Address
Form of work
Salary- APS 3 - $63,867 - $71,444 per annum plus superannuation
- Biosecurity Plant and Science Services Division
- Other
- Perform inspections of cargo, vessels, aircraft and passenger luggage according to applicable biosecurity regulations.
- Support and enable delivery of animal and plant health surveillance and response measures, including related community awareness and engagement activity.
- Work as part of an integrated network of Biosecurity Officers in Torres Strait.
Who we are
The Biosecurity Plant and Science Services Division (BPSSD) safeguards Australia’s plant health status to achieve, maintain and expand overseas markets, while protecting the economy and environment. The division includes four branches, which together focus on providing scientific analysis and technical advice, facilitating the safe importation of plants and plant products, improving systems, market access, capacity building and stakeholder engagement. The division provides diagnostics, with advice on biosecurity risk and measures, and biosecurity training. The division conducts surveillance and response at first points of entry and approved arrangements sites nationally, and delivers plant, animal and aquatic health surveillance in northern Australia. The division works closely with communities and Indigenous rangers and regulates biosecurity risk in the Torres Strait.
Science and Surveillance Group (SSG) is comprised of scientists, operations and support staff responsible for regulatory advice and training, technical input to biosecurity policy, regulation activity in Torres Strait and diverse surveillance and diagnostic services around Australia, including animal and plant health surveillance measures under the Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy.
The Torres Strait and Field Operations section manages the Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy (NAQS) activities in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area of Cape York. This includes the clearance of traditional and commercial vessels, aircraft, passenger and crew, cargo as well as monitoring and response programs, pest surveillance activities and public awareness.
The Job
As a Biosecurity Officer your duties will include but are not limited to:
- Liaising with customers and clients both internally and externally.
- Carrying out biosecurity inspections/activities of vessels, aircraft, cargo, and passengers in accordance with applicable legislation.
- Undertaking field work including assisting scientific staff as required, plant surveillance and insect trapping.
- Assisting with equipment, vehicle and vessel checks as required.
- Using computer applications to analyse, maintain and update data.
- Preparing reports, collecting statistical data and submitting within specific timeframes.
- Assisting defined activities under agreement with other Commonwealth agencies and performing other duties as directed.
- Knowledge of the environment (coastal northern Australia from Broome in Western Australia to Cairns in Queensland) in which the Northern Australian Quarantine Strategy operates
- sound interpersonal skills coupled with the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with communities, clients, representative bodies, other government departments throughout Northern Australia
- proven ability to work as part of a team
- sound understanding of WH&S issues
- demonstrated understanding of the APS Values and Code of Conduct
- experience in, or capacity to deliver, biosecurity inspection services in accordance with applicable legislative and administrative requirements
- demonstrated understanding of the culture and issues facing Indigenous Australians
- strong working knowledge of the Torres Strait Treaty provisions
- ability to speak Torres Strait Creole would be highly advantageous.
The successful applicant will demonstrate the following skills/capabilities:
- Demonstrated understanding of the culture and issues facing Indigenous Australians
- Ability to speak Torres Strait Creole would be highly advantageous.
- Working remotely and under limited supervision to undertake duties in line with work instructions and always maintaining biosecurity and personal Integrity at all times.
- Flexible approach to problem solving.
- Making decisions within the scope of your authority through sound judgement and decision making whilst working independently with minimal supervision.
- Understanding your role and the role of the department as a regulator, demonstrating attention to detail whilst remaining open and inquisitive to consider elements outside the task at hand.
- Sound understanding of legislative powers (or the ability to acquire) and use them in a professional manner.
- Making evidence-based decisions using sound judgement in line with relevant legislation.
- Confidence and willingness to challenge, even where doubt exists.
- Demonstrated ability to manage conflict.
- Working effectively in a team environment, building and sustaining collaborative relationships.
- Managing change and maintaining focus on strategic objectives.
The successful applicant must;
- Hold and maintain a valid Australian motor vehicle drivers licence
- note that the physical requirements of the role(s) involve a combination of outdoor and office-based work
- note that the position may require them to participate in an on-call roster (for which an appropriate restriction allowance will be paid) and be available to perform duty outside standard hours
- note that you will be required to travel in remote/isolated locations in northern Australia or its near northern neighbours, using a variety of transport including vessels, light/commercial aircraft, helicopters and manual four-wheel drive vehicles
- note that you will be required, from time to time, to work in difficult, remote and harsh environments (possibly for extended periods) under limited supervision or in teams
- wear an official uniform supplied by the department, including during field operations (as applicable), in accordance with the department’s uniform policy.
For additional information, please read the Job Description below.
