Leading Biosecurity Officer - Plants

Victorian Government; Swan Hill; Hybrid; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangements

Pre-employment screening and checks

Job summary

DEECA in Victoria seeks a Leading Biosecurity Officer Plants to provide regional leadership in plant biosecurity, invasive plant and animal management, and agricultural chemical programs across Victoria. The role leads complex projects and manages a Biosecurity Officer to deliver regulatory and advisory services to industry and the community.

The position works with internal and external stakeholders to support preparedness for biosecurity risks and emergencies, protecting agricultural

Qualifications

• Project management experience to plan, monitor and evaluate complex programs.
• Experience leading and managing teams and mentoring staff.
• Experience managing biosecurity-related projects and collaborating with stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for reports, briefs and presentations.
• Ability to interpret legislation and conduct investigations.
• Tertiary degree in Agricultural Science or equivalent; verification required prior to appointment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate complex biosecurity projects across Victoria.
• Undertake regulatory investigations and provide advisory services under relevant legislation.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to support preparedness and response.
• Represent the department in meetings and regulatory or legal proceedings when required.

Skills

Project management

Team leadership

Biosecurity projects

Communication skills

Legislation interpretation

Education

Tertiary degree in Agricultural Science or related science

Job description

Occupation: Agriculture and primary industries

Location: Loddon Mallee - Swan Hill

Reference: 2389

The Leading Biosecurity Officer Plants provides regional leadership in the delivery of plant biosecurity, invasive plant and animal management, and agricultural chemical programs across Victoria. The role leads and coordinates complex projects, ensures priority operational outcomes are achieved, and manages a Biosecurity Officer to deliver high-quality regulatory and advisory services to industry and the wider community.

The position works closely with internal and external stakeholders to support preparedness for, and response to, biosecurity risks and emergencies, contributing to the protection of Victoria’s agricultural productivity, environment, and market access.

Operating within a regulatory framework, the role exercises authorised powers under relevant legislation, primarily the PlantBiosecurity Act2010, the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994, the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Act 1992, undertaking investigations, and may represent the department in legal proceedings.

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in project management, including the ability to plan, implement, monitor and evaluate complex programs and resolve operational service delivery issues in line with strategic and operational objectives.
• Demonstrated experience in leading and managing teams, including supervision, performance management, staff development and mentoring, and the design and implementation of professional development programs.
• Demonstrated experience in managing biosecurity‑related projects, with proven ability to liaise, negotiate and collaborate with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare detailed reports, briefs and correspondence on complex and sensitive issues, and to deliver clear and effective presentations to internal and external audiences.
• Proven ability to interpret and apply legislation, undertake compliance and regulatory activities, and conduct investigations into alleged breaches, including the ability to gather evidence, prepare documentation, and support enforcement or legal proceedings where required.
• Tertiary degree in Agricultural Science, Science or an equivalent science qualification. Candidates must have these qualifications to be considered eligible and verification is required prior to appointment. This is an ongoing position. The work location for this position is Swan Hill or Kerang with hybrid work arrangements available.

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

Other relevant information:

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/New Zealand 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 [e-mail] .

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 .

Applications close Monday 9 November 2026 at 11.59pm