Technical Officer

**Fixed-term full-time opportunity of up to 12 months**:

- **Location**:Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, Menangle**:

- **Competitive salary from $73,522 - $113,562 p.a. + superannuation (Technical Officer Grade 1-3)**

**About Us**

The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) protects, supports and develops primary industries and regional economies.

Collectively we support strong and sustainable agriculture, forestry, fishing and mining industries, and regional economies. We actively manage our natural assets: our lands and soils, minerals, waterways and oceans, vegetation and forests.

The department brings together:

- Agriculture and Biosecurity
- NSW Resources
- Local Land Services
- Fisheries and Forestry
- Regional Development and Delivery.

With nearly 5,000 employees, and 75 per cent of the DPIRD team living and working in regional NSW, we are embedded in the regions we serve.

**About the Role**

We’re seeking a **Technical Officer** to join the Sheep Ectoparasite Insecticide Resistance laboratory working with the Australian Sheep Blowfly, _Lucilia cuprina_. A minor part of the laboratory work will also include bacteriology in cases of sheep lameness.

**What Your Day Will Look Like**
Your duties will include, but are not limited to:

- _Work in an environment with decomposing organic matter and strong odours, essential for culturing maggots, blowflies, and bacteria._
- _Prepare insecticide solutions, conduct bioassays, and record detailed results._
- _Culture insects and maintain laboratory and insectary hygiene._
- _Perform molecular techniques including PCR and gel electrophoresis._
- _Maintain accurate records and carry out data analysis._
- _Ensure compliance with laboratory safety and quality assurance protocols._

**Essential Requirements**
- A degree in biological/agricultural science, TAFE Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques (or equivalent) in accordance with the Crown Employees (NSW Department of Industry) Technical Staff Award

**Desirable Skills**
- Experience in entomology and PCR techniques
- Chemical handling certification
- Current Drivers Licence

**To Thrive In This Role, You’ll Need**:

- Experience culturing and handling insects, ideally in a laboratory setting.
- Comfortable working in confronting environments with strong odours and decomposing material.
- Strong manual dexterity and ability to work on close-range visual tasks.
- High reliability and flexibility to work outside regular hours when required.
- Self-starter with the ability to work independently and within a team.
- Strong organisational and time-management skills with attention to detail.
- Confident using computer systems for record-keeping, data analysis, and reporting.
- Understanding of laboratory quality assurance standards.
- Willingness to learn and adapt to changing work requirements.

**Click here to view the full role description**

**For further information about this vacancy please contact**:
Narelle Sales - Professional Officer (Research)

**How to Apply**

If you are ready to create a more prosperous NSW and want to be part of a collaborative team with great culture, we’d love to hear from you

**Applications close at 11:55pm on Tuesday 17 June 2025.**

**_ What to expect next_**
- The successful applicant may also be required to undergo a police check, health assessment, and other relevant checks as part of the recruitment process._

**Additional Information**

A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary roles of the same role or role type that may become available for filling over the next eighteen months