Principal Biosecurity Officer

Department of Primary Industries (Queensland); Townsville City; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A Queensland governmental department is seeking a Principal Biosecurity Inspector to lead a team of biosecurity officers. Responsibilities include managing biosecurity risks, ensuring compliance with legislation, and providing strategic advice to stakeholders. Candidates should have relevant qualifications and experience in biosecurity management. This is an opportunity to contribute to the safety of Queensland's agricultural products and environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in managing biosecurity risks and compliance.
• Strong leadership skills in guiding and developing team members.
• Expertise in preparing technical reports and compliance assessments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a small team of biosecurity inspectors.
• Conduct inspections and audits to mitigate biosecurity risks.
• Provide strategic advice to stakeholders regarding biosecurity compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Knowledge of biosecurity legislation

Team management

Education

Relevant degree in Biosecurity or related field

Tools

Compliance management software

Job description

Plant Biosecurity and Product Integrity (PBPI) - The PBPI Program has an integral role in delivering BQ's vision of leading the delivery of innovative, customer focused biosecurity services for Queensland. The Program's goal is to protect Queensland's agricultural industries, environment and communities from plant pests and diseases, and facilitate trade in high quality, safe agricultural products.

As a Principal Biosecurity Inspector, you will lead a small team of biosecurity officers while also directly contributing to the program's operational activities. This role requires a balance of oversight and hands-on involvement in managing biosecurity risks, ensuring legislative compliance, engaging stakeholders, and contributing to emergency responses. Additionally, you will play a vital role in operational planning and supporting senior management to achieve program objectives.

Key Activities Include

• Lead, manage, and actively participate in the activities of a small team of biosecurity inspectors to deliver on program objectives.
• Foster a safe, positive and collaborative team culture, supporting professional development and continuous improvement within the team and program.
• Undertake and oversee surveillance, inspections, and audits to detect, manage, and mitigate biosecurity risks, including plant pests, diseases, and chemical misuse.
• Coordinate and participate in compliance activities, ensuring enforcement of key legislation such as the Biosecurity Act 2014, Chemical Usage (Agricultural and Veterinary) Control Act 1988, Agricultural Chemicals Distribution Control Act 1966 and relevant sections of the Drugs Misuse Act 1981
• Contribute to the development, implementation, and review of the Operational Work Plan, aligning your team's activities with the broader goals of Biosecurity Queensland.
• Provide high-level technical and strategic advice to stakeholders, including industry groups, government agencies, and community organisations, to promote compliance and facilitate trade.
• Support the Senior Principal Biosecurity Officer and Operations Manager by contributing to program planning, reporting, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Actively prepare and review technical reports, compliance assessments, and briefs of evidence for cases of serious non-compliance.
• Participate in emergency responses, including field-based activities in remote areas.

We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.