About the role
The Manager, Agricultural Production and Protection leads specialist teams delivering critical agricultural, emergency management, land management and biosecurity services.
The role partners closely with farmers and land managers to drive strong business, environmental and community outcomes, while contributing to statewide initiatives that improve coordination and service delivery across the sector.
We are looking for an individual who can:
- Build and lead regional capacity to prepare, plan, respond and recover to emergency management events
- Lead regional teams delivering agricultural extension and advisory services to regional agricultural businesses and other land managers to enhance their adaptability and resilience to changing markets and environmental conditions
- Lead Sustainable Land Management team in integrated service delivery and ensuring all legislative and reporting requirements are met
- Ensure productive partnerships with government, industry bodies and customer service experience to align research, development and extension efforts with local priorities
- Oversee organisation responses to government reforms in areas such as weed management, pest animals, biosecurity and Travelling Stock Reserves
- Lead the resourcing, delivery, reporting and review of high-quality integrated services across multiple locations or the Region, managing complex budgets and programs, adapting organisational resources, and undertaking risk management and business continuity planning
- Develop and sustain effective relationships with industry stakeholders, brokering partnerships and joint venture arrangements on behalf of the Region
About You
To be successful in this role, our ideal candidate will have the following:
- Current valid Class C NSW Driver Licence and willingness to travel
- Proven ability to work within and lead a multidisciplinary team in the agriculture, biosecurity, emergency management or related sectors
- Experience and accreditation in emergency management and/or willingness to be trained to Incident Controller level
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills
- 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
Applying for the role
Apply online by submitting a current resume (max 3 pages) and brief cover letter (max 2 page).
In your cover letter please address your experience in emergency management, management of complex programs and budgets and building capacity of people leaders.
A downloadable copy of the role description is linked for your reference.
Additionally, if you would like to hear more about this role, please contact Brett Miners, General Manager, brett.miners@lls.nsw.gov.au
Closing Date: 11:55pm Monday 27th April 2026
What to expect after applying
- You’ll receive a confirmation email
- We’ll review all applications once the ad closes
- If shortlisted, you may be invited to interview on Microsoft Teams or in person
- Further assessments will follow (e.g. written task, skills test, psychometric test)
- Reference checks will be completed for final candidates
The preferred candidate for this role may be required to undergo reference checks, a national police check, pre-employment medical assessment and/or other assessments as required.
A talent pool may be created for ongoing and temporary roles of the same type that may arise within the next 18 months.
Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the process – please contact Talent Advisory on talent.advisory@dpird.nsw.gov.au or the hiring manager to discuss further.
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.
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.
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.
Role Description
