Technical Officer - Agricultural Instruction

Technical Officer - Agricultural Instruction

Branch: WA College of Agriculture - Denmark

Division: Independent Public School - Southwest Education Region

Salary: Level 1.3, $72,026 - Level 1.4, $74,951 per annum (pro-rata) (PSCA 2024) + 15.3% commuted allowance (PSCA 2024)

Work Type: Permanent - Full Time

FTE: 1.0

Location: Denmark

Closing Date: 2026-06-04 4:30 PM

There are 2x permanent full-time positions commencing Term 3, 2026

The College will consider flexible employment arrangements, including part-time or job share, for suitable applicants.

Join a thriving 450-hectare working farm and educational hub where innovation meets hands-on learning. As one of WA’s leading agricultural colleges, we empower Year 10, 11 and 12 students from across the state with real-world skills and nationally recognised qualifications. From robotic dairies to forestry, equine to engineering, our diverse programs and Registered Training Organisation status make us a standout in agricultural education. Be part of a team shaping the next generation of industry-ready young Australians.

Find out more about our school by visiting www.denmarkag.wa.edu.au or Schools Online.

The Role

WA College of Agriculture – Denmark (the College) is seeking motivated and capable Technical Officers - Agricultural Instruction to join our team. Two opportunities are available for individuals with experience in General Farm Operations (including fencing and maintenance), and Sheep Husbandry. These roles provide a unique opportunity to inspire and mentor the next generation of agricultural professionals while contributing to the success of our farm enterprises.

As a Technical Officer - Agricultural Instruction, you will deliver both practical and theoretical training to secondary students across a range of farm activities. Your skills and experience will support the College’s farm enterprises and assist students to develop practical, real-world skills in modern farming practices.

General Farm Operations (Fencing \& General Maintenance)

You will focus on delivering training in general farm operations, including fencing, water systems, machinery operation, and livestock handling (sheep and cattle). The role requires strong practical experience in farm maintenance to ensure students gain the core skills needed for day-to-day farming tasks.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver instruction in general farm practices, including fencing, water systems, machinery operation, and livestock handling.
• Supervise and train students during field-based activities.
• Maintain and manage farm equipment to ensure safe and effective use.
• Contribute to seasonal farm operations and assist with farm planning.

Sheep Husbandry

In this role, you will oversee the day-to-day operations of the College’s sheep program. This includes training students in the practical skills required to manage a sheep enterprise, from animal husbandry and flock health to shearing and wool handling.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver instruction in sheep husbandry, flock health, shearing, and wool handling.
• Supervise students in sheep handling, health management, and related farm activities.
• Contribute to the ongoing management, welfare, and health of the sheep flock.
• Work with farm management to plan and carry out sheep enterprise activities.

If you do not yet meet all of the listed responsibilities, we are willing to support you through training and development to help build your skills and support your transition into the role.

What We’re Looking For

• Practical experience in general farm operations, pasture production, and/or sheep husbandry.
• Demonstrated ability to operate and maintain agricultural machinery, including tractors and relevant implements.
• Livestock handling experience, particularly with sheep and cattle, where applicable.
• Sound communication and mentoring skills, with an interest in working with young people.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Willingness to obtain a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, if not already held.
• Flexibility and willingness to assist across other farm enterprise areas as required.

Why Join Us?

• Make a difference – Your work supports the learning and development of future agricultural professionals.
• Location – Work in the Denmark, WA region, known for its natural environment and strong community.
• Career development – Build your skills through hands-on experience and ongoing professional development in agriculture.
• Supportive team – Be part of a collaborative, respectful, and professional working environment.
• Working conditions – 37.5-hour work week, plus 150 hours of commuted overtime per year, with generous leave entitlements compared to private industry.

Please note: The salary level for this position will be determined after the successful applicant is assessed as addressing all eligibility and selection criteria indicated in the relevant attached JDF in the context of the outcomes and selection criteria described.

The highest rate an applicant can start at as a L1 is Level 1.4 (as negotiated with the principal).

However, applicants may still be able to commence at a L2.1 if suitably qualified or with requisite experience.

Level 1.3, $69,256 - Level 1.4, $72,068 per annum (pro-rata) (PSCA 2024) + 15.3% commuted allowance (PSCA 2024)

Level 2, $76,912 - $82,464 per annum (pro-rata) (PSCA 2024) + 15.3% commuted allowance (PSCA 2024)

Level 3, $86,439 - $92,795 per annum (pro-rata) (PSCA 2024) + 15.3% commuted allowance (PSCA 2024)

Want to know more?

Full details of the role, selection criteria and training requirements are listed in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).

For more information about this opportunity, please contact either Terry de Vos, Assistant Farm Manager on 0472 818 122 or Kevin Marshall, Farm Manager on 0428 480 205 or email [email protected].

Equity and Diversity

We are committed to an inclusive and culturally responsive workforce reflecting the diversity in our schools and the Western Australian community. We welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, young people, people of diverse sexualities and genders, people with disability, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Explore our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Plan 2021-2025 for more details.

Eligibility

To work with us, you must:

• be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident or have a valid visa with relevant work rights for the term of the appointment.
• obtain a valid Working With Children Check before you start; and
• consent to a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and obtain a current Screening Clearance Number issued by the Department of Education’s Screening Unit before you start.

Additional eligibility and training requirements are outlined in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).

Application Instructions

Apply online in two easy steps:

Step 1: Select Apply for Job

Complete the online application form, including details of two (2) work related referees, preferably one (1) being your current line manager.

Step 2: Attach your documents

Your application should include:

• A CV of up to five (5) pages outlining your employment history and professional learning summary relevant to this position
• A one (1) page statement addressing the Work Related Requirements (selection criteria), in context of the role and business needs of the school

It is recommended you have your attachments ready before selecting Apply for Job.

Your application must be received before the closing date and time. Late applications will not be accepted.

For technical support submitting your application, you can call the Department of Education’s Recruitment team on (08) 9264 4127 for assistance.

Advertised Vacancy Number: IPS/SS1040612

Suitable applicants may be considered for similar vacancies arising within the next 12 months following this selection process. This may include circumstances where the successful applicant declines or vacates the position.

The Department applies a four (4) day breach period to this selection process.

Applications close: 4.30pm (AWST) on Thursday, 4 June 2026.