Full job description
APS 6 - $91,944 - $104,393 per annum plus superannuation
Biosecurity Plant and Science Services Division
Broome-WA, Cairns-QLD, Darwin-NT
Work with scientific experts and Indigenous rangers to protect agricultural industries and care for Country.
Deliver scientific biosecurity training to Indigenous rangers on Country in remote northern Australia.
Ensure First Nations science and expertise are included in modern surveillance approaches and techniques.

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 team provides business-critical policy and operational contributions to the department’s on-going biosecurity surveillance objectives through:
Identifying and evaluating the unique biosecurity risks facing northern Australia.
Developing and implementing evidence-based measures for the early detection of targeted pests, diseases, and weeds.
Contributing to national and international initiatives relating to targeted pest and disease monitoring of relevance to NAQS domestic surveillance.
Providing advice and technical support to the management of biosecurity risks particular to movements through Torres Strait. The Surveillance team works in close collaboration with groups within, and external to the department including the Indigenous Ranger Biosecurity Program, industry groups and the three northern jurisdictions, where integrated approaches to strategic, surveillance and diagnostic services are appropriate.

The Job
We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic person to join the NAQS Plant/Animal team, providing scientific contributions to the Indigenous Ranger Biosecurity Program (IRBP). The role will work across plant, animal and aquatic biosecurity and will develop and deliver surveillance activities and training materials aimed at Indigenous Rangers in remote northern Australia. The Ranger Science Extension Officer will be expected to visualise ranger-collected data, generate reports on ranger activity, and engage with a variety of stakeholders located both internal and external to the department. The role will include frequent travel to remote communities to deliver training and engage with stakeholders. Indigenous job seekers are encouraged to apply for this vacancy. As an ‘Identified’ role, part or all of the duties completed impact on Indigenous Australian communities and their representatives.

Skills and capabilities
Ability to build relationships with a diverse array of internal and external stakeholders.
Strong cultural awareness, particularly in dealing with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in remote areas.
Data analysis and visualisation skills, and the ability to suggest improvements to data collection methods.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
A demonstrated ability to set priorities, monitor own performance, be flexible, and produce high quality work within agreed timeframes.
Capacity to travel regularly (~ once per month) to remote and rural areas, including overnight travel.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Knowledge and experience
Experience communicating scientific materials and concepts to a wide range of stakeholders.
Experience working with Indigenous stakeholders, ideally in remote northern Australia, is essential.
Knowledge and understanding of biosecurity in northern Australia, including unregulated pathways and the role of Indigenous rangers.
Experience in or detailed understanding of plant, animal, or aquatic biosecurity; or ideally, a combination of the three.
The ideal candidate will have experience developing and/or delivering training, particularly in a scientific context.
A tertiary degree in agricultural, environmental or biological sciences is preferred, but not mandatory.

The successful applicant must:
Provide an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander referee who can confirm your understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and your ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Eligibility and other requirements
Citizenship - To be eligible for employment with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry you must be an Australian citizen.

Security Clearance - This position requires a Baseline Vetting security clearance. You will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.

Pre-employment Check - Your suitability for employment will be assessed through a pre-employment screening process. This process includes a requirement to undergo and satisfy a National Police Check, referee checks, character clearance and where required a pre-employment medical assessment, specified mandatory qualification(s) validation and a probation period of 6 months.

MSIC and ASIC Licences – If the position requires unescorted access within an aviation or maritime security zone, you will be required to obtain and maintain an Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC) or Maritime Security Identification Card (MSIC).

The successful applicant must:
Hold a current Apply First Aid Certificate or have the ability to obtain this qualification.
Hold and maintain a current manual driver’s licence and ability to drive a 4WD vehicle.
Note that the physical requirements of the role(s) involve a combination of outdoor and office-based work.
Note that you will be required to complete specific training (including refresher training) related to the role including remote area training, defensive driving, first aid and CPR courses.
Note that you will be required to travel in remote/isolated locations in northern Australia or its near northern neighbours, using a variety of transport including vessels, light/commercial aircraft, helicopters and manual four wheel drive vehicles.
Note that you will be required, from time to time, to work in difficult, remote and harsh environments (possibly for extended periods) under limited supervision or in teams.
Wear an official uniform supplied by the department, including during field operations (as applicable), in accordance with the department’s uniform policy.