Biosecurity Officer

APS 4 - $74,882 - $81,521 per annum plus superannuation
- Biosecurity Operations Division
- Sydney, NSW
- _Want to work in government to support & protect our agriculture industry?_
- _Are you inquisitive and curious?_

**Who we are**
**Traveller Policy and Operations & Human Health** develops and implements policy and controls to manage biosecurity and human health risks at the border. The pathway also works to address emerging post border biosecurity detections and deliver integrated system solutions to facilitate/support effective regulation across traveller and mail trade pathways.

**Travellers Operations** delivers regulatory screening and inspections of travellers and their goods, at the border to verify compliance with Australia's biosecurity requirements. Travellers Operations works with policy and risk owners within the department to influence and inform operational policy and deliver regulatory functions in accordance with legislative requirements, national standards, and a risk-based operating model. The operations group has a national footprint with a presence at international airports and seaports in all capital cities.

**The Job**
The main duties of a Biosecurity Officer may include, but are not limited to:

- performing a range of screening, inspection and assurance related activities associated with international aircraft, air and sea passengers/crew.
- assessing documentation to confirm compliance with Australia’s biosecurity requirements.
- managing goods that do not comply with import/export requirements and capturing information to support evidence-based decisions.
- identifying trends in biosecurity risks and escalating these to assist in targeting intelligence and risk-based activities.
- managing, modelling and monitoring compliance with appropriate standards of behaviour in line with departmental expectations and including the APS Code of Conduct and Values.
- promoting and complying with departmental WHS and Rehabilitation policies and guidelines and being alert for and reporting risks to local management and WHS.
- providing on-the-job coaching and assisting and supporting other employees on biosecurity issues.

**Please note**:

- The merit pool established through this selection process, which is valid for a period of eighteen months from the date the vacancy was advertised in the Gazette, may also be used to full future ongoing and non-ongoing vacancies in the division where the duties are of a similar nature.

**Skills and capabilities**
Successful applicants will be able to demonstrate the following skills and abilities:

- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to form views, provide advice and make effective evidence-based regulatory decisions in accordance with legislation, policies and procedures.
- The ability to use initiative and work independently to meet operational demands while navigating through changing priorities.
- The ability to work effectively and safely to achieve sound outcomes in a fast paced and challenging environment.
- The ability to problem-solve and appropriately escalate sensitive matters in a timely manner.
- The ability to use risk management tools and techniques.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to effectively liaise with peers, management and stakeholders.
- Digital literacy skills to confidently learn and utilise the department’s systems and devices.
- The ability to contribute to, promote and implement business change.

**What we are looking for**
**Knowledge and experience**
Successful applicants will contribute to the division meeting its regulatory goals of managing biosecurity threats by demonstrating the following key attributes:
Integrity
- Demonstrate sound moral and ethical principles across all areas of work.
- Undertake duties in line with the Biosecurity Act 2015 and decision support materials.
- Maintain biosecurity and personal integrity at all times.

Independence
- Ensure activities are performed without interference or undue influence from those being regulated or those who have a vested interest.
- The ability to make decisions within the scope of your authority through sound judgement and decision making whilst working independently with mínimal supervision.
- A clear purpose and level of curiosity
- Articulate a clear purpose by understanding your role and the role of the department as a regulator.
- Attention to detail whilst remaining open and inquisitive to consider elements outside the task at hand.

Appropriate use of authority
- A good understanding of legislative powers (or the ability to acquire) and the ability to use them in a professional manner.
- The ability to make evidence-based decisions using sound judgement in line with legislation.
- The confidence and willingness to challenge, even where doubt exists.
- The ability to manage conflict.

Accountability
- Accountable for your actions and be able to make and explain informed defensible decisions.
- Take responsibil