Biosecurity Officer

Safeguard our agriculture, ecosystems, and community wellbeing.

Let's start with the important stuff. This role includes:

• Salary from $83,176 per annum (plus super) based on a 35 hour week.
• Flexible working provisions and a 9-day fortnight.
• Generous leave entitlements.
• Access to a range of physical and mental wellbeing initiatives, including discounted gym memberships and free, confidential support through an independent Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

The Role

Armidale Regional Council is looking for a Biosecurity Officer to help protect our region's farms and natural areas. In this hands-on role, you'll work with landholders, community groups, and government agencies to monitor weeds and pests, support compliance activities, and provide practical advice.

A key focus of this role will be combating tropical soda apple in the Macleay Valley, with an expected commitment of at least two days per week dedicated to this priority. This invasive species poses a significant threat to both agricultural productivity and native ecosystems, and your efforts will be critical in managing its spread. Our Biosecurity Officers keep our local environment healthy and support the long-term success of our agricultural sector.

About You

You have a solid understanding of biosecurity and the laws that guide it. You communicate well, work well with others, and can manage tasks on your own in the field. Your attention to detail and focus on positive outcomes for the community make you a strong fit for this role.

You will need a relevant qualification, ChemCert accreditation, in-depth plant identification knowledge and a driver's licence. Experience working with different groups and a genuine interest in protecting the environment are highly valued. You are comfortable using digital tools for record-keeping and reporting and can handle both the regulatory and practical sides of the job.

At Council, we're committed to fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture built on wellbeing, inclusion, commitment and transparency. These values guide how we work together and how we serve our community.  We're looking for people who not only reflect these values but also inspire and support others to do the same.

If you're ready to make a meaningful contribution in a role that creates real impact, we encourage you to apply.

If this sounds like you, we'd love to learn more. As part of your online application, you'll be asked to respond to three short questions:

• Why do you want to work for Armidale Regional Council?
• What makes you the best person for the role?
• And, tell us about your qualifications and experience relevant to the role.

In addition to answering these questions, please make sure to upload a cover letter and CV as well as a short video (no longer than 3 minutes*) where you:

• Briefly introduce yourself,
• Tell us about something that people might be surprised to learn about you, and
• Tell us why you think biosecurity is important in our region.

*Please note only .mov, .mp4, .wmv, and and avi. files are accepted with a size limit of 50mb.

Please note:

• Only the five (3 written, 2 video) questions need to be addressed in your application, however your resume and cover letter will be assessed against the full list of Essential Criteria located within the Position Description attached to this advertisement.

Are you ready to be part of reviving the region and join the Biosecurity team?

• If you would like further information on the role, please contact Renee Irvine, Weeds Transition Project Coordinator on for a confidential discussion.

• Armidale Regional Council is an inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, religion, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, or marital, veteran, or disability status.

• Council recognises the unique skills and attributes demonstrated by service personnel in their service to our country and applications from ex-service personnel are welcome. All applicants who are veterans will be provided with specific feedback on their application if they are unsuccessful. The Local Government Rank to Grade Guide was developed to help both hiring managers and veterans understand how ADF skills and experience align with public sector jobs. You can use this guide as a tool to help you identify where your skills and qualifications align you to. For further information, and to access this guide, please click Here.