POSITION DESCRIPTION
SECTION A: GENERAL INFORMATION
Position title:
Group:
Branch:
Section:
Position number:
Occupant:
Executive Officer – Livestock Advisory (Sheep, Alpacas and Goats)
Groups
Classification code:
Animal Health
Type of appointment:

PR2533
Vacant
ASO2
Ongoing
Temporary
Contract 1–5 years
until 30/6/2012
File reference:
09/000185
Position Description Approval
All excluding senior positions
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Delegate
Senior positions
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Commissioner for Public
Employment
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ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS
To be considered for this position it is essential that you have the following:
CONTEXT OF THE POSITION (why the position exists; broad purpose; group goal or objective that the position
addresses; new or continuing position, role and function, etc)
PIRSA has recently implemented the formation of the Biosecurity Division. The new Biosecurity
Division brings together a range of services dealing with Animal Health, Plant Health, Rural
Chemicals, Meat Hygiene, Marine Biosecurity, Food Safety Policy and Emergency Management. A
new management structure is being developed for the Division to integrate biosecurity services
provided by PIRSA. Biosecurity staff operate from a number of Adelaide and regional locations
across South Australia. Biosecurity has a strong economic, political and community dimension and
the new Division is tasked with building cross-functional coordination of biosecurity services that
delivers quality and consistent performance for the Government and the community.
The Animal Health Program is a cornerstone of PIRSA's resource protection function. A high and
increasing level of exposure to global and national animal health and welfare issues affecting market
access is resulting in pressure for higher performance, increased accountability (technical and legal)
and demonstration of surveillance and response capability.
There is also increasing pressure to work smarter, in close liaison with industry groups and making
better use of external providers of disease control, surveillance and response services. There is
increasing focus on national programs and need for consensus through effective interstate and
industry liaison.
The Livestock Advisory Groups are constituted under the Livestock Act 1997 and provide an avenue
for the Minister to consult with Industry. Species represented by Advisory Groups include: cattle,
sheep, pigs, deer, alpacas, goats and horses.
Animal Health has been providing support for these groups for the last eight years. This arose as a
result of a recommendation from the Review of Business Services that a position to provide executive
officer support for the groups be formally endorsed and created.
Form 3.02: Position Description
2
The SA Sheep Advisory Group (SASAG) has reviewed the scope and nature of the projects that
Industry will support. The group has agreed that for a period of three years the scope of projects
funded will be expanded. At the end of this period the impact of this change will be reviewed with the
intention to continue or to return to the current scope of projects.
As a result, there is a requirement to provide additional support to SASAG for a three year period to
coordinate and monitor project proposals and contracts. To support this change the current
Executive Officer – Livestock Advisory Group position has been increased to 1.5 FTES and the
responsibility for Advisory Groups divided into two positions: Executive Officer – Livestock Advisory
Groups (Sheep, Alpacas and Goats) – which is a full-time position, and Executive Officer – Livestock
Advisory Groups(Cattle, Pigs, Deer and Horses) – which is a part-time position.
REPORTING/WORKING RELATIONSHIPS (to whom the person reports, staff for whom the person is responsible and
internal and external working relationships)
The incumbent reports to the Senior Officer, Training and Communications. The incumbent also has
extensive working relationships with members of the Livestock Advisory Groups, Business Services
Manager – Animal Health and the Legal Coordinator – Animal Health.
SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS (such as non-metropolitan location, travel requirements, frequent
overtime, etc)
Some out of hours work may be required. This is a contract position for three years until 30 June
2012 when a review of the recently expanded scope for projects funded by the Sheep Industry Fund
will occur. An extension of the contract beyond this point will be dependent on the outcomes of this
review.
SECTION B: RESULTS TO BE ACHIEVED
RESULT AREA
Provision of an effective executive officer service to the Livestock Advisory Groups (Sheep, Alpacas
and Goats):
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Preparing agendas and minutes
Preparation of other correspondence including recommendations from the Groups to the
Minister
Organising meetings of each group
Providing follow up to action items from meetings
Undertake limited research as required.
Provision of administrative support services for the Livestock Advisory Groups (Sheep, Alpacas and
Goats):
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Coordinate appointment and reappointment of board members including preparation of
appointment documentation
Maintain all records pertaining to the Livestock Advisory Groups (Sheep, Alpacas and Goats)
Ensure that members payments are processed
Coordinate and provide support for the project funding activities:
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Coordinating project advertisements
Ensure all enquiries are dealt with
Acknowledging receipt of applications
3
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Collating and distribute applications and
assessment criteria
Reviewing applications for completeness, issues, duplication etc
Drafting and forward funding documentation to the Minister for approval
Advising applicants of their project’s outcome
Co-ordinating the development of necessary contracts (including payment) and monitor them
for reporting requirements
Soliciting and distribute project update reports (as per contract specifications)
Uploading approved project reports to SASAG’s site on PIRSA’s webpage
Improve industry awareness about SASAG and the Sheep Industry Fund by:
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Maintaining SASAG’s site on PIRSA’s webpage with up-to-date information
Monitoring SASAG’s website usage data
In consultation with the group develop information material for distribution to Industry on the
project activities of SASAG.
Co-ordinating the drafting of media articles as required
Co-ordinating and/or drafting issue papers as required
SECTION C: CAPABILITIES PROFILE (the skills, knowledge and personal attributes that underpin successful job
performance)
This position requires a person with the following capabilities:
Capabilities (8-10)
Behaviours (up to 3)
Communication Skills
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Communicates openly to develop and maintain working
relationships.
Communicates accurately and effectively both verbally and
in writing.
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Keeps others informed so they can perform their job
effectively.
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Listens to others and clarifies to ensure understanding.
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Shares information freely.
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Communicates own position clearly and assertively.
Written Communication

Handles general business information and/or correspondence
effectively; writes with the reader in mind, selecting language to
suit target recipients
Produces written communications that reflects the style
and standards set by Animal Health

Organises information in a format which makes it
understandable
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Adopts appropriate format and style for written
communications particularly in the production of minutes

Recognises what needs to be done and does it
independently without prompting.
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Performs tasks with enthusiasm and motivation.
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Looks for more effective ways to ensure work is completed.
Attention to Detail
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Analyses information and understands outcomes required.
Pays attention to detail to ensure own work is accurate and
reliable.
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Monitors accuracy of own work and complies with agency
standards.
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Asks others for comments and feedback on work.
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Is attentive and responsive to customer needs under
pressured circumstances.
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Listens to customer feedback in an accepting and open
way.
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Meets requests in a timely fashion.
Initiative
Identifies opportunities, anticipates problems and takes action.
Customer Orientation
Is responsive to customer needs and makes considerable effort
to understand their requirements to give clear and consistent
information, advice or service, and to ensure customer
satisfaction.
4
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Demonstrated ability to use a full range of PC applications,
including Excel, Word, Powerpoint, Outlook and Internet.
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Demonstrates an understanding and capacity to use
administrative systems.
Relationship Building/Maintaining
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Competent and comfortable in dealing with people
Develops productive working relationships with peer, staff and
stakeholders by initiating contact, building rapport, understanding
needs and delivering to expectations: able to relate to and
communicate with people from diverse ‘cultures’ locations and
ages
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Builds credible relationships with customers
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Maintains composure in dealing with others
Professional and Technical Expertise
Applies a sound understanding of knowledge in a range of areas.
CERTIFIED CORRECT
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Delegate
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Occupant (if applicable)