Job Description
APS 2 - $66,425 - $70,788 per annum plus superannuation
Biosecurity Plant and Science Services Division
Mickleham, VIC
The role of an Assistant Biosecurity Officer – Plant at the PEQ consists of working across our plant compound and assisting in the management of the biosecurity risk associated with imported plants. These roles can be physically demanding and involve working with plants and lifting, pushing, carrying and cleaning equipment.
Why YOU are important to us and what impact will you have on the Biosecurity Plant and Science Services Division and the departments’ goal.
We protect Australia’s plant health to support trade, the economy and the environment. Our division provides scientific advice, diagnostics, biosecurity training and risk assessments. We enable safe plant imports, strengthen systems and engage stakeholders. Surveillance and response are conducted at national entry points and approved sites, including northern Australia. We work closely with communities and Indigenous rangers to manage biosecurity risks, including in the Torres Strait.
The Post-Entry Quarantine Group (PEQ) manages the quarantine of high-risk plants and animals at the Mickleham Facility near Melbourne. Purpose-built for species like horses, cats, dogs, birds and bees, the facility ensures compliance with import regulations. In collaboration with scientists and veterinarians, PEQ safeguards the health and welfare of all arrivals throughout their quarantine period.
As an Assistant Biosecurity Officer – Plant, you will support the management of biosecurity risks associated with imported plants by assisting with plant husbandry, glasshouse operations and the preparation of plants for release. The role contributes to the section by maintaining high biosecurity, plant health and quarantine standards through hands on operational support. By following established procedures and supporting Biosecurity Officers, the position helps safeguard Australia’s biosecurity system and ensures the effective operation of the plant quarantine compound.
This is where you play an important role.
As the Assistant Biosecurity Officer - Plant your duties will include, but are not limited to:
undertaking plant husbandry duties including the watering of plants
assisting Biosecurity Officers to maintain work areas to effectively manage biosecurity risks and plant health
assisting Biosecurity Officers with the movement of plants and equipment in glasshouses
assisting Biosecurity Officers in the preparation of plants for release
assisting Biosecurity Officers in obtaining information to assist in client communications
contributing to the management of biosecurity risks associated with imported plants
the preparation of work areas including those in the glasshouse, laboratories and broader plant compound
assisting in managing biosecurity waste.
Please note that this recruitment process will initially be used to fill two ongoing vacancies. The merit pool established through this selection process, which is valid for a period of eighteen months from the date the vacancy was advertised in the Public Service Gazette, may also be used to fill future ongoing vacancies in the branch where the duties are of a similar nature.
Who we are looking for
Our ideal applicant will have:
a sound knowledge of plant husbandry principles
experience with cleaning and disinfection tasks
an understanding of biosecurity and quarantine principles.
The successful applicant:
must hold and maintain a current manual driver’s licence and ability to drive a 4WD vehicle
must hold and maintain a valid Australian motor vehicle drivers licence
must note that the physical requirements of the role(s) involve a combination of outdoor and office-based work
may be required to participate in an on-call roster (with appropriate restriction allowance) and be available to perform duty outside standard hours
may be required to perform occasional out-of-hours and weekend work
must wear an official uniform supplied by the department, including during field operations (as applicable), in accordance with the department’s uniform policy
must wear appropriate protective personal equipment clothing and comply with departmental Work Health & Safety policies and procedures.
VetPaths
The Australian Public Service (APS) values the unique skills, perspectives, and experiences that veterans gain during their Australian Defence Force (ADF) employment and encourage veterans to apply. Support may be available to veterans transitioning to meaningful APS careers through participation in VetPaths, which offers veterans an opportunity to participate in a six-month program offering formal learning and development, career mentoring and activities for wellness and peer support.
Biosecurity Plant and Science Services Division
Mickleham, VIC
The role of an Assistant Biosecurity Officer – Plant at the PEQ consists of working across our plant compound and assisting in the management of the biosecurity risk associated with imported plants. These roles can be physically demanding and involve working with plants and lifting, pushing, carrying and cleaning equipment.
Why YOU are important to us and what impact will you have on the Biosecurity Plant and Science Services Division and the departments’ goal.
We protect Australia’s plant health to support trade, the economy and the environment. Our division provides scientific advice, diagnostics, biosecurity training and risk assessments. We enable safe plant imports, strengthen systems and engage stakeholders. Surveillance and response are conducted at national entry points and approved sites, including northern Australia. We work closely with communities and Indigenous rangers to manage biosecurity risks, including in the Torres Strait.
The Post-Entry Quarantine Group (PEQ) manages the quarantine of high-risk plants and animals at the Mickleham Facility near Melbourne. Purpose-built for species like horses, cats, dogs, birds and bees, the facility ensures compliance with import regulations. In collaboration with scientists and veterinarians, PEQ safeguards the health and welfare of all arrivals throughout their quarantine period.
As an Assistant Biosecurity Officer – Plant, you will support the management of biosecurity risks associated with imported plants by assisting with plant husbandry, glasshouse operations and the preparation of plants for release. The role contributes to the section by maintaining high biosecurity, plant health and quarantine standards through hands on operational support. By following established procedures and supporting Biosecurity Officers, the position helps safeguard Australia’s biosecurity system and ensures the effective operation of the plant quarantine compound.
This is where you play an important role.
As the Assistant Biosecurity Officer - Plant your duties will include, but are not limited to:
undertaking plant husbandry duties including the watering of plants
assisting Biosecurity Officers to maintain work areas to effectively manage biosecurity risks and plant health
assisting Biosecurity Officers with the movement of plants and equipment in glasshouses
assisting Biosecurity Officers in the preparation of plants for release
assisting Biosecurity Officers in obtaining information to assist in client communications
contributing to the management of biosecurity risks associated with imported plants
the preparation of work areas including those in the glasshouse, laboratories and broader plant compound
assisting in managing biosecurity waste.
Please note that this recruitment process will initially be used to fill two ongoing vacancies. The merit pool established through this selection process, which is valid for a period of eighteen months from the date the vacancy was advertised in the Public Service Gazette, may also be used to fill future ongoing vacancies in the branch where the duties are of a similar nature.
Who we are looking for
Our ideal applicant will have:
a sound knowledge of plant husbandry principles
experience with cleaning and disinfection tasks
an understanding of biosecurity and quarantine principles.
The successful applicant:
must hold and maintain a current manual driver’s licence and ability to drive a 4WD vehicle
must hold and maintain a valid Australian motor vehicle drivers licence
must note that the physical requirements of the role(s) involve a combination of outdoor and office-based work
may be required to participate in an on-call roster (with appropriate restriction allowance) and be available to perform duty outside standard hours
may be required to perform occasional out-of-hours and weekend work
must wear an official uniform supplied by the department, including during field operations (as applicable), in accordance with the department’s uniform policy
must wear appropriate protective personal equipment clothing and comply with departmental Work Health & Safety policies and procedures.
VetPaths
The Australian Public Service (APS) values the unique skills, perspectives, and experiences that veterans gain during their Australian Defence Force (ADF) employment and encourage veterans to apply. Support may be available to veterans transitioning to meaningful APS careers through participation in VetPaths, which offers veterans an opportunity to participate in a six-month program offering formal learning and development, career mentoring and activities for wellness and peer support.
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Assistant Biosecurity Officer - Plant position is now open for candidates interested in the Government Job Alert sector. This role in Mickleham offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Government Job Alert is a plus.