Senior Project Officer

Why YOU are important to us and what impact will you have on the Biosecurity Plant and Science Services Division and the departments' goal.

We protect Australia's plant health to support trade, the economy, and the environment. Our division provides scientific advice, diagnostics, biosecurity training, and risk assessments. We enable safe plant imports, strengthen systems, and engage stakeholders. Surveillance and response are conducted at national entry points and approved sites, including northern Australia. We work closely with communities and Indigenous rangers to manage biosecurity risks, including in the Torres Strait.

Our scientists are on the front line of biosecurity, leading early detection and response for pests, diseases and weeds at entry points and across northern Australia. We deliver diagnostics, inspections, and training that help stop biosecurity threats before they spread. By working with stakeholders and sharing expertise, we strengthen Australia's ability to protect its agriculture, environment and communities.

As a Senior Project Officer, you will support the delivery of the Indigenous Ranger Biosecurity Program, assist with building biosecurity capability of Indigenous Rangers and assist with achieving key biosecurity outcomes.

Curious what a day in the life looks like? Watch our team in action and see the role come to life here

This is where you play an important role.

As the Senior Project Officer - Training, you will be in involved in:

• Coordinating the delivery of the Certificate IV in Tropical Biosecurity accredited course to Indigenous Rangers located across northern Australia (including remote locations).
• Implementing and managing the Indigenous Biosecurity Officer Traineeship initiative which engages up to 5 trainees within the department's offices across northern Australia for a 18-24 month traineeship.
• Monitoring progression and supporting the trainees to complete their studies.
• Assisting in the coordination of the department's Biosecurity Fundamentals training to Indigenous Rangers.
• Contract management and procurement of goods and services for the above initiatives.
• Producing high quality, timely and accurate project plans, correspondence, briefings, minutes and other reports.
• Establishing and maintaining effective relationships with stakeholders including Indigenous Ranger organisations, RTO's and trainers, DAFF scientists and others.
• Coordinating general administration support including scheduling and organising face to face training, travel and logistics.

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.

Our ideal candidate will have:

Knowledge and experience

• Knowledge or an understanding of the contemporary issues and/or protocols affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Project management experience coordinating, implementing and evaluating First Nations training initiatives including coordination and management of external RTOs/trainers.
• Commonwealth contract management and procurement experience.
• Awareness or knowledge of biosecurity and / or land management related concepts would be desirable but is not essential.
• Knowledge of requirements for accredited course owners is desirable

VetPaths

The Australian Public Service (APS) values the unique skills, perspectives, and experiences that veterans gain during their Australian Defence Force (ADF) employment and encourage veterans to apply. Support may be available to veterans transitioning to meaningful APS careers through participation in VetPaths, which offers veterans an opportunity to participate in a six-month program offering formal learning and development, career mentoring and activities for wellness and peer support. More information can be found here.

For additional information, please read the Job Description below.