Botanist

Overview

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

We are looking for an enthusiastic and skilled Botanist with demonstrated field experience and botanical skills to join the NAQS team in Cairns. The successful applicant will contribute to early detection surveillance delivered by the NAQS plant health team in QLD, NT, and WA, and will work closely with other federal, state/territory government staff, Biosecurity Engagement Officers, and Indigenous Rangers, to deliver an integrated biosecurity surveillance program across northern Australia. There may also be opportunities for offshore surveillance in near-neighbour countries.

The key duties of the role include, but are not limited to:

- undertaking botanical surveys across northern Australia in Queensland, the Northern Territory, and Western Australia

- the preparation and identification of plant material collected during field surveys

- the maintenance of accurate computer-based and manual records and the preparation of reports

- contributing to the delivery of training and extension material for external stakeholders, including First Nation ranger groups.

- promoting and ensuring effective implementation of APS Values, Employment Principles, Code of Conduct, WHS, and Rehabilitation policies.

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What we are looking for

Knowledge and experience

- Field plant identification skills and experience, preferably with field experience in Northern Australia.

- Demonstrated knowledge and skills in specimen collection and preservation techniques.

- Experience communicating effectively with diverse stakeholder groups.

- Experience using Work Health and Safety principles to reduce risk.

- Experience working in remote locations is desirable.

Mandatory qualifications

Tertiary qualifications (Bachelor's degree) in biological science, environmental science, agriculture, ecology, or a related field that emphasises botany. Applicants who do not possess such a qualification, but who have a demonstrated history of practical and directly applicable experience in botanical science, may also be considered.

Eligibility and other requirements

The successful applicant must:

- note that you may be required to perform occasional out-of-hours and weekend work

- note that you will be required to complete specific training (including refresher training) related to the role, including remote area training, defensive driving, first aid, and CPR courses

- note that you will be required to travel in remote/isolated locations in northern Australia or its near northern neighbours, using a variety of transport, including vessels, light/commercial aircraft, helicopters, and manual four-wheel drive vehicles

- 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, clothing and comply with departmental Work Health & Safety policies and procedures.

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