• Full Time, 35 hours per week
• Temporary role (up to two years, but may be extended subject to funding)
• Primary Work Location: Menangle
• Professional Officer Grade 1/4 – Salary from $73,522 to $141,206 (commensurate with qualifications, skills and experience) plus super and leave loading

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.

The Plant Biosecurity Research and Diagnostics (PBRD) team is spread across the State of NSW with team members in Leeton, Wagga Wagga, Ourimbah, Narrabri and Menangle (Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, EMAI), which is home to the Plant Health Diagnostic Service (PHDS).  PBRD is part of the Animal & Plant Biosecurity Research & Diagnostics Unit within the Biosecurity and Food Safety Branch of the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. 

EMAI, located 60km south of Sydney and sitting on 1600 hectares, is the DPI Centre of Excellence for Plant and Animal Health. Built to the latest Biosecurity Containment standards EMAI delivers “Disease Intelligence for Disease Control” through its world class laboratories, plant & animal high containment facilities, international experts and national and international linkages. It provides local, state, national and global disease advice through NSW DPIRD to landholders, growers, veterinarians, companies, NSW government, the Commonwealth, the OIE and FAO.  PBRD operates a busy diagnostic service, the PHDS, which conducts high level work of significant value to Australian plant industries with frequent detections of exotic and notifiable pathogens. 

To assist with the continued critical services the PBRD team deliver, we’re looking for an experienced Diagnostic Plant Pathologist to join the PHDS and proactively manage a caseload that involves performing detailed examinations on submitted samples, triaging and assigning tests, discussing and interpreting results with colleagues, problem-solving, liaising with submitters and issuing reports.

Working in this role you’ll be a generalist with a broad background in diagnostic pathology. You’ll also have other general and relevant scientific knowledge (entomological, botanical, anatomical, physiological and chemical).

Having an observant and inquiring mind, your methodical and proactive approach will mean you are able to manage multiple tasks and requests within tight timeframes, as well as understand and implement a client-focused diagnostic approach which results in meaningful and timely results for your clients.

You’ll use your knowledge of plant diseases and their diagnosis across a broad range of species coupled with excellent communication and people skills to provide scientific leadership and technical direction in relation to test assignment, result interpretation and problem-solving.

You’ll be a stickler for detail, thrive when given autonomy to deliver your work and enjoy being part of a collaborative and supportive team.

What you’ll have:

• A degree qualification in Science (BSc) or related field.
• Proven broad knowledge and experience across plant pathogen groups, testing methods, host species, cropping systems and disease management methods.
• The ability to work independently and display leadership.
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative approach.
• Proven experience providing client-focused diagnostic outcomes which balance input, output and financial costs.

Applying is easy!
Submit your current Resume/CV and a Cover Letter (max. 2 pages) outlining your relevant skills and experience, and why you’re our ideal candidate.

If you’d like to know more about the role, please click here to view the role description.

For further information please contact Andrew Daly, Leader Plant Biosecurity Diagnostics via andrew.daly@dpi.nsw.gov.au.

Applications close: Monday, 27 January 2025 at 11:55pm AEST

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 above for a confidential discussion.

About Us
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is the department dedicated to growing primary industries and supporting regional economic development to deliver long term benefits to the state. Our focus is to protect, support and develop our primary industries, mining sector, and regions.

The department brings together Agriculture & Biosecurity; Forestry & Fishing; Local Land Services; NSW Resources; Regional Development & Delivery; the Regional Growth NSW Development Corporation; NSW Public Works and Soil Conservation Service.

We have nearly 5,000 employees, with almost 80 per cent of us living and working in regional NSW.

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
The successful applicant in this role may be required to undergo a police check, health assessment and other assessments as required.
A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary roles of the same role or role type that may become available for filling over the next eighteen months.