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- APS 3 - $63,867 - $71,444 per annum plus superannuation
- Biosecurity Plant and Science Services Division
- Other
- Play a key role in safeguarding the Torres Strait by defending our environmental and agricultural resources.
- Join a diverse, high-performing team in enriching and rewarding work.
- Promote your strong connection with local community to enhance biosecurity awareness and resilience.
Who we are
The Biosecurity Plant and Science Services Division (BPSSD) safeguards Australia’s plant health status to achieve, maintain and expand overseas markets, while protecting the economy and environment. The division includes four branches, which together focus on providing scientific analysis and technical advice, facilitating the safe importation of plants and plant products, improving systems, market access, capacity building and stakeholder engagement. The division provides diagnostics, with advice on biosecurity risk and measures, and biosecurity training. The division conducts surveillance and response at first points of entry and approved arrangements sites nationally, and delivers plant, animal and aquatic health surveillance in northern Australia. The division works closely with communities and Indigenous rangers and regulates biosecurity risk in the Torres Strait.
Science and Surveillance Group (SSG) is comprised of scientists, operations and support staff responsible for regulatory advice and training, technical input to biosecurity policy, regulation activity in Torres Strait and diverse surveillance and diagnostic services around Australia, including animal and plant health surveillance measures under the Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy.
The Torres Strait and Field Operations Section manages the Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy (NAQS) activities in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area of Cape York. This includes the clearance of traditional and commercial vessels, aircraft, passenger and crew and cargo as well as monitoring and response programs, pest surveillance activities and public awareness.
The Job
As part of a team, perform a range of duties and activities including:
- liaising with customers and clients, both internally and externally
- carrying out biosecurity inspections/activities of vessels, aircraft, cargo, and passengers in accordance with applicable legislation
- undertaking fieldwork including assisting scientific staff, as required, with plant surveillance, insect trapping and public awareness activities
- assisting with equipment, vehicle and vessel checks as required
- using a variety of computer applications to analyse, maintain and update data
- preparing reports, collecting statistical data, and submitting this information within specified timeframes
- assisting with a range of other defined activities that are performed under agreement with other Commonwealth agencies.
What we are looking for
Knowledge and experience
- Must be able to demonstrate an understanding of the culture and issues facing Indigenous Australians.
- Must have a strong working knowledge of the Torres Strait Treaty provisions.
Skills and capabilities
We are seeking an entry-level Biosecurity Officer with a keen interest and foundational knowledge in agriculture, water resources, environmental heritage, and most importantly, biosecurity principles and processes.
You should ideally possess:
Understanding of Biosecurity: A strong grasp of biosecurity fundamentals and the ability to identify potential risks. You should be able to apply this understanding to the surveillance of targeted pests, diseases, and weeds.
Operational Skills: Experience or willingness to learn about carrying out biosecurity operations, especially concerning the southward movements of people, cargo, aircraft, and vessels into and between biosecurity zones.
Communication and Community Engagement: Strong communication skills to deliver public awareness activities and engage with diverse stakeholders, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Experience with Biosecurity Top Watch initiative or similar programs would be an asset.
Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment and collaborate with external stakeholders, particularly in support of biosecurity surveillance and other departmental services.
Adaptability: Willingness to participate in surveillance and monitoring activities in neighbouring countries for early signs of targeted pests, diseases, and weeds.
While previous experience in a similar role would be advantageous, we primarily value a keen interest and commitment to protecting and strengthening the nation's agriculture, water resources, and environmental heritage. Training will be provided to help you succeed in the role, but the desire to learn and adapt to the evolving biosecurity environment is key.
Desirable qualification
A degree or qualifications in a relevant field such as Environmental Science, Biology, Agricultural Science, or similar is highly desirable.
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