Full job description
APS 6 - $91,944 - $104,393 per annum plus superannuation
Biosecurity Plant and Science Services Division
Cairns, QLD
The role requires the candidate to work under limited direction and demonstrate sound leadership including strong communication and organisational skills, high levels of personal integrity and initiative to perform the duties of this role.
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 Torres Strait and Field Operations Section manages diverse functions supporting effective delivery of SSG activities in field operating environments consistent with applicable Work Health and Safety (WH&S) requirements and operations protocols. The section also contributes to business improvement projects and collaborative arrangements with external stakeholders with a particular focus on delivery of animal, plant and aquatic health surveillance in Northern Australia, surveillance and response operations at international first points of entry and biosecurity regulation in Torres Strait.

The Job
Lead diverse projects supporting effective biosecurity regulation and related community engagement particular to Torres Strait risk pathways.
Complete project work and interpret and analyse data, identify, and implement business improvements and write reports for risk-based or resource decisions.
Lead and manage the daily operations of a small team in Cairns as part of an integrated and geographically dispersed biosecurity officer network operating in a time-sensitive environment.
Review and contribute to enhancements to legislation, operations support systems, 3rd party service agreements and related procedures focussed on Torres Strait biosecurity regulation.
Assist with implementing and maintain business assurance processes to demonstrate biosecurity officer compliance with applicable operating procedures, regulations and Departmental standards.
Engage with a range of stakeholders including other government agencies, industry and other clients on biosecurity regulation and related matters.
Assist with the management of incidents of non-compliance with applicable biosecurity regulations in Torres Strait in consultation with other operations managers and enforcement officials.
Research and analyse information and draft high-quality, timely and accurate project plans, performance reports, correspondence, briefings and other business documentation.
Other duties as directed.
Knowledge and experience
The successful applicant will have:
Experience or demonstrated understanding of contemporary issues and/or protocols affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Demonstrated, extensive project, corporate support and/or operations management experience in dynamic and challenging operating environments.
Demonstrated understanding of people and financial management requirements applicable to an APS operating environment.
Understanding of effective and risk-based regulation policies and approaches.
Demonstrated experience in policy/program development and implementation, preferably in regulation and/or biosecurity related fields.
Skills and capabilities
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with Torres Strait communities, external clients, and other government departments in Northern Australia.
Have demonstrated high-level written skills including an ability to effectively communicate ideas to a range of audiences in a range of styles (e.g. reports, correspondence or presentations)
The ability to interpret and apply legislation and related operating protocols.
Demonstrated organisational skills including the ability to manage multiple projects and project deliverables within specified timeframes.
Ability to think strategically, anticipate emerging issues and proactively work towards solutions.
The successful applicant must:
Hold and maintain a valid Australian motor vehicle drivers licence,
Note that you may be required to perform occasional out-of-hours and weekend work,
Wear an official uniform supplied by the department, including during field operations (as applicable), in accordance with the department’s uniform policy
Candidate Information Package PDF Opens in new window