Deputy Chief Plant Health Officer

About this role

Lead Victoria's plant biosecurity strategy as Deputy Chief Plant Health Officer—drive policy, market access, and emergency response at state and national levels.

About the role

The Deputy Chief Plant Health Officer (Deputy CPHO) will work closely with the Chief Plant Health Officer (CPHO) to provide strategic and scientific leadership in plant biosecurity. The Deputy CPHO will provide strategic leadership in all aspects of plant biosecurity work including technical leadership, national policy decision making, market access, and emergency response, in support of the CPHO. Work will be delivered across government, industry and in state-wide responses to emergency plant pest and disease incursions.  The Deputy CPHO will proactively shape and influence networks with Victorian peak plant industry groups, Victorian and Federal Government agencies, Plant Health Australia and its associate committees.  As the delegate of the CPHO, and 2IC, the Deputy CPHO will represent Victoria on state and national committees and will provide high-level technical advice to executive management including the Minister, as required.

The successful applicant will work effectively as a member of a team, enjoy flexible working arrangements and undertake a wide variety of work across the division.

About you:

To be successful in the role, you will have:

• Degree in plant science, or another relevant discipline (preferably a PhD).
• A relevant tertiary degree in Science/Agriculture/Horticulture Science, preferably a PhD and evidence of at least 10 years practice applying in-depth experience relevant to plant health.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in plant health; pest and disease; preparedness, surveillance and response; and domestic trade and regulation, including a sound understanding of traceability.
• Demonstrated leadership, knowledge and experience in emergency plant pest responses including leadership of staff and stakeholders.

About the branch

The Biosecurity and Agriculture Services (BAS) branch designs and delivers services, provides technical advice, and influences policy to support the agriculture sector to achieve sustainable growth while managing risks and minimising adverse impacts to the economy, environment and public health and safety. Key services include:    

• maintaining and improving access to domestic and international markets for Victorian products,   
• preparing for, responding to, and facilitating recovery from biosecurity and natural disaster emergencies.   
• ensuring early detection and preventing the introduction and spread of plant and animal pests/diseases and invasive species.  
• ensuring compliance with responsibilities associated with animal welfare, chemical use, invasive species, plant and animal pest and diseases. 
• designing and delivering targeted information, products and services that support the adoption of technology, innovation and new knowledge across the irrigation, livestock, dairy, grains, and horticulture sectors.

This is an ongoing position. The work location for this position is Attwood 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.

For further information, please refer to the attached position description or call Sharyn Williams, Executive Director Biosecurity Victoria on 0408 335 027 or email sharyn.m.williams@agriculture.vic.gov.au.

Applications close at midnight on Thursday, 1 May 2025.

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.