytical Thinking 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:
24/08/2026 6:00 PM
Attachments:
- Application Guidelines#2.pdf
- Pre-Employment-Declaration_******.pdf
- Role Description - ASO8 Program Manager - 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.

📌 Program Manager (South Australia)
🏢 Department of Primary Industries & Regions
📍 South Australia