The Engagement Officer – Horticulture Standards supports engagement and service delivery activities related to preparedness, implementation and regulation of the National Food Safety Horticulture Standards for Leafy Vegetables, Melons and Berries (the Standards) to commence from February 2025. Agriculture Victoria will regulate the Standards which contain specific requirements including notifying authorities, product traceability, managing safety of inputs, and worker and premises hygiene. Working closely with industry and grower groups, including small scale producers, you will have a key focus in the coordination and delivery of timely tailored services and resources to allow food production businesses to prepare for and implement the Standards. The position will work closely with the Plant Chemicals and Invasives branch to promote the requirement for affected businesses to register with Agriculture Victoria.

Initially, the position will report through the Biosecurity and Agriculture Services - Agriculture Sector Development and Services Division (Agriculture Services Branch). Second year direction and reporting is anticipated to align to the Biosecurity and Agriculture – Biosecurity Victoria Services Division (Plant Chemical and Invasives Branch). This acknowledges a stronger focus on compliance with the Standards, promoting specific requirements, such as regulations, verification and auditing. 

The successful candidate will need to demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills, experience with stakeholder analysis and engagement combined with highly developed organisational skills. Technical expertise in horticulture and/or on-farm food safety is desirable. This role will require considerable time travelling, conducting public presentations and meeting with industry, grower groups and small scale producers.   

Accountabilities

• Deliver timely tailored services and resources to support horticulture businesses to successfully implement the Standards including registration with Agriculture Victoria. Support the delivery of operational, communication and engagement plans.
• Engage with horticulture businesses, through industry / grower groups and small scale producers, to build awareness of and compliance with the Standards.
• Initiate and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders with the objective of being well connected, gaining cooperation and trust in the Standards and with Agriculture Victoria as the Victorian regulator.
• Efficiently communicate with horticulture businesses relating to how their compliance with the Standards will need to be demonstrated. This will include verification requirements such as audits and recognition of existing food safety arrangements (e.g. Global Food Safety Initiative recognised schemes).
• Respond to biosecurity incidents and other agricultural emergencies and recovery operations as required.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• A tertiary degree in Agricultural Science, Science or an equivalent science qualification is desirable, although not mandatory.
• Technical expertise and experience in the horticulture industry and/or regulatory services would be an advantage.

This is a fixed term position available for a period of 2 years.  The work location for this position is preferred to be either Greater Melbourne, Ballarat, Bendigo or Tatura, with hybrid work arrangements available.

To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) summarising their skills and relevant experience.

Please refer to the Key Selection Criteria provided in the Position Description, including the mandatory requirements.

Applications close at midnight on Monday, 9^th September 2024.

Other relevant information:

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a National Police Check. 

To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing position is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident. 

A Diverse, Inclusive and Flexible Workplace

DEECA welcomes applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds and we focus on the essential requirements of the job and being consistent and fair in our treatment of all applicants. We also understand that a balanced life is important to our employees. Talk to us about our flexible options such as working some days from home, starting early or late, working part time, job sharing or accessing paid or unpaid leave.

For further information including the position description, key selection criteria and to apply visit www.careers.vic.gov.au