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

• 3-year full-time position, 35 hours per week
• Location: Orange, NSW
• Salary from $73,522 to $141,206 + superannuation + leave loading (Professional Officer Grade 1-4) commensurate with qualifications, skills and experience
• Create impact in your industry, using your specialist skills and experience

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.

The Opportunity

As a Plant Biosecurity Officer – Surveillance, you’ll play a critical role in protecting NSW’s environment, economy, and agricultural industries from exotic plant pests. In this frontline position, you’ll be responsible for managing investigations of suspect exotic plant pest reports from the public and stakeholders. You'll also plan and deliver targeted and general plant biosecurity surveillance across NSW to support early detection, confirm area freedom, and maintain market access. Working as part of a dedicated team of plant biosecurity professionals, your work will contribute directly to the identification, management, and mitigation of biosecurity risks across the state.

To be successful, you’ll need to have:

• A Degree qualification in Agricultural Science, Horticultural Science, Science or equivalent.
• Current NSW Driver License

What you’ll be doing:

🌱 Checking out pest reports from across the state
🌍 Developing plant biosecurity resources to support engagement with stakeholders
🔬 Supporting biosecurity surveillance programs to detect pest threats early
🤝 Working with a passionate team of experts in the field
🚨 Helping out during pest emergency responses when needed

Why Join Us

We offer a variety of benefits and opportunities that make DPIRD an attractive place to build your career.  You’ll be part of a team that offers:

• A Diverse and Inclusive Workplace
• Flexible, autonomous work environment
• Competitive pay and conditions
• Professional Development
• Health & Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programs.

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

👉 Sounds Interesting

All applications must be submitted online.  Attach an up-to-date resume (ideally no more than 3 pages) and a cover letter (ideally no more than 1 page) that briefly outlines how you meet the requirements of the role description and why you’re our ideal candidate.

Applications Close: Monday 26 May 2025, at 11:55pm

💬 For further information about this vacancy please contact:

Louise Rossiter, Manager Plant Pest & Disease Surveillance on 0429 726 285 or louise.rossiter@dpi.nsw.gov.au

You can also download the Role Description

What to expect next

Once you submit your application, you’ll receive an email confirmation. After the advertisement closes, all applications will be reviewed by the hiring manager and selection panel. If shortlisted, you may be invited to an interview—this could be in person, over the phone, or via video. You may also be asked to complete role-related tasks, such as a written assessment, skills test, or psychometric assessment. Reference checks will be conducted for candidates progressing to the final stages. 

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. 

Please note
The successful applicant may also be required to undergo a police check, health assessment, and other relevant checks as part of the recruitment process. 

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 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).

Diversity, equity and inclusion are central to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, reflecting the rich diversity of the communities we serve. We actively encourage individuals of all backgrounds – including but not limited to; gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural heritage, disability, religion and sexual orientation to submit an application. We strive to ensure that every stage of the recruitment process and overall employee experience is accessible, welcoming and free from barriers. 

DPIRD is committed to providing an inclusive candidate experience and through the Disability Confident Recruiter program, identify and remove unintended barriers for candidates.