Biosecurity Officer

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action; South Australia; Hybrid; AUD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action seeks a Biosecurity Officer within the Plants, Chemicals and Invasives Branch. You will support biosecurity risk management to protect Victoria's agriculture, environment and communities.

The role requires a Science or Agricultural Science degree and offers hybrid work across South West Victoria with regulatory responsibilities under relevant acts. A Certificate IV in Government Investigations will be pursued during the role.

Qualifications

• This position requires a tertiary degree in Science, Agricultural Science, or Natural Resource Management.
• Knowledge of Victorian agriculture, horticulture, and related biosecurity issues is essential.
• Experience with regulatory frameworks and government investigations is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to biosecurity risk assessment and management across Victoria.
• Collaborate with landowners, industry, community groups, and agencies to support surveillance and regulatory activities.
• Support preparedness, response and recovery activities for biosecurity incidents.

Skills

Biosecurity knowledge

Regulatory awareness

Investigation skills

Education

Science or Agricultural Science degree

Job description

As a Biosecurity Officer within the Plants, Chemicals and Invasives (PCI) Branch, Agriculture Victoria, you will contribute to protecting Victoria’s agricultural industries, environment and communities from biosecurity risks. Working as part of a diverse regional team, you will support the delivery of high-quality services that strengthen Victoria’s preparedness for, and response to, biosecurity threats and agricultural emergencies.Biosecurity Officers are located throughout Victoria and work closely with industry, land managers, community groups and government agencies to support invasive plant and animal management, plant biosecurity activities, pest and disease surveillance for market access, monitoring of agricultural chemical use, and preparedness, response and recovery activities associated with biosecurity incidents and agricultural emergencies.The position has regulatory responsibilities under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994, the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Act 1992, and the Plant Biosecurity Act 2010 (limited powers).As an Authorised Officer, you will undertake training to achieve a Certificate IV in Government Investigations and develop the skills required to conduct investigations, gather evidence and, where necessary, provide evidence in court proceedings.You will work effectively within a small, high-performing team operating in an integrated and flexible business environment. The role requires a collaborative approach, with opportunities to support other programs and regions as business needs arise. You will build and maintain productive relationships with internal colleagues and a broad range of stakeholders, including private landowners, industry representatives, community groups and other government agencies, while contributing to a wide range of biosecurity and regulatory activities across the branch.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• Technical knowledge: Knowledge of Victorian agriculture and horticulture industries including biosecurity issues affecting these industries such as invasive species, pest plants and diseases.

Mandatory Qualifications

• A tertiary degree in Science, Agricultural Science, Natural Resource Management is required for this position. Other related Science Degrees may be considered.

This is a fixed term position available until 30 June 2027. The work location for this position is Negotiable across South West Victoria with hybrid work arrangements available.

Please refer to the Key Selection Criteria provided in the Position Description, including the mandatory requirements.

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing position is only available to an Australian/NewZealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.

An inclusive, culturally safe and flexible workplace DEECA fosters an inclusive workplace culture and is committed to a fair, accessible, and equitable recruitment process. We strongly encourage Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander people to apply. We recognise the strengths, knowledge and perspectives First Nations people bring and DEECA is committed to a culturally safe and respectful workplace.

If you need support to participate, please contact [emailprotected].

We support flexible working arrangements, including hybrid work, varied hours, part‑time work and job sharing.

For more information about our recruitment processes, visit applying for a role with us.