Biosecurity Officer

APS 4 - $74,882 - $81,521 per annum plus superannuation
- Biosecurity Plant and Science Services Division
- Mickleham, VIC
- _Engage in hands-on tasks such as handling animals, maintaining crates and pens, and ensuring compliance._
- _ Perform critical compliance checks both in the field and office, ensuring adherence to biosecurity standards and regulatory requirements._
- _ Ensure the health and wellbeing of animals coming into the Post Entry Quarantine Facility._
- _ If you’re ready to take on a physical and rewarding role, working with animals whilst ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, we want to hear from you_

**Who we are**
**The Post-Entry Quarantine (PEQ) Group **at the Mickleham facility manages the post-arrival quarantine of high-risk plants and animals, ensuring they meet regulatory requirements for safe import while maintaining their health and welfare. The Animal Team oversees the quarantine of cats, dogs, and horses in low to medium biosecurity facilities, operating 24/7 to manage biosecurity risks and uphold animal welfare.

**The Animal Team** facilitates the import of cats, dogs and horses for industry stakeholders and clients. The management of cats, dogs and horses within quarantine is undertaken in low to medium biosecurity containment facilities with all activities being performed to manage risk associated with biosecurity and animal welfare. This is a seven day a week, 24 hours a day operation.

**The Job**
As a Biosecurity Officer at the Post Entry Quarantine (PEQ), you will work with dog, cats, horses, and specialised areas like plants and avian services. The role is physically demanding, involving tasks like handling animals, cleaning crates, and requires attention to detail for checking paperwork and compliance both in the field and office. The duties of these roles may include the following:
**Animal Inspections and Husbandry**:
Cat and Dog Compounds: Responsibilities include feeding, cleaning, administering medications, transporting animals from the airport, daily monitoring, recording animal information, and cleaning pens and crates.
Horse Compound: Tasks include supervising industry personnel, completing compliance reports, keeping records, and inspecting horse gear.
Team Leadership: Overseeing a small team, delegating tasks, and using effective communication to coordinate with both internal and external clients.

**Please note **that 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 Public Service Gazette, may also be used to fill future ongoing vacancies in the branch where the duties are of a similar nature.

**What are we looking for**
**Knowledge and experience**
- Experience in animal handling and husbandry, particularly with various canine and feline breeds.
- Strong understanding of animal husbandry principles, including first aid and recognizing signs of illness, especially infectious diseases.
- Knowledge of biosecurity and quarantine protocols.
- Ability to learn relevant legislation, procedures, and protocols.
- Ability to maintain detailed animal records at the Post Entry Quarantine.