Laboratory Manager

Job description

Agency Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Work unit Water Laboratories – Biosecurity and Animal

Welfare

Job title Laboratory Manager - Water Microbiology Designation Professional 3

Job type Full time Duration Fixed to 31/08/2027

Salary $110,873 - $124,173 Location Darwin

Position number 13034 RTF Closing 10/11/2025

Contact officer Stephen Poole, Senior Manager on or

About the agency

Apply online

APPLICATIONS MUST INCLUDE A ONE-PAGE SUMMARY ABOUT YOU, A DETAILED RESUME AND COPIES OF YOUR

TERTIARY QUALIFICATIONS

Information for applicants – inclusion and diversity and Special Measures recruitment plans

The NTPS values diversity. The NTPS encourages people from all diversity groups to apply for vacancies and accommodates

people with disability by making reasonable workplace adjustments. If you require an adjustment for the recruitment process or

job, please discuss this with the contact officer. For more information about applying for this position and the merit process, go

to the OCPE website.

Aboriginal applicants will be granted priority consideration for this vacancy. For more information on Special Measures plans, go

to the OCPE website.

Primary objective

Manage the accredited Water Microbiology Laboratory operations and assist the Senior Manager with quality management, drive

strategic and operational improvements and provide high level support for contract management.

Context statement

The position is required to support the day-to-day operation of the laboratory, review and authorise results, implement

amendments to existing practices, and undertake development of business cases and options analysis for future extension of

laboratory capability.

Key duties and responsibilities

1. Provide the highest level of customer service to clients, and produce Certificates of Analysis to established deadlines, while

maintaining quality, integrity and confidentiality.

2. Manage the Darwin Water Microbiology Laboratory in accordance with Australian and International Standards for testing

laboratories, ensuring compliance with the laboratory Quality Management System and National Association of Testing

Authority (NATA) requirements.

1. Supervise and train staff in laboratory procedures and protocols to meet the requirements of NATA and other relevant standard

testing methods.

1. Supervise and participate in the analysis of water samples using standard methods.
2. Meet strict sampling and client reporting deadlines.
3. Assess test results in relation to relevant National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia/World Health Organisation

Guidelines and notify clients immediately if a failure to comply with Guidelines arises.

Selection criteria

Essential

1. Experience in laboratory management and technical or analytical supervision in a microbiological laboratory.

2. Experience in training and management of technical staff in a microbiological laboratory.

3. Demonstrated flexibility and appropriate interpersonal, communication and organisational skills to ensure high performance in

a busy, high workload, work environment.

4. Experience with implementing and maintaining a recognised quality assurance system including managing internal audits and

the NATA audit process.

5. Demonstrated high level communication skills, including written and verbal communication skills, negotiation skills, contract

management, and the ability to undertake research and analysis for options papers.

6. Proven high level writing skills suitable for the preparation of Quality System documents and departmental communications,

including procedures, memoranda, briefings and correspondence.

7. Bachelor Degree in scientific discipline relevant to the key responsibilities of the position.

Desirable

1. Experience managing a NATA-accredited laboratory

2. High level Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) experience (development or LIMS administration).