Seed Testing Lab Lead - ISTA Accredited & Compliance

Tasmanian Government; Mount Pleasant (SC); Hybrid; USD 73,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free on-site parking

Professional development

Staff benefits including gym discounts

Job summary

The Senior Seed Analyst (Team Leader) leads ISTA-accredited seed testing at the Prospect laboratory, delivering high-quality testing services to support certification activities and Tasmania's seed and agricultural industries.

This fixed-term role oversees lab workflows, compliance with ISTA, DAFF Approved Arrangement and safety requirements, plus staff development and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in seed testing laboratory operations and quality systems.
• Strong knowledge of ISTA accreditation requirements and DAFF Approved Arrangement compliance.
• Demonstrated leadership experience with coaching and developing a high-performing team.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Understanding of seed certification, biosecurity principles and quality assurance processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead, plan and coordinate laboratory workflows, resources and staff.
• Manage ISTA accreditation and DAFF Approved Arrangement compliance.
• Foster a safety culture and ensure WHS compliance.
• Support staff development through training and performance management.
• Drive quality assurance and continuous improvement with clients and accreditation bodies.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Laboratory management

Regulatory compliance

Quality assurance

Job description

Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania
Agriculture and Biosecurity
Biosecurity Tasmania

Applications must be submitted by Monday 19 October, 2026 11:55 PM

Monday 19 October, 2026 11:55 PM AEST

Award/Classification:

General Stream Band 5 - Tasmanian State Service Award

$103,290 to $108,307 pro rata, per annum

Employment type:

Fixed-term, flexible, Fixed-term, full-time

Region:

North

Location:

Mount Pleasant

Lead an ISTA-accredited seed testing laboratory, managing operations, compliance, quality systems and a high-performing team.

About the role

The Senior Seed Analyst (Team Leader) delivers high-quality, accurate and timely International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) accredited seed testing services that support certification activities and the continued success of Tasmania's seed and agricultural industries.

This is a fixed-term opportunity for 3 years, working 73.50 hours per fortnight (or a minimum 58.8 hours by negotiation).

In this role, you will:

• Lead, plan and coordinate laboratory workflows, resources and staff to deliver high-quality seed testing services and achieve operational objectives.
• Manage and maintain compliance with ISTA accreditation requirements, Biosecurity Tasmania Registered Quarantine Place (RQP) obligations and Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) Approved Arrangement requirements.
• Foster a positive safety culture and ensure compliance with workplace health and safety legislation, policies and best practice.
• Support staff development through training, mentoring, performance management and the promotion of technical excellence.
• Drive quality assurance and continuous improvement initiatives while providing expert technical advice and maintaining strong relationships with clients, industry stakeholders and accreditation bodies.

Our ideal candidate has

• Extensive experience in seed testing laboratory operations, including certification requirements, quality systems, laboratory safety and regulatory compliance.
• Strong knowledge of ISTA accreditation requirements and DAFF Approved Arrangement compliance.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, with the ability to coach, develop and support a high-performing team.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to provide authoritative technical advice, reports and recommendations.
• A strong understanding of seed certification, biosecurity principles, quality assurance processes, problem-solving and operational decision-making.
• Well-developed organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic operational environment.

We offer

• A fixed-term position in an ISTA-accredited laboratory based in Prospect, with free on-site parking.
• An opportunity to lead a specialised technical service that supports Tasmania's agricultural and seed industries.
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities to support your career growth.
• A competitive salary package, superannuation and salary-sacrificing options.
• Access to staff benefits, including discounts with a syndicate of gyms and fitness centres, nominated health funds and AVIS car rentals.

About us

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE Tas) is committed to our vision of “delivering a sustainable Tasmania” where our natural resources, cultural values and environment are recognised and used sustainably to support our future prosperity. We take pride in fostering a workplace where diversity is celebrated, inclusivity is embraced and safety is paramount.

We are committed to building a positive and proactive child safe culture to support child safety and wellbeing. We strive to create an environment where every individual feels respected, valued, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work.

We understand that work/life balance is essential for personal and professional success. That’s why we offer flexible work options and are dedicated to making workplace adjustments that empower individuals to fully engage and excel in their roles.

• Upload your Short Form Application which is a 1-2 page covering letter outlining your experience, skills and knowledge as they relate to the Statement of Duties (please note that we do not require a separate statement addressing the selection criteria).
• Attach a copy of your current Resumé/CV.

If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

Applicants should note that, for a period of twelve months from the date of advertising, this selection process may be used to fill subsequent or similar full time, part time, and casual vacancies.

We encourage you to get in touch for a confidential conversation about the role if you have any questions!

Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania

Award:

General Stream Band 5 - Tasmanian State Service Award

$103,290 to $108,307 pro rata, per annum

Employment type:

Fixed-term, flexible, Fixed-term, full-time

Region:

North

Location:

Mount Pleasant

Lead an ISTA-accredited seed testing laboratory, managing operations, compliance, quality systems and a high-performing team.

Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania

Award:

General Stream Band 5 - Tasmanian State Service Award

$103,290 to $108,307 pro rata, per annum

Employment type:

Fixed-term, flexible, Fixed-term, full-time

Region:

North

Location:

Mount Pleasant

Lead an ISTA-accredited seed testing laboratory, managing operations, compliance, quality systems and a high-performing team.

• Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania 1
• Review the Statement of Duties and consider if you meet the requirements.
• Speak to the Contact Officer if you have any questions.
• Submit your application including any additional documents as specified in each individual job vacancy notice.