Plant Pathologist

• APS 5 - $78,548 - $86,168 per annum plus superannuation
• Biosecurity Plant and Science Services Division
• Brisbane, QLD,Melbourne, VIC,Perth, WA,Sydney, NSW

• Perform disease diagnostics on a wide range of imported plants and plant products
• Contribute to Australia’s world-class biosecurity system
• Enjoy competitive remuneration and conditions working in a motivated team

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 Job
The role provides diagnostics and associated advice on biosecurity risk and measures, in the department’s Plant Pathology and Botany Section (PPaBS), at its laboratories at Mascot, Moonee Ponds and Perth. The Plant Pathologist will work effectively in a small team and have knowledge and working experience in plant pathology, be self-motivated, and be able to work independently and collaboratively, with minimal supervision. 

Under the general direction of the Senior Plant Pathologist the Plant Pathologist will undertake duties that include, but are not limited to; 

• Working effectively with other staff in the laboratory to ensure timely delivery of diagnostic activities, quality controls, and technical advice 
• conducting diagnostic testing of samples submitted to the laboratories for identification, disease diagnosis, and provision of associated operational advice on biosecurity risk and biosecurity measures, including advice on management of plant health issues in imported plants under post-entry quarantine 
• assessing a diverse range of plants for disease symptoms and collecting samples suitable for laboratory diagnostics, in field or greenhouse environments, as required 
• contributing to engagement with internal and external stakeholders to resolve plant health issues for goods under biosecurity control and associated Approved Arrangement facilities, including post-entry plant quarantine facilities 
• contributing to implementation of strategic initiatives for the section nationally, and to reporting - including recording and analysing diagnostic results and verification data, preparing formal reports, and providing technical input to work instructions, guidelines, and requests for operational policy advice 
• complying with WHS requirements in the laboratory, including contributing to a positive WHS culture, identification and assessment of hazards, and development of safety controls 
• contributing to development and delivery of technical and biosecurity-awareness training to internal and external stakeholders, as required 
• contributing to operational and strategic initiatives in the section and SSG as required 
• promoting and adhering to Australian Public Sector (APS) Values, Employment Principles and Code of Conduct. 

Please note the successful applicant may be required to undertake activities in and outside post-entry quarantine facilities and may need to travel to other locations in Australia and, if required, offshore.

Knowledge and experience

• Demonstrated ability to undertake complex tasks, to prioritise effort to meet changing operational needs, to negotiate resolution of issues or conflicting points of view and to harness the skills and knowledge of the team. 
• Demonstrated experience in delivery of plant health diagnostics for a diverse range of plant pathogenic taxa, utilising conventional and emerging diagnostic technologies, and experience in troubleshooting and transferring skills to technical staff. 
• Demonstrated experience in accurate reporting of diagnostic data, utilising workplace information systems.

Eligibility
Tertiary qualifications in agriculture or biological science, (minimum bachelor’s degree) with specialisation in plant pathology and diagnostics; or equivalent based on demonstrated experience and with graduate qualifications.

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 you may be required to perform occasional out-of-hours and weekend work
• 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
• wear appropriate protective personal equipment and clothing to comply with departmental Work Health & Safety policies and procedures
• note that you must satisfactorily complete the department’s Biosecurity Foundation Program and meet the minimum requirements in order to be appointed as a Biosecurity Officer under the Biosecurity Act 2015

For additional information, please read the Job Description below.

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