Department of Primary Industries and Regions
Job reference: 860885
Location: 5000 - ADELAIDE
Job status: Short Term Contract
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

The Opportunity

Use your communications skills where they matter.

PIRSA is looking for communications and engagement professionals to join the H5 Bird Flu Response Program and help South Australia respond to bird flu.

This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of a complex biosecurity program, turning technical information into clear and useful communication for industry, government, stakeholders and the community.

We have three opportunities available:

ASO7 Communications and Engagement Lead
Lead the communications and engagement function for the program, providing strategic advice, setting direction and leading work across complex, sensitive and emerging issues.

ASO6 Senior Communications and Engagement Partner
Develop and deliver integrated communications and engagement plans, lead campaigns, content and media responses, and provide specialist advice across the program.

ASO5 Communications and Engagement Partner
Deliver communications and engagement activities and content across a range of channels, working with program and communications and engagement teams to keep audiences informed and engaged.

Across all three roles, you’ll work with subject matter experts, communications and media specialists, government agencies, industry and community stakeholders to make sure the right information reaches the right people at the right time.

Find out more: Click on the individual Role Descriptions to explore each opportunity or reach out via the enquires details below for a conversation.

How You’ll Make a Difference

As part of the H5 Bird Flu Response Communications Team, you will:

• Turn complex bird flu and biosecurity information into clear, accurate and accessible communication for different audiences.
• Develop and deliver communications and engagement activities across channels including digital, social media, web, publications, multimedia, events and stakeholder communications.
• Work with subject matter experts to understand emerging issues and develop communication that helps people understand what is happening and what they need to do.
• Build strong relationships with colleagues, government agencies, industry and community stakeholders to support coordinated communication and engagement.
• Identify communication opportunities and risks and respond to changing priorities in a fast-moving environment.
• Work closely with media, digital and social media specialists to coordinate messages and maximise communication opportunities.
• Use feedback, data and evaluation to understand what is working and improve future communication and engagement.
• At the ASO6 and ASO7 levels, lead more complex communications and engagement work, provide specialist advice and manage sensitive or emerging issues.
• At the ASO7 level, lead the communications and engagement function, set strategic direction and coordinate communications across PIRSA, government and key stakeholders.

About You

You’re a communications and engagement professional who enjoys making complex information clear, useful and engaging.

You will bring:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to tailor messages to different audiences.
• Experience developing and delivering communications, engagement activities, campaigns or content.
• The ability to quickly understand complex information and turn it into clear, accessible communication.
• Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to work confidently with subject matter experts, colleagues and external stakeholders.
• Good judgement, initiative and diplomacy, particularly when working with sensitive or emerging issues.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines when things move quickly.
• A collaborative approach and the ability to adapt your communication style to different people, situations and audiences.
• Tertiary qualifications in communication, marketing, journalism or a related discipline. Emergency Management experience will be highly regarded.

The level of experience and responsibility will vary across these roles. Whether you are an experienced communications professional looking to take on a senior role, or a strong communications practitioner ready to contribute to a major program, we encourage you to explore the opportunities.

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.
• Flexible work arrangements including compressed week.
• Work from home options.
• A range of leave options, including parental leave .
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for you and your family.
• Access to discounted Fitness Passport memberships across SA.

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 applicants will be required to satisfactorily complete a National Police Check (NPC) prior to being made an offer of employment.
• 3 x full-time opportunities are available for a period of 12 months, working 37.5 hours per week.

Requirements

• 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.
• Possession of a current driver’s licence and willingness to drive is desirable.

Remuneration

ASO5 - $92,122 min - $102,456 max pa, plus superannuation
ASO6 - $105,747 min - $111,854 max pa, plus superannuation
ASO7 - $116,089 min - $125,490 max pa, plus superannuation

Enquiries
Sarah Walsh
Director, Strategic Communications and Engagement
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, Political Nous and Building Networks capabilities of the relevant 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.

*NOTE* Candidates will be considered for the role and classification level that best aligns with their skills, experience and demonstrated capabilities. If you’re interested in a particular level, please indicate this in your letter of application.

Applications close: 21/10/2026 11:45 PM

Attachments:
- ASO5 Communications and Engagement Partner - H5 Bird Flu Response - FINAL#2.pdf
- ASO6 Senior Communications and Engagement Partner - H5 Bird Flu Response - FINAL#2.pdf
- ASO7 Communications and Engagement Lead - H5 Bird Flu Response - FINAL#3.pdf
- Application Guidelines#4.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.