Head of Applied Science & Evidence — Fire Ant Eradication

Primary Industries; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Biosecurity Queensland is seeking a Manager, Applied Science and Evidence to lead a multidisciplinary team and provide the evidence base underpinning Australia’s largest invasive species eradication program. You will oversee complex programs, translate science into practical operations and support evidence-based decision making to eradicate red imported fire ants by 2032.

The role requires strategic leadership, the ability to manage competing priorities and stakeholders, and delivery of outcomes

Qualifications

• Experience leading large multidisciplinary teams through complexity and change.
• Ability to translate technical or scientific information into operational outcomes.
• Strong program and project management skills, including budget and risk management.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement, influencing and negotiation capability.
• Experience delivering outcomes in government, biosecurity, environmental, agricultural or other regulated environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop and inspire a multidisciplinary team of scientific, technical and operational professionals, building capability and high performance.
• Oversee delivery of complex programs, projects and initiatives with resources, risks, budgets, timelines and priorities.
• Translate scientific and technical evidence into practical operational solutions for decision making and eradication objectives.
• Provide strategic leadership across workforce planning, business planning, financial management and operational performance.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with government agencies, industry, research institutions and stakeholders.
• Foster a culture of innovation, continuous improvement and evidence-based decision making with governance and quality assurance.
• Provide authoritative advice to senior leaders on emerging issues, risks and priorities.
• Contribute as a senior leader across Biosecurity Queensland and the National Fire Ant Eradication Program.

Skills

Leadership

Science translation

Program management

Budget & risk management

Stakeholder engagement

Govt biosecurity experience

Job description

Biosecurity Queensland is seeking a Manager, Applied Science and Evidence to lead a multidisciplinary team and provide the evidence base underpinning Australia’s largest invasive species eradication program. You will oversee complex programs, translate science into practical operations and support evidence-based decision making to eradicate red imported fire ants by 2032.

The role requires strategic leadership, the ability to manage competing priorities and stakeholders, and delivery of outcomes