Department of Primary Industries and Regions
Job reference:******
Location:**** - ADELAIDE
Job status:Short Term Contract
Eligibility:Open to EveryoneThe Chance
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 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 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 PMAttachments:
- 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 adaptable ways of working including part-time.
Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.

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