Indigenous Trainee Biosecurity Officer

• APS 2 - $56,208 - $63,417 per annum plus superannuation
• Biosecurity Plant and Science Services Division
• Cairns, QLD,Darwin, NT,Other

• As part of a team, trainees will perform biosecurity functions and undertake field work including assisting scientific staff as required.
• Trainees will also have an opportunity to gain experience across the department and with other government agencies in a range of public sector job roles.
• Positions will be based in various locations across northern Australia.

Affirmative measure - Indigenous employment – The filling of this vacancy is intended to constitute an affirmative measure under section 8(1) of the 'Racial Discrimination Act 1975'. This vacancy is only available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
Identified position – This position is an ‘Identified’ position which signifies that the role has a strong involvement in issues relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The successful applicant must have an understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and an ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander People.
Who we are
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 Indigenous Rangers and Business Management Section engages Indigenous Rangers on a fee for service basis to undertake biosecurity surveillance activities, whilst building biosecurity capability and providing economic opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across northern Australia. The section also delivers the Business Management Unit which provides corporate and strategic support across the Branch.
The Job
The traineeship will provide trainees with the opportunity to work in different areas across the department as well as with other local, state and commonwealth agencies in a range of public sector job roles. Trainees will work under direct supervision to perform a range of duties and activities which may include:

• liaising with customers and clients both internally and externally to provide services and biosecurity information
• sharing information with Indigenous communities and their representatives, government agencies and other community stakeholders about biosecurity
• carrying out biosecurity inspections of vessels, aircraft, cargo and passengers in accordance with the Biosecurity Act 2015
• undertaking field work including helping scientific staff
• assisting with equipment and vehicle safety checks
• using computer applications to collect and update data
• preparing workplace documents including emails and reports, collect biosecurity data and submit within specific timeframes
• communicating with stakeholders in remote communities in northern Australia, including Indigenous rangers and related organisations
• assisting with community engagement activities.

Please note trainees will be supported by workplace supervisors, mentors, and peer-buddies. On-the-job skills development during the traineeship will be supported by a range of training. Infrequent travel will be required to complete block training. Trainees will receive a Certificate III or IV in Government as well as statements of attainment for other competencies such as remote area health and safety, first aid and off-road driving and navigation.
The traineeship positions will run for a period of 18 months up to 2 years. You will be placed in either an operational Biosecurity Officer role or a community liaison officer role. On the job training will be offered along with a range of short courses and formal study to ensure you develop skills across a range of job role areas.
Suitable applicants will be responsible for relocation costs and should familiarise themselves with the Cairns, Darwin, NPA and Torres Strait housing market prior to applying for this position. Flights and accommodation to attend training and job role rotations will be provided.
Knowledge and experience
The successful applicant will have:

• knowledge or an understanding of the contemporary issues and/or protocols affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
• self-motivated with the ability to acquire an understanding to perform administration duties.

Eligibility
The successful applicant must:

• hold and maintain a valid Australian motor vehicle drivers licence
• note that you may be required to perform occasional out-of-hours and weekend work
• 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
• 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.