Operations Manager

October 3, 2024

Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

Canberra

EL 1 - $120,290 - $129,379 per annum plus superannuation
Plant Protection & Environmental Biosecurity Division
Canberra, ACT

Who we are
The Environmental Biosecurity Branch works collaboratively to strengthen Australia’s plant health and environmental biosecurity systems including through policy advice, surveillance, diagnostics, preparedness, and response capabilities. We lead and coordinate the management of established pests, diseases and weeds, and the Australian Plague Locust Commission (APLC).

The Australian Plague Locust Commission (APLC) is jointly funded by New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland with a matching contribution from the Australian Government. The APLC is responsible for monitoring and managing locust populations that are a significant threat to agriculture.

The Job
The duties will include but not limited to the following:

Work closely with the Forecasting Officer to plan and coordinate surveillance to detect emerging locust threats to agriculture.
Plan and deliver locust control activities through managing field staff and aerial contractors to undertake aerial spraying of locusts.
Work closely with the Safety, Pesticide and Application and Environmental officers to ensure control operations are compliant with safety and environmental requirements.
Establish and maintain contact with APLC field staff, director, state agency officers, landholders, farmers and local government and others to assist with planning and approval of control operations.
Collaborate with stakeholders and service providers to manage contracts and develop innovative methods to control locust populations.

Please note that 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.

What are we looking for
knowledge and experience

Management of a team of field officers working in remote locations.
Planning and delivery of ground and aerial field surveillance.
Planning and delivery of ground and aerial locust control campaigns.
Management of training and work health and safety of field staff.
Knowledge and experience in managing an emergency response.

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, from time to time, to work in difficult, remote and harsh environments (possibly for extended periods) under limited supervision or in teams.
Willingness if required, to complete training in handling of agricultural chemicals, transport of dangerous goods and heavy vehicle license.