Senior Plant Pathologist

APS 6 – $91,944 – $104,393, plus superannuation

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 the Torres Strait and diverse surveillance and diagnostic services around Australia, including animal and plant health surveillance measures under the Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy.

The Plant Pathology Section (PPS) supports regulatory decision-making and biosecurity policy settings with plant health diagnostics at the Australian border, as well as providing scientific expertise and operational intelligence. PPS also works with the department and stakeholders to safeguard Australia from exotic plant diseases and weeds and to enable continued agricultural access to improved crop varieties imported through post-entry quarantine.

The Job

The role provides and manages diagnostics and associated advice on biosecurity risk and measures at the departments laboratories. Under the general direction of the Principal Plant Pathologist the Senior Plant Pathologist will undertake duties that include, but are not limited to:

·      providing leadership, management and operational support of diagnostic staff in the laboratory to ensure timely and effective delivery of diagnostic activities and technical advice within the quality management system,

·      conducting diagnostic testing of samples submitted to the laboratory for identification, disease diagnosis and provision of associated operational advice on biosecurity risk and biosecurity measures, including leading the provision of advice on the management of complex plant health issues in imported plants under post-entry plant quarantine,

·      assessing a diverse range of plants for disease symptoms and collecting samples suitable for laboratory diagnostics, in field or greenhouse environments, as required,

·      liaising, negotiating and communicating with internal and external stakeholders to resolve moderately complex plant health issues for goods under biosecurity control at associated Approved Arrangement facilities, including post-entry plant quarantine facilities,

·      leading and contributing to the development and implementation of strategic initiatives for the section nationally,

·      contributing to reporting that includes the recording and analysis of diagnostic results and verification data, preparing formal reports and providing technical input to work instructions, guidelines and requests for operational policy advice,

·      promoting and ensuring compliance with WHS requirements in the laboratory (including fostering a positive WHS culture), identifying and assessing hazards and developing, implementing and reviewing safety controls,

·      developing and leading the delivery of technical and biosecurity-awareness training to internal and external stakeholders, as required,

·      promoting and adhering to the Australian Public Sector (APS) Values, Employment Principles and Code of Conduct.

What we are looking for

Knowledge and experience

·      Demonstrated experience in leading and motivating a team undertaking complex tasks in an operational environment where priorities change on a day-to-day basis.

·      Demonstrated experience in leading the delivery of plant health diagnostics for a diverse range of plant pathogenic taxa utilising conventional and emerging diagnostic technologies as well as experience in troubleshooting and transferring skills to technical staff.

·      Demonstrated experience in interrogation, analysis and reporting upon statistical and diagnostic data, utilising workplace information systems.

Mandatory qualifications

Tertiary qualifications in agriculture or biological science (minimum bachelor’s degree), with specialisation in plant pathology and diagnostics or equivalent work experience with at least 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 they may be required to undertake activities in and outside post-entry quarantine facilities and may need to travel to other locations within Australia and if required, offshore.

·      Note that they will need to meet the minimum requirements in order to be appointed as a Biosecurity Officer under the Biosecurity Act 2015.

Closing date: 10 January 2025