Assistant Director

EL 1 - $120,290 - $129,379 per annum plus superannuation
- AGVET Chemicals, Fisheries, Forestry & Engagement Division
- Canberra, ACT

Are you interested in working in a dynamic policy environment? In the Forestry Research and Innovation Section we are working to support the delivery of the forefront of applied science in the forestry sector while supporting the training of both future forestry scientists and the forest sector workforce. This may be the opportunity for you to use your science and communication skills to support innovation in Australia’s forestry industries.

**Who we are**
The Agvet Chemicals, Fisheries and Forestry Division (ACFFD) works with the states, territories, industry and other stakeholders - including the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority and Australian Fisheries Management Authority to develop and implement policies and programs to support Australian agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries to promote better resource management and sustainability and increase productivity and innovation.

The Agvet Chemicals and Forestry Branch works to improve existing agvet chemicals regulation, monitor international developments in agvet chemicals policy and delivers policy advice and programs in support of Australia’s sustainable and internationally competitive forest industries. We provide advice and support to the department’s executive and Minister on agvet chemical and forestry matters. The forestry sections of the branch are responsible for delivering policy support for native forestry, plantation forestry, forest research and innovation, and international forest policy. This work spans matters including the Regional Forest Agreements (RFAs), delivering on election commitments, and actions to combat illegal logging and its associated trade. The branch works with a wide range of stakeholders from industry, universities, community, state governments, other Commonwealth agencies, foreign trading partners and multilateral organisations.

The Forest Research and Innovation Section has responsibility for delivering a work program associated with forest research, and skills and training for Australia’s forestry industries. The section is responsible for delivering the $100 million Australian Forest and Wood Innovations, through the University of Tasmania with the aim of delivering transformative research, development, and innovation for Australia’s timber industry, while also supporting the training and development of future forest industries researchers. The section is also responsible for the delivery of an Australian Government commitment of $10 million over four years in the Forestry Workforce Training Program. The program will support the delivery of skills and training to meet the requirements of Australia’s forest and wood products sectors. The ideal person for this position will be able to contribute to the work of a motivated, supportive and highly professional team.

**The Job**

The duties include, but are not limited to:

- Liaising with forest research organisations who deliver forest research in support of the Australian forest industries.
- Supporting the delivery of a forestry workforce training program.
- Developing briefings to other government departments, industry and other stakeholders with an interest in forest research and training.
- Building and maintaining productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders on policy and operational matters.
- Synthesising information, research and analysis, including data analysis, to assist the development of briefing and communication materials.
- Preparing briefs and other written and verbal advice for ministers, senior executives, and managers.

**Flexible and Remote working arrangements**

**What we are looking for**

**Skills and Capabilities**
- Read, understand and interpret forestry related scientific literature.
- Cultivate and manage productive working relationships, with people at all levels across business areas and external stakeholders.
- Work cooperatively, show respect and share information in the pursuit of agreed outcomes.
- Achieve results through effective project management and coordination of the tasks associated with project delivery.
- Contribute to the work and competing work priorities to deliver against deadlines, including marshalling resources and seeking assistance where required.

**Knowledge and experience**
- Experience working on projects with multiple dependencies, while engaged in multiple streams of activity is essential.
- Working with other in a collegial and constructive manner is also essential.
- An understanding of the forestry sector and forest policy would be valuable but is not essential.

**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 a **Baseline Vetting **security clearan