Deliver with impact, connect to what matters & live your way with flexible working options

• Temporary Full-Time position until January 2026.
• Negotiable Location: Deniliquin or Albury.
• Salary commencing from $145k to $168k per annum + super
• Flexible work arrangements offered
• Accelerate your career in the beautiful Murray Region

About the role
Murray Local Land Services (LLS) is searching for a professional leader with experience in the fields of agricultural extension and biosecurity to join them in an Operations Manager role. You will be leading a team of plant and animal biosecurity experts and customer service team managing risk for our landholders and communities.

You will fill your days overseeing Murray LLS’ key deliverables to meet the objectives of the NSW Biosecurity Strategy and the Murray Local Strategic Plan. Effective delivery of Animal Biosecurity and Welfare, Invasive Species, Plant Health, TSR Management and Emergency Response via strategic, business and functional plans will be your biggest focus.

Each day will be different, and you will get the opportunity to be innovative, and drive change. You will lead a strong team and guide them in the emergency preparedness and planning programs they deliver to ensure staff are empowered to make decisions whilst also being collaborative with colleagues and stakeholders. Your leadership will be a key to the development of these teams.

As the Manager you will represent LLS on business matters that relate to the Local Land Services Act 2013 to facilitate the delivery of services to our ratepayers and clients; including but not limited to animal welfare, production, plant and animal disease management, chemical residue and animal impacts, Aboriginal and community engagement and general statutory functions for our rate payers. The role is responsible for leading Murray LLS’ emergency management to ensure the interests of our clients are considered in planning and response activities. You’ll also be involved in the broader risk management framework of LLS for both customers and program service delivery.

Our ideal candidate will value the balance between leading, supporting and guiding people, and delivering high quality results is critical to this role. You will be adept at bringing both together to be able to successfully deliver outcomes suitable for all. Your strong leadership skills and high personal drive to collaborate with staff across all our business areas and with our clients and landholders will be your greatest asset. You will be motivated, energetic and customer focused whilst delivering results and looking for efficiencies.

About you:
You will have a well-developed understanding of the impact of biosecurity threats on communities, agriculture and environment including current approaches to biosecurity management and animal welfare and ability to deliver outcomes through strategic and operational planning and knowledge of the agricultural industries and land management.

You’ll be experienced in the coordination of emergency management (biosecurity and general) across prevention, preparedness, response and recovery at a management level with a clear understanding of emergency management arrangements in NSW and nationally.

You’ll hold tertiary qualifications in a discipline relevant to the management of biosecurity and/or equivalent experience in leadership and management of services in a primary industries or emergency management sector.

You will guide your team in the services and programs they deliver to ensure staff are empowered to make decisions whilst also being collaborative with colleagues and stakeholders.  Your leadership will be a key to the development of these teams and the positive outcomes they deliver. 

Having a positive, solution focused attitude with key focus on customer service, you’ll be able to think creatively and solve complex problems for both you and others as they arise. You’ll also be able to work within a management team across the Murray area, and as your role is as one of two Senior Managers (non-executive) you will have the opportunity to lead with purpose and care.

Essential Requirements:

• Degree in Agriculture or Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or related field, or equivalent knowledge and experience 
• Understanding of the needs and issues facing landholders, agribusiness and Government managers in achieving biosecurity and agricultural needs alongside to improve productivity and environmental outcomes
• Ability to understand and implement legislation
• Current NSW Class C Driver License and the ability and willingness to travel (including potentially via light aircraft).

Applying is Easy!
To apply, please submit a copy of your CV (approx. 4 pages) and a cover letter (approx. 2 pages) that tells us about your relevant skills and experience and how these make you an ideal candidate for this role.

Application Closing Date:  Monday, 24 February 2025 at 11.55pm.

For further information about the role please contact Patrick Westwood, General Manager Murray, Local Land Services on 0428 691 625 or patrick.westwood@lls.nsw.gov.au. For further details about this position, view the role description.

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. 

About Local Land Services
Local Land Services (LLS) is an Executive Agency, part of the Department of Regional NSW. It provides quality, customer-focused services to landholders and the community across New South Wales. This regionally based organisation brings together a wide range of service and advisory functions including agriculture, biosecurity, natural resource management, land management, biodiversity and emergency services. Watch this video to find out more about us.

Why work for 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.

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

To be eligible for ongoing full-time employment in this position, you must be an Australian Citizen or permanent resident of Australia. We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position. Visa holders must have an appropriate visa that allows you to live and work in Australia. Employment of a temporary visa holder will only be offered in line with the conditions and expiry date of your visa.