Senior Principal Biosecurity Officer

Queensland Government; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional government agency in Queensland is seeking a Senior Principal Biosecurity Officer to oversee and manage a high-performing team within Animal Biosecurity and Welfare. The role involves establishing priorities for regulatory compliance, building staff capability, and assessing reports of non-compliance. Applicants must hold an Australian Diploma in a relevant field and have a valid driver's licence. This position offers a chance to make a significant impact on Queensland's biosecurity efforts.

Benefits

Flexible working conditions

Opportunity for professional development

Impactful work in biosecurity

Qualifications

• Mandatory requirement for a technical officer to possess an Australian Diploma or Advanced Diploma in a relevant field.
• Current 'C' class drivers' licence.

Responsibilities

• Establish priorities and manage effective delivery of operational plans.
• Build staff and organisational technical capability.
• Review incoming reports/complaints of potential non-compliance.

Skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Problem-solving

Education

Australian Diploma or Advanced Diploma in a relevant field

Job description

Bring legacy to life. For the future of Queensland and the world.

Biosecurity Queensland is looking for a Senior Principal Biosecurity Officer (Zone Leader) within Animal Biosecurity and Welfare.

Work with livestock industries to deliver and promote regulation.

Manage a high performing team of Biosecurity officers.

Just imagine what you could achieve with us. #DPIcareer

Biosecurity Queensland (BQ) plays a leadership role in the biosecurity system in collaboration with its stakeholders. BQ leads the Queensland Government's efforts to protect our way of life, environment, biodiversity, human and animal health, industries and economy from plant and animal pest and disease threats. Through supporting the collective efforts of our stakeholders and all Queenslanders, BQ will continue to protect our state and Australia from emerging plant and animal pests and diseases and effectively manage existing ones.

Animal Biosecurity and Welfare (ABW) supports BQ's efforts to prevent, prepare, respond to, and recover from diseases threatening livestock industries and maintaining access to markets. Our people work together to help mitigate biosecurity risks, uphold standards for animal welfare and animal management and lead the overall DPI response to biosecurity emergency incidents to achieve outcomes consistent with the Department's strategic direction for leadership in animal welfare, exhibited animal, animal management and animal ethics policy and service delivery.

As Our Senior Principal Biosecurity Officer, You Will

• Establish priorities and oversee team leaders to manage effective and efficient delivery of the technical and regulatory aspects of the relevant operational plan to ensure outcomes meet performance indicators (quality, scope and timeframe) and relevant standards, policies, procedures and guidelines using available budget and resourcing. This includes exercising statutory powers and supporting compliance monitoring and investigations under relevant legislation administered by Biosecurity Queensland, taking ultimate responsibility operational risk‑based decision making relating to management of workplace health and safety and legislative compliance management associated with region‑ and program‑specific operational activities.
• Play a leading role in building staff, program and organisational technical capability via performance and development procedures and through sharing own knowledge. This includes creating and providing learning opportunities to ensure staff develop and maintain the capabilities they require to perform their role effectively, confidently and safely.
• Review and assess any incoming reports/complaints of potential non‑compliance and triage appropriately, managing risks, tasking operational work, and having oversight across operational work.

There are some qualifications that we see as essential. You must possess a:

• It is a mandatory requirement for a technical officer to possess an Australian Diploma or Advanced Diploma in a relevant field or equivalent.
• A current “C” class drivers' licence.

You will have a keen eye for detail, great time management and effective problem solving skills. More than anything, you will have a positive attitude and make a great contribution to our close‑knit and connected team.

Why work for us

• Work with passion and purpose
• Have a tangible impact, for today and tomorrow
• Enjoy interesting, diverse work
• Follow your path wherever it leads
• Get the flexibility and support you need to thrive
• Be part of our one, diverse DPI

Find purpose you feel, impact you see and a legacy you bring to life.

Join us and help preserve and protect Queensland's biosecurity.

Visit to learn more about us and what we do.

Applications to remain current for 12 months.

Occupational group: Primary Industry & Environment