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).
- Solid 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 a

📌 Forest Pathologist or Senior Forest Pathologist (Perth)
🏢 Department of Biodiversity Conservation And Attractions
📍 Perth