Manager - Plant

• APS 6 - $88,408 - $100,378 per annum plus superannuation
• Biosecurity Plant and Science Services Division
• Mickleham, VIC

Who are we
The Post-Entry Quarantine Group (PEQ) is responsible for the post arrival quarantine of plants and animals at the Mickleham Post-entry Quarantine Facility located on the outskirts of Melbourne. The Mickleham PEQ Facility is purpose built for accommodating high risk plants, horses, cats, dogs, ruminants, birds and bees while undergoing post-entry quarantine. Working in partnership with plant scientists and veterinarians, we ensure that all plants and animals passing through the facility meet all necessary requirements to demonstrate compliance with the regulatory requirements for their safe import and that the health and welfare of the plants and animals is maintained throughout the period of their stay in PEQ.
The Plant team are responsible for the management of high risk imported plants. The team provide high level plant husbandry whilst monitoring for biosecurity pests and diseases. The team work closely with our operational scientists in providing diagnostic services.
The Job
The main duties of the Plant Operations Manager within PEQ may include, but are not limited to:

• performing a range of biosecurity activities within PEQ in accordance with established quarantine inspection policies and procedures
• implementing and maintaining a high degree of biosecurity control and adherence to procedures to maintain biosecurity integrity
• undertaking a range of plant husbandry duties to care for, treat and monitor plants subject to post entry quarantine
• providing a high level of horticultural and nursery management skills to propagate and maintain valuable plant material undergoing post entry quarantine screening at PEQ
• ensuring strict plant hygiene standards and pest and disease control is maintained at all times to limit the spread of exotic plant pests from and within the nursery
• providing timely and accurate advice on complex biosecurity matters to employees, stakeholders/clients and senior managers
• providing technical, administrative and managerial support to senior staff
• resolving complex operational and technical matters
• liaising with clients and other government agencies, providing advice as necessary
• providing on-the-job training and assist and support other employees on biosecurity issues
• building and sustaining supportive, effective, and collaborative relationships
• actively participating in and contributing to the department’s corporate objectives and support change management, including staff and client participation, consultation, and cultural change
• managing, modelling and monitoring compliance with appropriate standards of behaviour including the APS Code of Conduct and Values
• promoting and complying with departmental Work Health and Safety and Rehabilitation policies and guidelines and be alert for and report risks to Work Health and Safety.

What we are looking for
Knowledge and experience
The successful applicant will have the following knowledge and experience:

• An extensive background in horticulture.
• A strong knowledge of plant species and the ability to learn and recognise common diseases, nutritional issues and pests that pose a threat.
• An extensive knowledge of a range of plant varieties.
• Prior experience working in a regulatory environment and/or in industries related to agriculture.
• Extensive experience with greenhouse systems.
• People management and stakeholder management experience.
• Nursery management and plant propagation experience in a diverse range of crops with experience preferred in budding, grafting, seed propagation and tissue culture.

For additional information, please read the Job Description below.