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Form of workWine Australia supports the Australian grape and wine community by investing in research and innovation, disseminating knowledge, encouraging adoption, marketing and protecting the reputation of Australian wine.
We are funded by grape growers and winemakers through levies and use-pays charges, and by the Australian Government’s matching funding in research and innovation.
The Research and Innovation (R&I) team works with the Australian grape and wine community, representative organisations, wine sector bodies and research partners to support the long-term success of the Australian grape and wine sector. The team co-designs, directs and manages grape and wine research and development, and facilitates the dissemination, adoption and commercialisation of the results to enable practice change by the sector.
There are several exotic Pests and Diseases, some of which are included on Australia’s top 40 list of exotic and unwanted plant pests, that could cripple Australian wine grape production. Endemic pests, such as phylloxera, could also devastate grape and wine regions if they spread outside of the current infected and risk zones. A changing climate brings additional challenges.
In this role of Program Manager – Biosecurity, Pests and Disease reporting to the Senior Program Manager R&I, you would be responsible for:
- coordinating a portfolio of investments for maximum benefit and preparedness of the winegrape sector for high priority exotic Pests and Diseases
- coordinating a portfolio of investments for prevention, detection, containment and management of endemic Pests and Diseases of grapevine
- strengthening awareness of exotic Pests and Diseases of relevance to the winegrape sector, and biosecurity practices to reduce risk, through regular communication to and engagement with interested and affected stakeholders, and
- acting as a knowledge broker between researchers and end users in the grape and wine sector.
In this role, you will:
- manage sector consultation, co-design, procurement, contracting, review, progression and extension of projects related to biosecurity, Pests and Disease
- develop, deliver and support Wine Australia extension, adoption and practice change initiatives related to biosecurity, Pests and Diseases
- effectively manage relationships with key stakeholders
- actively participate in appropriate committees and working groups to effectively manage the interests of Wine Australia and the Australian grape and wine sector
- support the sector in responding to exotic pest and Disease incursions or outbreaks of endemic Pests and Diseases, and
- provide appropriate strategic input and written reports as required.
We are keen to hear from you if you possess the following:
- tertiary qualifications or equivalent in plant pathology, entomology, behavioural economics, horticulture, plant sciences, soil sciences, agriculture, or related disciplines
- more than five years of experience in managing or undertaking plant biosecurity, pest or disease projects or agricultural sector extension and adoption activities
- demonstrated knowledge of the wine, horticulture or agricultural sectors
- an ability to think strategically and identify and articulate clear insights for complex issues
- a commercial mindset with the ability to sustain focus on conflicting priorities and deliver business priorities on deadline with consistent quality
- strong engagement and influence skills and knowledge and capacity to engage key stakeholders using co-innovation principles, and
- exceptional written and oral communication skills.
We are looking for a flexible, resourceful self-starter who takes initiative, and requires little direct day-to-day supervision. We would like you to have strong interpersonal skills, a collegial work style, enthusiasm, high energy levels, a good sense of humour and enjoy working as part of a team.
You will ideally be based in Adelaide, but we will consider other locations for the right person.
To apply, please submit your cover letter and resume via seek.
