Job Opportunities in Australia

• APS 5 - $81,690 - $89,615 per annum plus superannuation
• Biosecurity Plant and Science Services Division
• Darwin, NT

• Undertake diagnostics and provide advice for arthropods of biosecurity concern
• Contribute to meeting the biosecurity challenges of the future
• Work in a motivated team with a wide range of skill sets and backgrounds

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 Operational Science and Surveillance (OSS) team has four technical sections, (1) Entomology, (2) Plant Pathology & Botany, (3) Surveillance, and (4) Technical Response, with a national network and laboratory facilities located in Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Canberra, Darwin, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. Collectively our work contributes to Australia’s favourable animal, plant and environmental status through the delivery of diagnostics services for pests, pathogens and plants/seeds, and biosecurity surveillance and response activities within Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry jurisdictions. The OSS team also provides technical, policy and pest mitigation advice and delivers training to departmental and industry staff.

The Job
Under the general direction of the Senior Entomologist, the Entomologist will contribute to scientific services and operational and policy advice. The duties of the roles may include, but are not limited to:

• Undertaking diagnostics of insects and other invertebrates to a high level and in accordance with departmental policy, procedures and the laboratory quality management system.
• Preparing specimens for diagnostics and long-term preservation in departmental reference collections.
• Undertaking high quality diagnostic imaging of invertebrate specimens.
• Providing risk-based biosecurity management advice to Biosecurity Officers and other stakeholders.
• Maintaining paper-based and electronic data and records in line with policy, data and quality standards.
• Maintaining and developing diagnostic and other technical capability through participation in training, competency assessments and laboratory proficiency testing in line with quality system requirements.
• Contributing to the provision of technical advice and reporting for OSS clients that cover a range of policy, auditing, inspection, risk management and treatment activities.
• Participating in pest inspections, surveillance and response activities.
• Liaising, negotiating and communicating with technical specialists, government agencies, industry bodies and other stakeholders.
• Assisting with the development and delivery of training and awareness courses for inspection staff and other stakeholders.
• Participating in working groups and other network meetings and contributing to the development and review of national policies and procedures.
• Prioritising and managing time to provide an efficient and effective service to meet internal and external client expectations, within a regulatory environment.
• Working independently or under limited guidance and with a high level of initiative, integrity and flexibility to support the work practices of the team and the day-to-day operations of the laboratory.
• Providing innovative advice and supporting changes that may affect Operational Science and Surveillance and/or delivery of key outputs to clients.
• Promoting and ensuring compliance with departmental WH&S policies and guidelines and being alert for and reporting risks regarding WH&S issues.

Please note that the merit pool established through this selection process, which is valid for a period of 18 months from the date the vacancy was advertised in the Public Service Gazette, may be used to fill future vacancies in the branch where the duties are of a similar nature.

Knowledge and experience
A significant aspect of these roles involves the operational application of technical knowledge and expertise. The successful applicant will have:

• Knowledge of insects, arachnids and/or invertebrate pests of biosecurity significance to Australia.
• Practical experience in performing accurate morphology-based identification of invertebrate specimens (additional experience in molecular diagnostics would be advantageous)
• Knowledge of the Australian biosecurity environment and the application of pest risk mitigation measures, or the ability to rapidly acquire this knowledge.

Skills and capabilities
The successful applicant will have:

• A well-developed ability to perform routine diagnostics of invertebrates, including the ability to correctly identify pests of biosecurity significance.
• The capability to conduct advanced diagnostic tests including morphological identifications of problematic or specialist groups and/or molecular assays to confirm species level identification or other information.
• The ability to effectively develop further technical capacity in specific areas where required.
• A well-developed ability to interpret scientific literature and implement new diagnostic protocols.
• A well-developed ability to record data, analyse information and prepare reports and documentation.
• The ability to think laterally, solve problems and implement innovative solutions to improve existing practices whilst under limited supervision.
• A well-developed ability to provide timely and quality science-based risk advice.
• Demonstrated initiative, self-motivation and an ability to commit energy and drive to see that goals are achieved in an efficient and timely manner.

Mandatory Qualifications
Tertiary qualifications (bachelor’s degree) in agriculture, ecology, or a related field that emphasises entomology.

The successful applicant must:

• Hold and maintain a valid Australian motor vehicle drivers licence,
• Note that relocation assistance is subject to negotiation,
• Wear an official uniform supplied by the department, including during field operations (as applicable), in accordance with the department’s uniform policy,
• Wear appropriate protective personal equipment and clothing to comply with departmental Work Health & Safety policies and procedures.
• Note that the physical requirements of the role(s) involve a combination of outdoor, laboratory and office-based work
• Note that intra and interstate travel is a requirement of the position
• Note that there may be a requirement to work out of hours (including on weekends and public holidays) to provide out of hours diagnostic support, participate in emergency response and other activities.

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