Job description
Agency Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Work unit Plant Pathology - Biosecurity and Animal Welfare
Job title Senior Plant Pathologist Designation Professional 3
Job type Full time Duration Ongoing
Salary $110,873 - $124,173 Location Darwin
Position number 45824 RTF Closing 22/02/2026
Contact officer Dr Sharl Mintoff, Principal Plant Pathologist 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
In collaboration with the Principal Plant Pathologist, deliver a diagnostic service for internal and external clients, including
supporting emergency plant pest responses. Together with the plant pathology team, improve the productivity and sustainability
of plant industries in the Northern Territory, in line with the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries strategic plan. To be
considered for this position you must be able to travel to regional areas and work outside normal business hours to support
emergency management activities.
Key duties and responsibilities
1. Manage the day-to-day laboratory operation, general diagnostic-workflows, and allocation of tasks to staff and associated
resources.
2. Contribute to the development and implementation of plant pathology research, development and extension (RD&E)
preparedness and diagnostic projects of relevance to industry.
3. Conduct plant pathogen diagnostics using conventional techniques and utilising molecular tools and advise clients on
management options.
4. Conduct and lead plant disease surveys for general and targeted plant diseases, glasshouse and field-based experiments to
prove disease causality and testing of control measures
1. Establish and maintain key partnerships with Molecular Diagnostics, Entomology, Plant Biosecurity, and Emergency .Response
managers.
1. Perform the duties of an inspector under the Plant Health Act 2008.
2. Provide advice on plant biosecurity issues to the Principal Plant Pathologist and Deputy Chief Plant Health Officer.
3. Support emergency disease and pest responses in the Northern Territory though provision of expertise, including diagnostics
and surveillance.
Selection criteria
Essential
1. Bachelor degree in science, agricultural science or equivalent.
2. Extensive knowledge and demonstrated experience conducting plant disease diagnostics with a focus on tropical crops and
their management.
1. Experience managing a diagnostic laboratory and associated resources.
2. Proven experience conducting extensive field surveys for plant diseases in challenging and hot/humid environments.
3. Demonstrated ability to develop and manage innovative RD and E projects that advance the economic and sustainable
development of plant industries.
6. Demonstrated good working knowledge and direct experience of quality assurance requirements and WHS Standards in a
Physical and Biosecurity Containment level 2 (BC2) and BC3 laboratory environments.
7. Excellent written and oral communication skills, including demonstrated experience in achieving positive outcomes through
stakeholder engagement and the ability to work harmoniously with other staff and clients.
8. A current Class C Driver Licence, or equivalent.
Desirable
1. Postgraduate qualifications and experience in plant pathology diagnostics and research would be highly regarded.
2. Well-developed knowledge of plant health and pest and disease incursions at the local, national and international levels.
3. Training and accreditation for Approved Arrangement Facilities.