The Biosecurity Manager - Apiary provides high level technical and program leadership in the delivery of operational apiary biosecurity activities across Biosecurity and Agriculture Services (BAS), other Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) groups and key external stakeholders.
The position will lead the delivery of apiary disease surveillance and oversight of operational preparedness for exotic bee diseases and pests in Victoria. As an authorised officer you will provide leadership for the delivery of compliance services to members of the honey bee industry, including improving recognition and management of exotic and endemic pests and diseases. You will manage the contract negotiation, delivery and reporting of the National Bee Pest Surveillance Program Sentinel Hive Project and the National Bee Biosecurity Officer, which is a critical component of the position.
The position is responsible for maintaining effective working relationships with a variety of stakeholders such as the Australian Honey Bee Industry Council, the Victorian Apiarists Association, crop pollination groups, bee pollination dependent industry groups such as the Almond Board of Australia, regional apiarist associations, hobbyist beekeeper groups, other government departments and interstate apiary officers.
You will supervise the Agriculture Victoria apiary team and other authorised officers involved in apiary operations, including building capability, employee engagement, performance management and building a positive culture.
Designation as an authorised officer under the legislation administered by DEECA relating to bees is a requirement.
Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications
* An appropriate tertiary degree in Science, Agricultural Science, Natural Resource Management is required for this position.
* Subject matter expertise at a state and national level of the apiary industry including practical experience as an apiarist with knowledge of commercial/semi commercial and hobby beekeeping practices.
This is an ongoing position. The work location for this position is Negotiable between Epsom, Wodonga or Attwood with hybrid work arrangements available.
To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) summarising their skills and relevant experience. In particular please address the following questions:
* Outline how you would apply your apiculture industry subject matter knowledge of the state and nation industry in leading the operational team.
* As an authorised officer can you please describe your experience as a risk based regulator using concrete examples and how that applied to managing effective stakeholder relationships on apiary biosecurity matters.
Please refer to the Key Selection Criteria provided in the Position Description, including the mandatory requirements.
How to Apply:
If you are a current DEECA employee, please apply via DEECA Careers.
Applications close 11.59pm on Monday, 26th January 2026.
All applications must be submitted through the online portal. We are unable to consider email or manual applications at this time.
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.
A Diverse, Inclusive and Flexible Workplace
DEECA welcomes applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds and we focus on the essential requirements of the job and being consistent and fair in our treatment of all applicants. We also understand that a balanced life is important to our employees. Talk to us about our flexible options such as working some days from home, starting early or late, working part time, job sharing or accessing paid or unpaid leave. For more information visit applying for a role with us.