Applied Entomologist

6 months ago


Canberra, Australia Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Full time

EL 1 - $120,290 - $129,379 per annum plus superannuation
- Plant Protection & Environmental Biosecurity Division
- Canberra, ACT

Develop a research program to manage pest locust populations and support Australia's agriculture sector.

**Who we are**
The Plant Protection and Environmental Biosecurity Division (PPEBD) provides policy leadership and support for plant health and environmental biosecurity. PPEBD is the home of the Australian Chief Plant Protection Officer (ACPPO) and Australian Chief Environmental Biosecurity Officer (ACEBO). The division: aims to improve Australia’s plant health and environmental biosecurity systems and outcomes; helps meet relevant national and international obligations; and works to minimise the impacts of current and emerging biosecurity risks to Australia’s agricultural production and trade, environment, Indigenous and cultural heritage and associated amenities. The division is comprised of two branches: the Plant Health Policy Branch and the Environmental Biosecurity Office, which also oversees the Australian Plague Locust Commission’s activities.

The Environmental Biosecurity Branch works collaboratively to strengthen Australia’s plant health and environmental biosecurity systems including through policy advice, surveillance, diagnostics, preparedness, and response capabilities. We lead and coordinate the management of established pests, diseases and weeds, and the Australian Plague Locust Commission (APLC).

The APLC is jointly funded by New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland and the Australian Government. The APLC is responsible for monitoring and managing locust populations that significantly threaten agriculture.

**The Job**

**Skills and Capabilities**

**Knowledge and experience**

**Eligibility**
**Citizenship** - To be eligible for employment with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry you must be an Australian citizen.

**Security Clearance** - This position requires No security clearance. You will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.

**Pre-employment Check**:

- Your suitability for employment will be assessed through a pre-employment screening process. This process includes a requirement to undergo and satisfy a National Police Check, referee checks, character clearance and where required a pre-employment medical assessment, specified mandatory qualification(s) validation and a probation period of 6 months.

**MSIC and ASIC Licences** - If the position requires unescorted access within an aviation or maritime security zone, you will be required to obtain and maintain an Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC) or Maritime Security Identification Card (MSIC).

Requirement to be vaccinated under public health orders
It may be a condition of your employment that:
1. If you are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 under an applicable Australian law; or
2. If the department is unable under an applicable Australian law to permit you to attend for work (i.e. outside of your usual place of residence) unless you are vaccinated against COVID-19,

You must be up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations, and you must also comply with all recommendations from public health authorities regarding any additional vaccinations that ensure the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine that you have received.

The successful applicant must:

- Hold and maintain a current manual driver’s licence and ability to drive a 4WD vehicle,
- 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 appropriate protective personal equipment and clothing to comply with departmental Work Health & Safety policies and procedures.

**Mandatory Qualifications**
Relevant qualifications in a biological, agricultural, environmental or other relevant scientific discipline.