📆 Temporary Full time until 30 June 2026 | 35 hours per week

  📍 Location: Paterson

  💰 Salary from $73,522 to $141,206 (Professional Officer Grade 1-4) + superannuation + leave loading

The salary offered to the successful candidate will be commensurate with qualifications, skills and experience, as outlined in the Crown Employees (Department of Regional NSW) Professional Officers Award and the Professional Officer Progression Criteria (1-4).

About the Role

As a Project Officer Varroa, you will play a key role in developing and sharing technical resources for the management of bees and Varroa and engaging with stakeholders to share advice on Varroa management in the Australian context.  You will work closely with government agencies, industry professionals, researchers and our communications teams to ensure accurate and up to date information is available to support beekeepers and extension officers.

Your work will involve:

 ✅ Delivering essential information to industry stakeholders through workshops, events, and webinars (including interstate travel).
 ✅ Creating and updating Varroa management resources to ensure accuracy and effectiveness.
 ✅ Engaging with industry to stay informed on the latest developments in Varroa management.
 ✅ Providing expert advice to industry, government, and the public on best management practices.
 ✅ Building strong relationships with beekeepers, researchers, and service providers to foster collaboration.

About you

To succeed in this role, you will have:

Key Knowledge and experience

• Knowledge of and experience with the management of Varroa in commercial beekeeping operations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to engage stakeholders and raise awareness.
• Proven experience in developing technical information to industry stakeholders in a way that is understood by them. 

Essential requirements

• Demonstrated knowledge of Varroa mite, its interrelationship with bees, and how this impacts profit, productivity and sustainability in commercial beekeeping enterprises
• Degree qualification in Animal Science, Agricultural Science, Agricultural Economics or other relevant discipline
• Current NSW Driver Licence and the ability and willingness to travel, including overnight stays 

Why Join Us

 We offer a supportive and rewarding workplace, including:

• An inclusive and collaborative team culture
• Flexible, autonomous work environment
• Competitive salary and conditions
• Career development opportunities in DPIRD
• Health & Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programs.

Learn more about the benefits of joining our diverse and talented DPIRD team.

💬 For further information about this vacancy please contact:

Tamara Prentice, National Varroa T2M Coordinator NSW

0429 226 987 or tamara.prentice@dpi.nsw.gov.au

🔗 Click here to view the full role description

👉 How to Apply

This is your chance to make a real impact in protecting Australia's bee industry. Apply today and be part of the solution!

All applications must be submitted online.  Attach an up-to-date resume (max 5 pages) and a cover letter (max. 2 pages) that briefly outlines how you meet the requirements of the role description and why you’re our ideal candidate.

Applications Close: Tuesday 29 April 2025, at 11:55pm    

Need help applying?

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 talent.advisory@dpird.nsw.gov.au or contact the hiring manager listed above for a confidential discussion.

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 reference checks, a police check, health assessment and other assessments as required.

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About us: Together, we are DPIRD

The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) protects, supports and develops primary industries and regional economies.

Collectively we support strong and sustainable agriculture, forestry, fishing and mining industries, and regional economies. We actively manage our natural assets: our lands and soils, minerals, waterways and oceans, vegetation and forests.

  The department brings together:

• Local Land Services
• NSW Resources
• Agriculture and Biosecurity
• Fisheries and Forestry
• Regional Development and Delivery.

With nearly 5,000 employees, and 75 per cent of the DPIRD team living and working in regional NSW, we are embedded in the regions we serve.

We tackle complex problems and deliver practical solutions for government, industry and communities using our combined experience, evidence base and scientific expertise in research and innovation. We engage and work alongside Aboriginal people to deliver outcomes. 

Our collaborative approach means we achieve big things, together.

Diversity and inclusion are core DPIRD values. Everyone has the right to contribute and participate to their full potential. We are committed to supporting a diverse and inclusive culture that is respectful, welcoming and flexible – a workplace where our people feel supported, valued, and part of our collective success.

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.