The Biosecurity Officer - Plants in the Plants Chemicals and Invasives Branch (PCI) within Agriculture Victoria has key responsibility in the operational delivery of plant biosecurity activities that support Victorian producers with market access to domestic and international trade via certifications, permits and auditing under the Plant Biosecurity Act 2010.

You will work as a member of a small team to ensure delivery of high quality services in the areas of pest and disease surveillance; plant biosecurity legislation and enforcement management; and biosecurity emergency preparedness and response.

As part of an integrated and flexible business model within the Plants Chemicals and Invasives Branch you may also provide support to other programs or other regions. You will enjoy flexible working arrangements and undertake a wide variety of work to support interoperability across the business, including establishing strong working relationships with internal staff and various external stakeholders including private landowners, community and industry groups.

This position is a designated DEECA Authorised Officer position.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• A tertiary degree in Science, Agricultural Science, Natural Resource Management is required for this position. Other related Science Degrees may be considered.
• Current Drivers Licence for a motor vehicle
• Hold a current Applied First Aid Certificate (Level 2 to be completed during probation period)
• Vaccination against Q fever is recommended.

This is an ongoing position. The work location for this position is Epping.

To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) summarising their skills and relevant experience.

Please refer to the Key Selection Criteria provided in the Position Description, including the mandatory requirements.

In particular, please address:

1. Your knowledge of Victorian agriculture and horticulture industries including biosecurity issues such as plant pests and diseases affecting these industries including an outline of how you gained this knowledge; and
2. Outline what personal attributes you have for working in a regulatory role.

Applications close at midnight on Monday, 10th March 2025.

Other relevant information:

For this particular vacancy, priority consideration applies to Victorian Public Service (VPS) and select employees of the Victorian Public Sector who apply through the Jobs and Skills Exchange (JSE) jobs board platform.

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a National Police Check.

To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing position is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.

A Diverse, Inclusive and Flexible Workplace

DEECA welcomes applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds and we focus on the essential requirements of the job and being consistent and fair in our treatment of all applicants. We also understand that a balanced life is important to our employees. Talk to us about our flexible options such as working some days from home, starting early or late, working part time, job sharing or accessing paid or unpaid leave.