Our open secret: Deliver with impact, connect to what matters & live your way.

• Fixed-term full-time opportunity for up to 2 years
• Location: Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, Menangle
• Competitive salary from $73,522 - $113,562 p.a. + superannuation (Technical Officer Grade 1-3)

Diversity, equity and inclusion are central to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, reflecting the rich diversity of the communities we serve. We actively encourage individuals of all backgrounds – including but not limited to; gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural heritage, disability, religion and sexual orientation to submit an application. We strive to ensure that every stage of the recruitment process and overall employee experience is accessible, welcoming and free from barriers.

About Us

The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) protects, supports and develops primary industries and regional economies.

Collectively we support strong and sustainable agriculture, forestry, fishing and mining industries, and regional economies. We actively manage our natural assets: our lands and soils, minerals, waterways and oceans, vegetation and forests.

The department brings together:

• Agriculture and Biosecurity
• NSW Resources
• Local Land Services
• Fisheries and Forestry
• Regional Development and Delivery.

With nearly 5,000 employees, and 75 per cent of the DPIRD team living and working in regional NSW, we are embedded in the regions we serve.

About the Opportunity

As a Technical Officer, Plants you’ll play a key role in delivering laboratory testing and processing work for Plant submissions received by the Citrus Pathology team.

No two days here are the same! You’ll be hands-on with tasks such as:

• Carrying out laboratory and greenhouse-based work, including citrus plant propagation, micrografting, and molecular diagnostics (e.g., DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, sequencing)
• Managing high-health status germplasm and living positive control collections
• Contributing to process improvement initiatives to streamline workflows and lab performance
• Collaborating with colleagues across the Citrus Pathology team to ensure accurate and timely diagnostic results.

You’ll thrive in a collaborative environment that values attention to detail, scientific integrity, precision and a strong commitment to biosecurity and plant health.

Our ideal candidate will have

• A minimum of three years’ experience in an Agricultural / Biological sciences laboratory (Study in Honours or above in a relevant field may count towards this)
• Strong skills in greenhouse management, plant propagation (micrografting desirable), and molecular biology.
• Experience with plant diagnostics, including the use of PCR, sequencing and pathogen elimination techniques
• A keen eye for accuracy and a passion for improving plant health outcomes

Essential Requirements

• Qualifications in accordance with Part 2(xvii) of the Crown Employees (Department of Industry) Technical Staff Award

What We Offer

DPIRD an attractive place to build your career. You’ll be part of a team that offers:

• A Diverse and Inclusive Workplace
• Flexible, autonomous work environment
• Competitive pay and conditions
• Professional Development
• Health & Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programs.

Learn more about the benefits of joining our diverse and talented DPIRD team.

👉 How to Apply

If this role sounds ideal to you, please apply via our online portal by submitting your resume and a brief cover letter outlining how your skills and experience match what we are looking for. We will then get back in touch after the closing date.

Applications Close: Sunday 8 June 2025, at 11:55pm

💬 For further information about this vacancy please contact:

Nerida Donovan, Plant Pathologist on 02 4640 6232 or [email protected]

🔗 Click here to view the full role description

What to expect next

Once you submit your application, you’ll receive an email confirmation. After the advertisement closes, all applications will be reviewed by the hiring manager and selection panel. If shortlisted, you may be invited to an interview—this could be in person, over the phone, or via video. You may also be asked to complete role-related tasks, such as a written assessment, skills test, or psychometric assessment. Reference checks will be conducted for candidates progressing to the final stages.

The successful applicant may also be required to undergo a police check, health assessment, and other relevant checks as part of the recruitment process.

If you require adjustments in completing your application, interviewing, completing any pre- employment testing, require information in an alternative format, or otherwise participating in the recruitment process, please let us know so we can assist. Send an email to [email protected] or contact the hiring manager listed above for a confidential discussion.

Additional Information

The salary offered to the successful candidate will be commensurate with qualifications, skills and experience, as outlined in the Crown Employees (Department of Industry) Technical Staff Award and the Technical Staff Merit Progression Guidelines.

A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary roles of the same role or role type that may become available for filling over the next eighteen months.

_____________________________

DPIRD is committed to providing an inclusive candidate experience and through the Disability Confident Recruiter program, identify and remove unintended barriers for candidates.