Position: BANANA BUNCHY TOP SURVEILLANCE Officer
Location: Murwillumbah, Lismore & Far North Coast NSW
Reporting to: Project Leader
Employment term: Part-time 12 months with possible extension until March 2028
Salary: As per Horticultural Award 2025 (MA )
About the Business
The Australian Banana Growers' Council (ABGC) leads and represents all commercial banana growers to ensure a profitable and resilient industry future.
In addition to advocacy and representation, ABGC delivers a range of industry development projects directed at biosecurity and pest management, best management practice, worker access and industry regulations, and the supply chain.
About the Job
The ABGC is running a national project on behalf of the banana industry 'Enhancing pest surveillance, grower engagement and banana biosecurity resilience'. A major goal of the project is to control and contain Banana Bunchy Top Disease in the subtropics.
The Field Officer will play a key role in the Project by building capability. He/She will be trained in surveillance and will work with two other field officers in northern NSW to assist in delivering project activities.
This role is 100% field-based and focuses on detecting and managing Banana bunchy top disease and other biosecurity risks. Field Officers are also expected to communicate effectively with growers, contribute to biosecurity knowledge sharing, and represent ABGC's values in the field.
In this role you will be part of a knowledgeable, supportive and proactive team working directly with growers to safeguard the industry.
Main Roles and Responsibilities
Field Operations & Surveillance
* Be trained to conduct surveillance activities on commercial banana farms and some residential properties for Bunchy Top diseased banana plants and other biosecurity risks in accordance with standard procedures and safety protocols.
* Assist with plant destruction, decontamination, and digital tools.
* Maintain accurate records and ensure timely data entry and reporting.
* Monitor field equipment and stock levels; request supplies as needed.
* Travel within banana‑growing regions to conduct fieldwork.
Grower Engagement
* Engage professionally and respectfully with landowners to achieve the surveillance and eradication of Bunchy Top diseased banana plants.
* Be a visible and trusted presence in the field, whom growers can approach with disease‑management questions or concerns.
* Assist the Team Leader with organising targeted inspection schedules.
* Assist in the development and distribution of educational materials to promote best management practice for disease control.
Team & Organisational Contribution
* Work as part of a team, and sometimes independently once trained.
* Contribute to a positive team culture.
* Share insights and observations from the field to support continuous project improvement.
* Promote a strong safety and biosecurity culture within the team and industry.
* Maintain a flexible, can‑do attitude in supporting colleagues and ABGC‑wide initiatives.
Selection Criteria Requirements
Essential
* Live and work within the NSW Banana Bunchy Top Control zone (includes the local government areas of Tweed, Lismore, Ballina and Byron Bay).
* You must be physically fit and able to carry equipment, including a knapsack on steep and uneven slopes in hot, wet and sometimes rugged conditions.
* Must have good eyesight for close vision and long vision.
* Must be willing to handle and use agricultural chemicals for the destruction of banana plants and the control of aphids.
* Must be willing to travel with the inspection team and work over the Queensland border and overnight (once a month).
* Strong interpersonal and communication skills, particularly with primary producers.
* Willing to work in a small but proactive team environment and undergo a training period of 12 months with a probation period of 6 months.
* A current 'C' class driver's licence and maintain your own vehicle to travel to and from work.
* Must agree to undergo a police check (prior to employment) at ABGC's expense.
Desirable
* Field experience in bananas or a similar agricultural setting.
* Experience in 4WD use on slopes and rough terrain.
Remuneration Structure and Conditions of Employment
This is a part‑time position, 32 hours worked over four days from Monday to Thursday. The position can commence immediately. The term is initially for 12 months with possibility of extension until March 2028.
The position is covered by the Horticulture Award 2025.
Salary and conditions will be specified in an Employment Contract and will be commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the successful application, plus superannuation.
Employees will be committed to the ABGC corporate policies, which includes ethical conduct (including respect for others regardless of race, sex, etc. and respect for confidentiality), workplace health and safety and motor vehicle use.
Performance Appraisal
The Field Officer will be required to perform activities that support the Project activities as required. There will be a probationary period of six months, and a formal performance appraisal annually.
How to Apply
To apply for this role, you will need to submit the following documents:
* A cover letter (of no more than 2 pages), telling us why you are interested in this role and how your skills and experience complement this role (refer to the essential and desirable selection criteria).
* Your current resume, detailing your previous work, voluntary or relevant experience including two referees who have personally observed you displaying the responsibilities required for this role.
All applications are to be emailed to the project Manager *****@abgc.org.au .
Additional information about the job can be requested from the Project Manager by email at *****@abgc.org.au or by phone on *** .
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