Senior Project Officer - National Action Plans

About this role

This is a great opportunity to utilise your skills and knowledge of biosecurity, work with people in biosecurity across Australia and further your communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

The Preparedness, Surveillance and Response team in the Chief Plant Health Office Branch are seeking someone to join the team and continue to develop the National Action Plan for Pests of Horticultural Crops.

The Senior Project Officer – National Action Plans is responsible for the continued development of the National Action Plan for Pests of Horticultural Crops. This role requires knowledge of biosecurity processes, qualitative analytical stills, stakeholder engagement and strong written communication skills.

The person in this role will progress the:

• review Australia's preparedness to respond to a sub-set of National Priority Plant Pests (NPPP).
• planning of how to improve Australia's ability to detect, prevent and respond to these pests.
• assessment of outcomes from a series of national workshops and meetings with industry, community and government stakeholders across the horticulture sector.
• preparation of a national workshop with industry, community and government stakeholders across the horticulture sector.
• drafting of the plan in line with templates provided.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• A degree or relevant training and experience in horticulture, science, emergency management or equivalent is desired for this role.
• Experience or relevant training in biosecurity emergency preparedness or response would be well regarded.

This is a fixed term position available for a period until 13 February 2026. 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.

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

Applications close at midnight on Sunday, 25^th 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.