Bee Biosecurity Officer

Government of South Australia; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 969,000 - 1,079,000; Full time

Job summary

A governmental agency in South Australia is looking for a Bee Biosecurity Officer to enhance biosecurity practices within the beekeeping community. The role involves engaging with stakeholders, ensuring compliance with biosecurity legislation, and working on an exciting National Bee Biosecurity Program. Candidates must have practical beekeeping experience and relevant qualifications. The position offers a full-time contract with competitive remuneration.

Benefits

Career progression opportunities

Flexible work arrangements

Learning and development

Qualifications

• Possession of a current driver’s license and willingness to drive.
• Ability to work safely around bees.
• Non-Allergic reaction to bee stings.

Responsibilities

• Engage with the beekeeping community to promote biosecurity best practices.
• Support implementation of the Australian Honey Bee Industry Biosecurity Code.
• Address risks to South Australia’s primary production from pest threats.

Skills

Practical beekeeping experience

Training delivery

Community engagement

Education

Completion of PHA BOLT Biosecurity modules

Job description

iworkfor.sa.gov.au will be unavailable on Saturday, 25 October 2025, from 7:30 AM ACDT until 10:30 AM ACDT due to scheduled maintenance.

Department

Department of Primary Industries and Regions

Job reference: 702858
Location: 5065 - GLENSIDE
Job status: Short Term Contract
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

The Opportunity

We have an opportunity for a Bee Biosecurity Officer to be part of our Biosecurity Division within the Department of Primary Industries and Regions.

Purpose

The Bee Biosecurity Officer is part of a National Bee Biosecurity Program (NBBP) responsible for delivering a program of work that supports the implementation of the Australian Honey Bee Industry Biosecurity Code of Practice, SA legislative requirements and best practice apiary operations.

This involves extensive industry engagement, increasing the awareness, treatment and management of exotic and established bee biosecurity threats and prompting and facilitating beekeeping biosecurity best practice.

The role contributes to delivering the agency’s priorities including the National Bee Biosecurity Program and by addressing risks to South Australia’s primary production from pest and disease threats by ensuring good Biosecurity practices are put in place.

About Us

South Australia is internationally recognised for the quality of its agriculture, food, and wine. Our regions are the backbone of our state and the economic powerhouse that drives prosperity for all South Australians.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) is a key economic development agency working in partnership with our primary industries, regional stakeholders and across all levels of government to advance the prosperity and sustainability of South Australia’s primary industries and regional communities.

We are a passionate team of around 800 people working across metropolitan and regional South Australia to develop and protect our state’s regions and food, wine, aquaculture, fisheries, forestry, grains, livestock, dairy and horticulture industries.

It’s no wonder there are so many exciting and diverse career opportunities in our organisation. If you’re ready to join us, apply now!

Benefits

At the Department of Primary Industries and Regions, we offer our employees challenging and rewarding work with opportunities for career progression, learning and development and flexibility.

Our Commitment to Diversity

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We embrace diversity and welcome applications from all people, irrespective of culture, faith, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or age.

Special Conditions

• Successful applicant will be required to satisfactorily complete a National Police Check (NPC) prior to being made an offer of employment.
• Opportunity up to October 2026.
• Full time opportunity, 37.5 hours per week.

Requirements

• Possession of a current driver’s license and willingness to drive.
• Regular out of hours work and interstate/intrastate travel will be required.
• Australian residency or current work permit is required (responsibility of applicant to provide evidence of a current work permit).
• You acknowledge your work, health and safety obligations and our expectations.
• Ability to work safely around bees, in remote locations in hot weather and at night.
• Non-Allergic reaction to bee stings.

Qualifications

Essential:

• Completion of PHA BOLT Biosecurity in Australia, Reporting a suspect emergency plant pest, National EPP Response Management and Biosecurity for Beekeepers modules.
• Qualification or experience in training delivery, education or community engagement.
• Practical beekeeping experience.

Desirable:

• A tertiary qualification in beekeeping.
• Experience in the inspection and management of beehives and commercial apiary operations.
• Knowledge of bee biology, bee pest and disease treatment and management.

Remuneration

ASO5 - $85,790 min - $95,413 max per annum, plus superannuation.

Enquiries

Mark Spencer
Program Manager - Apiaries
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Website: www.pir.sa.gov.au

Application Instructions

All applications must be submitted online. If you are interested in this opportunity, please see the attached applicant instructions, and outline your skills and experience in relation to the Professional and Technical Knowledge, Negotiation and Achievement Orientation capabilities of the attached role description.

Applicants must include the contact information of at least 2 referees with 1 being your immediate supervisor/manager and a completed “Pre-Employment Declaration in the SA Public Sector” form.

Flexibility Statement

The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.

Applications close: 22/10/2025 11:45 PM

Attachments

• ASO5 Bee Biosecurity Officer - Role Description.pdf
• Application Guidelines.pdf
• Pre-Employment-Declaration_240522.pdf