Department of Primary Industries and Regions
Job reference: 858921
Location: 5700 - PORT AUGUSTA
Job status: Short Term Contract
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

The Opportunity

Ready to lead a unique production operation that plays a critical role in protecting South Australia's horticulture industry? At PIRSA’s Sterile Insect Technology (SITplus) Facility in Port Augusta, you will help produce and supply sterile Queensland fruit flies used to support outbreak responses and protect South Australia’s horticulture industry.

This is a hands-on role in a complex biological production environment. As a Production Supervisor, you'll combine people leadership, operational coordination and quality oversight in a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same. Working within the Sterile Insect Technology (SITplus) Facility, you'll support production outcomes, develop staff capability and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that make a real difference to South Australian industries.

How You'll Make a Difference

As the Production Supervisor - SITplus, you will:

• Support the Production Manager in coordinating day-to-day operation of the Sterile Insect Technology (SITplus) Facility, coordinating production activities and monitoring outcomes to ensure operational requirements are achieved.
• Provide frontline supervision of production activities and staff while fostering a safe, productive and collaborative team environment.
• Assist with production planning and scheduling, helping to maintain continuity of production and deliver high-quality sterile fruit flies to support biosecurity and outbreak response activities.
• Drive excellence in quality assurance, hygiene procedures and biosecurity requirements, ensuring facility standards and operating procedures are consistently followed.
• Monitor the performance, servicing and maintenance of facility equipment, identifying issues and contributing to continuous improvement opportunities that enhance operational efficiency.
• Support staff capability through training, coaching and induction activities while promoting strong work health and safety practices across the facility.

About You

You may come from insect production, agriculture, a laboratory, manufacturing or another high-volume operational environment. What matters most is your ability to supervise people, coordinate work and maintain quality when production pressures arise.

You will bring:

• Experience of supervising staff in an operational, production, laboratory, agricultural or manufacturing environment, with a proven ability to lead teams and achieve results.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate work activities and support the delivery of operational outcomes in a dynamic, hands-on setting.
• Strong knowledge of production systems and operational processes, with a focus on planning, monitoring and improving performance.
• A commitment to safety, quality assurance and biosecurity outcomes, with the ability to identify risks and implement practical solutions.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships, share knowledge and work collaboratively toward shared goals.
• Experience in biological science, entomology, laboratory techniques, agriculture, production systems or manufacturing operations, or qualifications related to, will be 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.
• Two positions available until June 2027.
• Full-time, 37.5 hours per week.

Requirements

• Possession of a current driver’s license and willingness to drive (preferred).
• 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.
• Must be prepared to work over 7-days and rostered on weekend days.

Remuneration

OPS4 - $82,212 min - $86,180 max per annum, plus superannuation

Enquiries

Terril Marais
National SITplus Facility Manager
Phone: 0484 327 449
Email: [email protected]

Website: www.pir.sa.gov.au

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, Communication Skills and Quality 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: 06/10/2026 11:45 PM

Attachments:
- 202609 - Role Description - OPS4 Production Supervisor#5.pdf
- Application Guidelines#3.pdf
- Pre-Employment-Declaration_240522.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.