Step into a career that protects Australia's environment, industries, and way of life. Our First Nations Biosecurity Science Traineeship is a fully supported 12‐month program designed to build your skills, confidence, and experience across the diverse and rapidly evolving biosecurity science sectors in northern Australia.
What You'll Experience
Across the year, you will rotate through state and federal government agencies, industry partners, and university settings, giving you a unique, 360‐degree view of biosecurity science in action. From plant health and animal systems to aquatic environments, you'll gain exposure to the people, processes, and science behind Australia's biosecurity system.
What You'll Achieve
* Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management – Delivered over the 12 months with dedicated study time and support.
* Tailored on‐the‐job training – Learn directly from experienced professionals through practical, hands‐on work.
* Real‐world skills and confidence – Build capability across fieldwork, surveillance, laboratory environments, research, and compliance activities.
* Meaningful connections – Connect with peers and experts across government, industry, and academia.
Why Join?
This traineeship is your opportunity to make a real impact while kickstarting a rewarding, future‐focused career. If you're curious, motivated, and ready for a challenge, the First Nations Biosecurity Science Trainee Program will set you up for success in one of Australia's most important fields.
Key responsibilities
* Support biosecurity surveillance and field operations, including sampling, inspections, monitoring and accurate data recording.
* Assist in pest and disease management activities, including surveillance, control and eradication tasks under established procedures and legislation.
* Collect, prepare and safely handle samples, ensuring accurate documentation and data entry in approved systems.
* Contribute to operational processes, including routine reporting, compliance and risk management activities, and continuous improvement.
* Positively contribute to the workplace, following all safety, biosecurity and organisational standards, and actively supporting a collaborative team environment.
* Assist in logistics planning for field activities, including preparing vehicles, equipment and materials for field trips.
* Engage respectfully and professionally with landholders, community members, Traditional Owners and partner organisations during surveillance or monitoring activities.
Special requirements
* At least 18 years of age at commencement.
* Current Queensland C‐class driver's licence (or equivalent) required; must be obtained prior to commencement at the applicant's expense if not already held.
* National Police Certificate required; must be obtained prior to commencement if not already held.
* Ability to independently travel to office locations in Cairns, Gordonvale and Smithfield.
* Ability to travel to regional and remote locations for short periods.
Selection criteria
* Commitment to learning: Demonstrates enthusiasm for developing new skills through on‐the‐job training and formal study.
* Reliability and initiative: Shows dependability, good judgement and the ability to work independently when required.
* Communication and digital capability: Communicates clearly and respectfully, with sound literacy, numeracy and basic computer skills (email, simple documents and spreadsheets).
* Physical capability and adaptability: Able to perform outdoor fieldwork and manual tasks in varied North Queensland conditions.
* Team contribution: Brings a positive attitude and willingness to assist across a range of duties within a collaborative workplace.
This program is proudly funded through the Northern Australia Biosecurity Strategy (NABS) via the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), and delivered in partnership with Farmacist, James Cook University (JCU), the Department of Environment, Technology, Science and Innovation (DETSI), and the Queensland Government Department of Primary Industries (QDPI) – working together to grow the next generation of biosecurity professionals.
Additional Information
Occupation:Conservation & Land / Eco‐system Management
Closing Date:28/02/2026
Available Positions:2
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