• 2 x Biosecurity Officers – ongoing full time – located at Narrabri & Walgett
• Biosecurity officer salary starting from $79,032 p.a + super & leave
• 2 x Senior Biosecurity Officers – ongoing full time – located at Tamworth & Gunnedah
• 1 x Senior Biosecurity Officer – temporary full time until 2027 – located at Warialda
• Senior Biosecurity officer salary starting from $93,295 p.a + super & leave
• A talent pool may also be created from this recruitment for upcoming opportunities

About the Roles

Our Biosecurity Officers support pest animal and plant biosecurity programs focusing on management and disease control in line with local, state and national strategies. These roles are for someone who loves being in the field and working with people to reduce biosecurity threats.

Main responsibilities:

• Working with local communities and team members to implement education and strategic control programs to protect against invasive pest animals and plant biosecurity threats.
• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of legislative requirements for biosecurity management.
• Support and implement impactful programs, ensuring strict compliance with legislation and regional strategies.
• Support strategic initiatives for biosecurity surveillance in the region.
• Provide feedback and results from on ground biosecurity programs.
• Contribute to positive relationships with customers and stakeholders in the North West region, aligning biosecurity activities with local values.
• Initiate knowledge-sharing to empower stakeholders with the latest biosecurity management advancements.
• Collaborate with team members and professionals to ensure a results driven team.
• Maintain accurate records in compliance with established policies and procedures.
• Stay informed about diverse biosecurity challenges in a dynamic cultural landscape.

Key challenges:

• Engaging effectively with stakeholders while managing complex, fast-paced situations.
• Staying current on a wide range of biosecurity activities.

Our Senior Biosecurity Officers primary role is to manage pest animal biosecurity programs that safeguard the NSW economy, environment, and community from animal and plant threats. You’ll ensure compliance with regional, state, and national standards while helping customers prepare for and respond to biosecurity emergencies.

Main responsibilities:

• A comprehensive knowledge of invasive pest management and compliance, as it relates to the relevant legislation
• Expertise on biosecurity matters, particular as it related to pest animal control and act as a reference point for the team in making decisions and giving guidance on challenging scenarios, managing industry and community expectations whilst operating in fast paced, technical environment
• Oversee biosecurity programs to reduce risks at the local level.
• Stay updated on biosecurity management regulations to ensure compliance with strategic plans.
• Support emergency planning, preparedness, and recovery efforts.
• Lead biosecurity surveillance and investigations to detect emerging threats and recommend timely responses.
• Coordinate projects that enhance stakeholders’ understanding of biosecurity issues.
• Deliver compliance programs focused on pest, disease management, and traceability standards.
• Monitor and report biosecurity progress to ensure objectives are met.

Key challenges:

• Addressing new biosecurity threats amidst evolving industry and community expectations.
• Coordinating with stakeholders to apply legislation and policies across diverse activities.
• Balancing complex and fast-moving responsibilities where urgent issues often take priority.

Essential requirements for both roles

• Relevant qualifications in pesticide application.
• Certificate IV in Government Investigations (or ability to complete it).
• Eligibility to hold a NSW firearms licence and certification for humane animal destruction, with the potential to be appointed as an Authorised Officer under the Biosecurity Act.
• A valid NSW Class C Driver’s Licence with a willingness to travel.

For more information, please download the role descriptions for Senior Biosecurity Officer and/or Biosecurity Officer or contact Peter Dawson, Team Leader Invasive Species & Plant Health via email at peter.dawson@lls.nsw.gov.au, or mobile 0427 606 265.

How about a few little extras? This is an amazing opportunity to secure a role with the NSW Government. We are offering a generous salary and development/ progression opportunities. You may also be entitled to additional recreation leave, annual leave loading and other benefits dependent on location. We can also offer special rates at the local gym, salary packaging options (pay less tax!) and a comfortable country lifestyle.

Want Flexible Working Arrangements? We have you covered – we are one of the NSW Government’s first accredited Family Friendly Workplaces and we are committed to improving work life wellbeing, inclusion and equity outcomes for families. Though this is a front-line position, we can offer a late start or early finish arrangement, chat with us and we can help you achieve the delicate balance needed to thrive and not just survive.

How to Apply

If this role sounds ideal to you, please apply via our online portal by submitting your resume and a brief cover letter outlining how your skills and experience match what we are looking for and which roles you would like to apply for. 

Applications through email will not be accepted.

Closing Date: Thursday 5^th December 2024 11:55pm

About Us

Local Land Services is a regional-focused NSW Government agency delivering quality customer services to farmers, landholders and the wider community.

We help people make better decisions about the land they manage and assist rural and regional communities to be profitable and sustainable into the future.

Our team is there when it matters, on the ground helping landholders with knowledge, networks and local experience.

See more about our region: North West - Local Land Services 

Diversity and inclusion are core values of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is a workplace where everyone is able to contribute and participate to their full potential, and we are proud to have a team that reflects the richness and complexity of the regional NSW communities we serve.  

We work hard every day to support and grow thriving communities across regional NSW that will have a positive impact on generations to come. Our goal is always to be a trusted local partner and problem-solver working deeply in community.  

As part of our team, you will be able to: 

• Deliver with impact. You are empowered and trusted to create impact through exposure to cutting-edge projects and research, career defining opportunities, and get to be part of a team creating sustainable solutions that will leave a legacy.  
• Connect to what matters. We are all about forming deep community relationships, fostering our passionate and connected teams. It is central to our work to support a true sense of belonging across the team. 
• Live your way. From bringing your whole self to work, to designing flexibility, that fits you and the team, you will be able to find the balance that works for you.  

We are a young agency, but with that has come a personality that is dedicated, passionate, proactive, influential, and informed.

Additional Information

If you require adjustments in completing your application, interviewing, completing any pre- employment testing, require information in an alternative format, or otherwise participating in the recruitment process, please let us know so we can assist. Send an email to capability.talent@regional.nsw.gov.au or contact the hiring manager listed below for a confidential discussion. 

A talent pool may be created from this recruitment action for ongoing and temporary roles of the same standard that may become available for filling over the next eighteen months.

The successful applicant in this role may be required to undergo a police check, health assessment and/or other assessments as required.