Biosecurity Officer Avian

APS 4 - $74,882 - $81,521 per annum plus superannuation
- Biosecurity Plant and Science Services Division
- Mickleham, VIC
- Protect Australia’s Agriculture Play a critical role in safeguarding Australia’s agriculture by managing biosecurity risks for avian imports at a high-containment facility.
- Engaging, Hands-On Work, work directly with Veterinary Officers and industry reps, ensuring strict quarantine standards and animal health in a dynamic, collaborative environment.
- Growth in Biosecurity Gain specialized biosecurity skills, with opportunities for advancement in a vital and evolving field.

**Who we are**
The **Biosecurity Plant and Science Services Division (BPSSD)** takes a regulatory approach to the implementation of effective border controls to manage biosecurity threats. The Division provides a contemporary, responsive, sustainable, intelligence-led and science-based plant biosecurity system that protects Australia's plant health status. The work of the division supports agricultural productivity, competitiveness and market access for plant and plant products imports and exports.

The **Post-Entry Quarantine Group (PEQ)** is responsible for the post arrival quarantine of plants and animals at the Mickleham Post-entry Quarantine Facility located on the outskirts of Melbourne. The Mickleham PEQ Facility is purpose built for accommodating high risk plants, horses, cats, dogs, ruminants, birds and bees while undergoing post-entry quarantine. Working in partnership with plant scientists and veterinarians, we ensure that all plants and animals passing through the facility meet all necessary requirements to demonstrate compliance with the regulatory requirements for their safe import and that the health and welfare of the plants and animals is maintained throughout the period of their stay in PEQ.

The **Avian Team facilitates** the import of hatching poultry eggs and live pigeons for industry and other stakeholders. The management of avian species within quarantine involves the highest level of physical containment undertaken at the PEQ facility - Biosecurity Containment Level 3 (BC3). This is a seven day a week operation. On occasion, you may also assist other PEQ areas as operationally required.

**The Job**
This is where you will play an important role. As a Biosecurity Officer, in the Avian Team, you will work in an environment which uses intensive poultry and agricultural techniques and perform a range of technical duties relating to the management of avian imports in the BC3 avian building. You will be required to shower in and out of the consignment units to meet BC3 requirements. What you’ll do
- Deliver biosecurity services related to avian imports, including monitoring quarantine, building operations, and facility cleanliness Support the Avian Technical Team Leader in managing the import and biosecurity requirements for avian species.
- Manage the movement of biosecurity waste out of the biocontainment unit during consignment. Assist cleaning the biocontainment unit post avian consignment.
- Assist Veterinary Officers with, sampling, and overall health checks for avian species. Oversee and coordinate daily activities with industry representatives, ensuring adherence to health and safety standards.
- Maintain accurate records for operational and audit purposes and communicate with clients and industry stakeholders as needed.
- Make informed biosecurity decisions under the Biosecurity Act 2015 and support other PEQ areas, such as units for cats, dogs, and horses.
- Ensure compliance with WHS policies and uphold APS Values and Code of Conduct.

**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.

**Knowledge and experience**
- Ensure compliance with WHS policies and uphold APS Values and Code of Conduct. Demonstrated experience (or the capacity to learn) in the handling and care of a range of avian species, in particular poultry and pigeons, is desirable.
- Experience in managing animal welfare and an understanding of animal behaviour and industry practices including intense poultry production.
- Knowledge or the ability to gain an understanding of the Biosecurity Act 2015 and other relevant legislative and policy frameworks.