Who we are
The Animal and Biological Imports Branch implements biosecurity policies to allow for the secure movement of animals, animal products (including aquatic animals and their products) and genetic material into Australia. The activities of the branch include responding to general client enquiries relating to the importation of goods and use of associated departmental systems, the provision of technical advice to staff, importers and stakeholders, development and publishing of import conditions, instructional material and other guidance material, and assessing import permit applications and issuing import permits.
At the branch level, there are two streams with vacancies we are looking to fill through this recruitment process.
Technical Stream
This includes the Laboratory and Human Tissues Team, Food Biosecurity Team, Animal Feeds and Bioremediation Team, Veterinary Biologicals Team, Horse, Livestock and Birds Team and the Zoological Aquatics and Companion Animals Team. Collectively, these teams are responsible for the assessment of import permit applications, the operationalisation of biosecurity policies to allow for the safe movement of animals, animal products, food, veterinary therapeutics, environmental samples, genetic material and microorganisms into Australia and participation in overseas verification activities, including auditing of international manufacturing and biosecurity facilities.
Client Contact Stream
This covers the Biosecurity Import Support Team (BIST) which is a service delivery area and the central contact point for industry, the public and the department’s import operations areas. BIST is responsible for administering biosecurity import permit applications, conducting non-technical permit assessments and responding to general enquiries relating to the importation of goods and use of associated systems via phone and email. To deliver effective client service, BIST has standard operating hours from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday to Friday. This availability is underpinned by a supportive, team-based approach, where a roster system is in place, work is equitably distributed and clear performance standards are set.
The key duties of the position include:
The Jobs
The duties of the roles include the following:
• Communicate with a range of different people with a high customer service focus within a regulatory environment and work effectively as a member of a team, and independently, to achieve outcomes.
• Effectively liaise with peers, management and stakeholders and provide advice and make effective evidence-based regulatory decisions in accordance with legislation, policies and procedures.
• Analyse and communicate scientific, technical and policy information.
• Prioritise tasks and use time efficiently.
• Problem-solve and appropriately escalate sensitive matters in a timely manner.
• Deliver accurate work of a high standard within specified timeframes.
Please note that this recruitment process will initially be used to fill two ongoing vacancies in the branch. 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 be used to fill future ongoing and non-ongoing vacancies in the branch where the duties are of a similar nature.
For further information on the work of our department please click here.
Eligibility
What we are looking for
Knowledge and experience requirements for both streams
• A knowledge of biosecurity concepts and the ability to interpret and apply relevant policy and legislation in an operational context is highly desirable.
• Experience working in a fast-paced operational and regulatory environment.
• Experience providing responsive customer service and assisting clients to understand complex policies and procedures.
Client Contact Stream only
• Experience in a call centre or client service role is highly desirable.
📌 Assessing Officer
🏢 Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
📍 Canberra