Job Description
Full job description
APS 5 - $81,6+0 - $8+,615 per annum plus superannuation
Biosecurity Plant and Science Services Division
Broome, WA,Cairns, QLD,Darwin, NT
Identified position – This position is an ‘Identified’ position which signifies that the role has a strong involvement in issues relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The successful applicant must have an understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and an ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander People.
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 the Torres Strait and diverse surveillance and diagnostic services around Australia, including animal and plant health surveillance measures under the Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy.
The Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy includes an integrated program of active surveillance (scientific surveys conducted by specialist staff) supported by a range of general surveillance measures focused on community and stakeholder reporting of unusual signs of pests and diseases. Core objectives of the program focus on early detection of targeted pests, weeds and diseases and contributions to Australia’s capacity to demonstrate absence of high-risk pests and diseases to support trade and market access.
The Job
The Program Officer position is within the NAQS Animal Health team and may be located in either our Cairns, Darwin or Broome offices. The job requires the officer to work as part of a team and independently, subject to limited direction as necessary. The role will assist with the co-ordination and delivery of the NAQS animal health surveillance program. This will include contributing to operational planning, the delivery of surveillance activities, stakeholder communication strategies, and reporting. The main duties include, but are not limited to:
Providing administrative support to the team (located between Cairns, Darwin and Broome)
Maintaining and monitoring databases and spreadsheets
Finance functions including paying invoices
Preparing and monitoring contracts including variations
Procuring goods and services
Preparing correspondence, briefs, reports
Researching and analysing information for the preparation of high quality, timely and accurate project plans, correspondence, briefings, minutes, and other reports
Liaising with stakeholders within and outside of DAFF.
What we are looking for
Knowledge and experience
Manage business area contracts and procurement using knowledge of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act, Commonwealth Procurement Rules, Commonwealth Contracting Suite, TechOne and Concur.
Knowledge of Australia’s biosecurity and animal health systems.
Experience in project management including project development, contracts, and procurement.
Experience in stakeholder engagement, including communication with stakeholders from a range of cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
Skills and capabilities
To be successful in the role, the applicant must demonstrate the following:
High-level administration skills including the ability to produce reports, procurement / contract documentation, internal briefs etc to a high standard
Organisational skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities, meet strict deadlines and manage time effectively
Attention to detail and ability to contextualise information accordingly
Ability to draw on experience and available information to make accurate and timely decisions
Well-developed oral and written communication skills
Ability to work cooperatively within a team environment in both face-to-face settings and in a virtual workplace
Flexibility, resilience, and working well under pressure, exercising sound judgement in managing competing priorities
Integrity, initiative, and a high level of personal responsibility
Ability to identify and analyse situations and issues, consider options and identify appropriate solutions
Ability to utilise Microsoft Excel to an intermediate level and understanding or experience in the use of budgeting/finance software.
Adaptable to new software and processes.
Ability to identify areas for improvement in administrative processes
APS 5 - $81,6+0 - $8+,615 per annum plus superannuation
Biosecurity Plant and Science Services Division
Broome, WA,Cairns, QLD,Darwin, NT
Identified position – This position is an ‘Identified’ position which signifies that the role has a strong involvement in issues relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The successful applicant must have an understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and an ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander People.
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 the Torres Strait and diverse surveillance and diagnostic services around Australia, including animal and plant health surveillance measures under the Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy.
The Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy includes an integrated program of active surveillance (scientific surveys conducted by specialist staff) supported by a range of general surveillance measures focused on community and stakeholder reporting of unusual signs of pests and diseases. Core objectives of the program focus on early detection of targeted pests, weeds and diseases and contributions to Australia’s capacity to demonstrate absence of high-risk pests and diseases to support trade and market access.
The Job
The Program Officer position is within the NAQS Animal Health team and may be located in either our Cairns, Darwin or Broome offices. The job requires the officer to work as part of a team and independently, subject to limited direction as necessary. The role will assist with the co-ordination and delivery of the NAQS animal health surveillance program. This will include contributing to operational planning, the delivery of surveillance activities, stakeholder communication strategies, and reporting. The main duties include, but are not limited to:
Providing administrative support to the team (located between Cairns, Darwin and Broome)
Maintaining and monitoring databases and spreadsheets
Finance functions including paying invoices
Preparing and monitoring contracts including variations
Procuring goods and services
Preparing correspondence, briefs, reports
Researching and analysing information for the preparation of high quality, timely and accurate project plans, correspondence, briefings, minutes, and other reports
Liaising with stakeholders within and outside of DAFF.
What we are looking for
Knowledge and experience
Manage business area contracts and procurement using knowledge of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act, Commonwealth Procurement Rules, Commonwealth Contracting Suite, TechOne and Concur.
Knowledge of Australia’s biosecurity and animal health systems.
Experience in project management including project development, contracts, and procurement.
Experience in stakeholder engagement, including communication with stakeholders from a range of cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
Skills and capabilities
To be successful in the role, the applicant must demonstrate the following:
High-level administration skills including the ability to produce reports, procurement / contract documentation, internal briefs etc to a high standard
Organisational skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities, meet strict deadlines and manage time effectively
Attention to detail and ability to contextualise information accordingly
Ability to draw on experience and available information to make accurate and timely decisions
Well-developed oral and written communication skills
Ability to work cooperatively within a team environment in both face-to-face settings and in a virtual workplace
Flexibility, resilience, and working well under pressure, exercising sound judgement in managing competing priorities
Integrity, initiative, and a high level of personal responsibility
Ability to identify and analyse situations and issues, consider options and identify appropriate solutions
Ability to utilise Microsoft Excel to an intermediate level and understanding or experience in the use of budgeting/finance software.
Adaptable to new software and processes.
Ability to identify areas for improvement in administrative processes
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Programs Officer position is now open for candidates interested in the Government Job Alert sector. This role in Broome 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.
