Leading Biosecurity Officer - Plants

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action; Swan Hill; Hybrid; AUD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action is seeking a Leading Biosecurity Officer Plants to provide regional leadership in plant biosecurity across Victoria, including invasive plant/animal management and agricultural chemical programs. You will lead complex projects, manage a Biosecurity Officer, and coordinate regulatory services for industry and the community.

Based in Swan Hill or Kerang with hybrid work arrangements, the role supports preparedness and response to biosecurity

Qualifications

• Experience in planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating complex programs.
• Experience in leading and managing teams, including supervision and staff development.
• Experience in managing biosecurity projects and liaising with stakeholders.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for reports and presentations.
• Ability to interpret and apply legislation and support enforcement or legal proceedings.
• Tertiary degree in Agricultural Science or equivalent is required.

Responsibilities

• Provide regional leadership in plant biosecurity, invasive plant and animal management, and agricultural chemical programs.
• Lead and coordinate complex projects and supervise a Biosecurity Officer.
• Support preparedness for and response to biosecurity risks and emergencies.
• Exercise authorised powers under relevant legislation and represent the department as needed.

Skills

Project management

People leadership

Biosecurity project management

Communication

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelors or equivalent in Agricultural Science/Science

Job description

1d ago , from Victorian Department of Energy and Climate Action

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.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• 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 ***************@deeca.vic.gov.au.

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.