Head of Applied Science & Evidence for Fire Ant Eradication

Queensland Government; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Queensland Government is seeking a Manager, Applied Science and Evidence to lead a multidisciplinary team delivering the evidence base for Australia’s largest invasive species eradication program. The role reports to senior leadership and focuses on translating science into practical, operational outcomes to support eradication by 2032.

You will oversee complex programs, manage budgets and timelines, and influence stakeholders across government, industry and research institutions while driving

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 budgeting and risk management.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement, influencing and negotiation capability.
• Experience delivering outcomes in government, biosecurity, environmental, agricultural or other highly regulated environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop and inspire a multidisciplinary team of scientific, technical and operational professionals, building capability, accountability and a high-performance culture.
• Oversee the delivery of complex programs, projects and initiatives, ensuring resources, risks, budgets, timelines and priorities are effectively managed to achieve strategic outcomes.
• Translate scientific and technical evidence into practical operational solutions that support decision making, service delivery and eradication objectives.
• Provide strategic leadership across workforce planning, business planning, financial management and operational performance to ensure sustainable and effective program delivery.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with government agencies, industry, research institutions and other stakeholders to drive collaboration and influence outcomes.
• Foster a culture of innovation, continuous improvement and evidence-based decision making, ensuring governance, quality assurance and best-practice standards are maintained.
• Provide authoritative advice to senior leaders and stakeholders on emerging issues, risks, opportunities and strategic priorities affecting program outcomes.
• Contribute as a senior leader across Biosecurity Queensland and the National Fire Ant Eradication Program, supporting broader organisational priorities and change initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Science-to-ops

PM & Budget

Stakeholder Engagement

Regulated environments

Job description

Queensland Government is seeking a Manager, Applied Science and Evidence to lead a multidisciplinary team delivering the evidence base for Australia’s largest invasive species eradication program. The role reports to senior leadership and focuses on translating science into practical, operational outcomes to support eradication by 2032.

You will oversee complex programs, manage budgets and timelines, and influence stakeholders across government, industry and research institutions while driving