Job description
Agency Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Work unit Water Laboratories – Biosecurity and Animal
Welfare
Job title Laboratory Manager - Water Microbiology Designation Professional 3
Job type Full time Duration Fixed to 31/08/2027
Salary $110,873 - $124,173 Location Darwin
Position number 13034 RTF Closing 10/11/2025
Contact officer Stephen Poole, Senior Manager on or
About the agency
Apply online
APPLICATIONS MUST INCLUDE A ONE-PAGE SUMMARY ABOUT YOU, A DETAILED RESUME AND COPIES OF YOUR
TERTIARY QUALIFICATIONS
Information for applicants – inclusion and diversity and Special Measures recruitment plans
The NTPS values diversity. The NTPS encourages people from all diversity groups to apply for vacancies and accommodates
people with disability by making reasonable workplace adjustments. If you require an adjustment for the recruitment process or
job, please discuss this with the contact officer. For more information about applying for this position and the merit process, go
to the OCPE website.
Aboriginal applicants will be granted priority consideration for this vacancy. For more information on Special Measures plans, go
to the OCPE website.
Primary objective
Manage the accredited Water Microbiology Laboratory operations and assist the Senior Manager with quality management, drive
strategic and operational improvements and provide high level support for contract management.
Context statement
The position is required to support the day-to-day operation of the laboratory, review and authorise results, implement
amendments to existing practices, and undertake development of business cases and options analysis for future extension of
laboratory capability.
Key duties and responsibilities
1. Provide the highest level of customer service to clients, and produce Certificates of Analysis to established deadlines, while
maintaining quality, integrity and confidentiality.
2. Manage the Darwin Water Microbiology Laboratory in accordance with Australian and International Standards for testing
laboratories, ensuring compliance with the laboratory Quality Management System and National Association of Testing
Authority (NATA) requirements.
1. Supervise and train staff in laboratory procedures and protocols to meet the requirements of NATA and other relevant standard
testing methods.
1. Supervise and participate in the analysis of water samples using standard methods.
2. Meet strict sampling and client reporting deadlines.
3. Assess test results in relation to relevant National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia/World Health Organisation
Guidelines and notify clients immediately if a failure to comply with Guidelines arises.
Selection criteria
Essential
1. Experience in laboratory management and technical or analytical supervision in a microbiological laboratory.
2. Experience in training and management of technical staff in a microbiological laboratory.
3. Demonstrated flexibility and appropriate interpersonal, communication and organisational skills to ensure high performance in
a busy, high workload, work environment.
4. Experience with implementing and maintaining a recognised quality assurance system including managing internal audits and
the NATA audit process.
5. Demonstrated high level communication skills, including written and verbal communication skills, negotiation skills, contract
management, and the ability to undertake research and analysis for options papers.
6. Proven high level writing skills suitable for the preparation of Quality System documents and departmental communications,
including procedures, memoranda, briefings and correspondence.
7. Bachelor Degree in scientific discipline relevant to the key responsibilities of the position.
Desirable
1. Experience managing a NATA-accredited laboratory
2. High level Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) experience (development or LIMS administration).