* APS 4 - $77,728 - $84,619 per annum plus superannuation
* Biosecurity Plant and Science Services Division
* Broome, WA; Darwin, NT
* The Biosecurity Engagement Officer supports pest, weed and disease surveillance with Indigenous ranger groups under the Indigenous Ranger Biosecurity Program across northern Australia. The role promotes biosecurity awareness in remote communities, requiring strong cultural understanding and ability to work independently and collaboratively under general supervision.
Who can apply:
This position is an 'Identified' position which signifies that the role has a strong involvement in issues relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The successful applicant must have an understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and an ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander People.
Why YOU are important to us and what impact will you have on the Biosecurity Plant and Science Services Division and the departments' goal.
We protect Australia's plant health to support trade, the economy, and the environment. Our division provides scientific advice, diagnostics, biosecurity training, and risk assessments. We enable safe plant imports, strengthen systems, and engage stakeholders. Surveillance and response are conducted at national entry points and approved sites, including northern Australia. We work closely with communities and Indigenous rangers to manage biosecurity risks, including in the Torres Strait.
Our scientists are on the front line of biosecurity, leading early detection and response for pests, diseases and weeds at entry points and across northern Australia. We deliver diagnostics, inspections, and training that help stop biosecurity threats before they spread. By working with stakeholders and sharing expertise, we strengthen Australia's ability to protect its agriculture, environment and communities.
The Indigenous Rangers and Business Management Section help deliver biosecurity surveillance by engaging Indigenous Rangers on a fee for service basis to undertake biosecurity activities. The section maintains this effort and builds further biosecurity capability and provides economic opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across northern Australia. The section also delivers SSG's Business Management Unit which helps coordinate budget measures and projects, oversights the implementation of the SSG Strategic Roadmap.
This is where you play an important role.
As the Biosecurity Engagement Officer, you will:
* Work under direction and independently or in small teams to coordinate the delivery of contracted biosecurity services by supporting Indigenous ranger groups
* Develop and maintain effective working relationships with remote communities in northern Australia, with a particular focus on Indigenous ranger groups and related organisations.
* Identify and promote opportunities to strengthen Indigenous ranger participation in biosecurity service delivery.
* Ensure biosecurity surveillance activities are delivered according to technical directions from scientific staff and the department's service priorities for northern Australia.
* Provide logistical and liaison support to animal, plant and aquatic scientific surveillance teams.
* Monitor operational plan of fee for service planned activities.
* Prepare general reports and performing administrative functions to a high standard and in a timely manner in accordance with procedures e.g. requesting and reviewing fee for service invoices.
* Delivery of remote field services according to applicable work health and safety regulations and departmental requirements, policies and procedures, including adhering to the APS values and Code of Conduct.
* Undertake field equipment checks and routine maintenance schedules.
* Engage and collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders, including government and non-government agencies, to support program objectives.
Please note that the merit pool established through this selection process, which is valid for a period of eighteen months from the date the vacancy was advertised in the Public Service Gazette, may also be used to fill future ongoing vacancies in the branch where the duties are of a similar nature.
Our ideal candidate will have:
* Strong communication skills, integrity, initiative and a high level of personal responsibility.
* Ability to build and sustain supportive, effective and collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including Indigenous communities and their representatives, government agencies and other community organisations.
* Sensitivity to First Nations cultural and social complexities.
* Demonstrated ability to independently plan and organise fieldwork and remote travel.
* Sound computer literacy skills with an ability to use standard office programs (i.e. Microsoft Office Suite and mobile applications).
* Ability to adapt to, and keep up to date with, changing IT systems and technology.
* Strong time management skills and ability to prioritise tasks effectively.
The successful candidate:
* must hold a current Apply First Aid Certificate or have the ability to obtain this qualification,
* must hold and maintain a current manual driver's licence and ability to drive a 4WD vehicle,
* must meet the physical requirements of the role(s) involve a combination of outdoor and office-based work,
* may be required, from time to time, to work in difficult, remote and harsh environments (possibly for extended periods) under limited supervision or in teams,
* must wear an official uniform supplied by the department, including during field operations (as applicable), in accordance with the department's uniform policy.
VetPaths
The Australian Public Service (APS) values the unique skills, perspectives, and experiences that veterans gain during their Australian Defence Force (ADF) employment and encourage veterans to apply. Support may be available to veterans transitioning to meaningful APS careers through participation in VetPaths, which offers veterans an opportunity to participate in a six-month program offering formal learning and development, career mentoring and activities for wellness and peer support.