Be part of the department that works to protect, support and develop NSW primary industries, mining sector and regional communities.
* Permanent ongoing opportunity
* Full-time role at 38 hours per week
* Location – Lithgow, NSW
* Salary ranges from $84,659.00 to $92, super & leave loading
Biosecurity Officer's primary role is to contribute to pest animal biosecurity programs that safeguard the NSW economy, environment, and community from pest animal threats.
You'll help ensure compliance with regional, state, and national standards while assisting customers to prepare for and respond to biosecurity emergencies.
About the Role
Main responsibilities:
* Contribute to the day-to-day delivery of biosecurity programs and advisory services as they relate to pest animal management
* Support operational projects for pest animal control programs
* Contribute to compliance programs to ensure legislated biosecurity obligations for pest management are met
* Be available to support the preparation and response to emergencies within the Agriculture and Animal Services Functional Area
* Work collaboratively with other LLS teams from the agriculture, natural resource management, animal biosecurity and welfare, and business services functions to ensure field activities are effective.
* Support delivery of integrated customer service focused advice, projects and services.
* Liaise with landholders, community groups, government agencies and other stakeholders to contribute to awareness of biosecurity issues
* Support the delivery of training to landholders on best practice pest management controls and support them to implement control programs
Key challenges:
* Effectively engaging with customers and stakeholders, providing sound advice and applying appropriate regulations as they relate to biosecurity activities
* Maintaining awareness of developments across a broad range of activities where urgent issues often take priority.
* Balancing role requirements in an environment which is technically complex, often unpredictable, fast moving and where immediate requirements can take precedence over planned activities
About You
This is a role for someone who loves being in the field and working with people and animals.
To be successful you'll need to have:
* An understanding of biosecurity issues, particularly as they relate to pest animal control
* The ability to be appointed as an Authorised Officer under the Local Land Services Act 2013 and the Public Spaces (unattended property) Act 2021and the demonstrated ability to understand, interpret and apply legislation and regulations.
* The ability to be appointed as an Authorised Officer under the Biosecurity Act and the demonstrated ability to understand, interpret and apply legislation and regulations, preferably related to biosecurity matters.
Essential Requirements
* Appropriate qualifications (minimum AQF3 level) and knowledge relevant to pesticide application - or the ability and willingness to obtain it
* A Certificate IV in Government Investigations, or the ability and willingness to successfully complete it
* The capacity to hold an NSW firearms licence or equivalent, as well as obtain the Statement of Attainment - Use of firearms to humanely destroy animals (AQF AHCVPT203A or AHCPMG304) and be willing to humanely euthanise animals when required.
* A current NSW Class C Driver License and the ability and willingness to travel (including overnight stays) as required
If you are passionate about helping local communities to manage pest animal incursions biosecurity risks and emergency situations, then we want to hear from you
For more information read the full Role Description: Biosecurity Officer
Who We Are
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is the department dedicated to growing primary industries and supporting regional economic development to deliver long term benefits to the state. Our focus is to protect, support and develop our primary industries, mining sector, and regions.
The department brings together Agriculture & Biosecurity; Forestry & Fishing; Local Land Services; NSW Resources; Regional Development & Delivery; the Regional Growth NSW Development Corporation; NSW Public Works and Soil Conservation Service.
We have nearly 5,000 employees, with almost 80 per cent of us living and working in regional NSW.
Why Work for Us?
We work hard every day to support and grow thriving communities across regional NSW that will have a positive impact on generations to come. Our goal is always to be a trusted local partner and problem-solver working deeply in community.
As part of our team, you will be able to:
* Deliver with impact. You are empowered and trusted to create impact through exposure to cutting edge projects and research, career defining opportunities, and get to be part of a team creating sustainable solutions that will leave a legacy.
* Connect to what matters. We are all about forming deep community relationships, fostering our passionate and connected teams. It is central to our work to support a true sense of belonging across the team.
* Live your way. From bringing your whole self to work, through to designing flexibility, that fits you and the team, at DPIRD you will be able to find the balance that works for you.
We are a young agency, but with that has come a personality that is dedicated, passionate, proactive, influential, and informed. We're all about 'having a crack'.
We acknowledge the ongoing custodial responsibilities of the Aboriginal peoples of NSW to care for Country and water and are committed to establishing meaningful partnerships with Aboriginal peoples in the management of the environment.
To Apply
If excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application All applications must be submitted online and should include your current resume (max 3 pages) and a cover letter (max 2 pages) outlining your suitability for this position.
Applications close Sunday, 11 January 2026 at 11:55pm.
Should you require further information about the role please contact Helen Schaefer, Manager Biosecurity & Emergency Services via email at or on
A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available over the next 18 months.
Please also note, to be eligible for an ongoing role in the NSW Public Sector you need to be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident. For temporary and casual roles, you need to hold a valid visa giving you permission to work in Australia as required by the role.
What to Expect Next
Once you submit your application, you'll receive an email confirmation. After the advertisement closes, all applications will be reviewed by the hiring manager and selection panel. If shortlisted, you may be invited to an interview – this could be in person, over the phone, or via video. You may also be asked to complete role-related tasks, such as a written assessment, presentation assessment, skills test or psychometric assessment.
Reference checks will be conducted for candidates progressing to the final stages.
The successful applicant may also be required to undergo a police check, health assessment, and other relevant checks as part of the recruitment process.
Additional Information
Diversity, equity and inclusion are central to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, reflecting the rich diversity of the communities we serve.
We actively encourage individuals of all backgrounds – including but not limited to; gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural heritage, disability, religion and sexual orientation to submit an application. We strive to ensure that every stage of the recruitment process and overall employee experience is accessible, welcoming and free from barriers.
If you require adjustments in completing your application, interviewing, completing any pre- employment testing, require information in an alternative format, or otherwise participating in the recruitment process, please contact Mariam Barakat, Business Partner Talent Advisory on (please mention reference number or you can send an email to or contact the hiring manager listed above for a confidential discussion.
Looking for more information or assistance in applying?
* Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace
* How we encourage and support people with disability
* Information and adjustments for individual needs for the recruitment process and the workplace.
If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, use our Guide for Aboriginal Applicants to assist with applying for roles or contact our Aboriginal Economic Development Team for a yarn.
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