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 Operations Manager to support the delivery
of South Australia's emergency animal disease preparedness and
response capability. This is an opportunity to lead the operational
function within the HPAI Response Program, coordinating response
activities, resources and operational planning in partnership with
technical specialists, government agencies and industry
stakeholders. The role will play a key part in translating response
strategies into effective operational outcomes that protect animal
health, support primary industries and strengthen South Australia's
biosecurity systems.
How
You'll Make a Difference
As the
Operations Manager, you will:
Lead the
Operations function within the HPAI Response Program's Incident
Management Team (IMT), supporting preparedness, response and
recovery activities and ensuring operational outcomes align
with program plans and strategic goals.
Coordinate and manage
human and physical resources, optimise workflows and oversee
operational activities to deliver the objectives of the HPAI
Response Program.
Provide
leadership to operational teams, fostering a cohesive team
setting, building capability and ensuring the delivery of
high-quality and responsive services.
Implement the Program's
Plans by assigning tasks, deploying resources, monitoring
activities and consulting on operational changes to support
effective program delivery.
Monitor
and communicate program progress, including emerging risks,
resourcing status, operational expenditure and operational
performance, to support informed decision-making.
Build
and maintain effective relationships with contractors,
industry, local government, affected communities and other key
stakeholders to ensure coordinated and effective operational
outcomes.
About
You
You will
bring:
Experience in emergency
operations management, incident management or a comparable
operational leadership role, with the ability to coordinate
complex activities and resources.
Strong
leadership skills, with the ability to provide leadership,
direction and support to operational teams and team leaders,
maintaining capability, motivation and alignment to program
objectives.




Demonstrated ability to
analyse complex problems and produce practical solutions with
clear priorities in dynamic and changing
environments.
Experience contributing
to planning, developing operational approaches that support
organisational priorities, and translating strategic direction
into practical actions.
Highly
developed communication, interpersonal, negotiation and
conflict resolution skills, with the ability to engage
effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders.
Knowledge of incident
management systems, WHS and risk management processes, with
experience building effective relationships across government,
industry and community stakeholders 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
ASO7 -
$116,089 min - $125,490 max per annum, plus
superannuation
Enquiries
Georgie
CornishExecutive Director,
Biosecurity
Phone:
************
Email:
******
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, People Management and
Strategic Focus 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#5.pdf
- Pre-Employment-Declaration_******.pdf
- Role Description - ASO7 Operations 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.

📌 Operations Manager (Adelaide)
🏢 Department of Primary Industries & Regions
📍 Adelaide