Biosecurity Officer - Sydney

The Jobs

The duties of a Biosecurity Officer may include, but are not limited to:

• performing a range of screening, inspection, assurance and scheduling related activities associated with cargo, conveyances and people entering Australia

•  assessing documentation to confirm compliance with Australia’s biosecurity requirements

•  managing goods that do not comply with import/export requirements and capturing information to support evidence-based decisions

•  providing timely and accurate advice on biosecurity matters to stakeholders/clients, employees and senior managers via telephone and email

•  identifying trends in biosecurity risks and escalating these to assist in targeting intelligence and risk-based activities

•  managing, modelling and monitoring compliance with appropriate standards of behaviour in line with departmental expectations and including the APS Code of Conduct and Values

•  promoting and complying with departmental WHS and Rehabilitation policies and guidelines and being alert for and reporting risks to local management and WHS personnel

• providing on-the-job coaching and assisting and supporting other employees on biosecurity issues.

Please note that this selection process will initially be used to full multiple ongoing and non‑ongoing vacancies. Non-ongoing contracts will be offered for an initial period of 12 months with the possibility of extension up to a maximum of two years in total. Some of these non-ongoing position(s) may become ongoing. Should a position become ongoing then the merit pool established through this selection process may be used to fill the vacancy on an ongoing basis. The merit pool established through this selection process, which is valid for a period of eighteen months from the date the vacancy was advertised in the Gazette, may also be used to fill future ongoing and non‑ongoing vacancies in the division where the duties are of a similar nature.

Positions may be full-time or part-time depending on business needs and requirements. You will be required to attend full time for an initial training period if you are offered a part time position. Wherever possible, positions will be offered based on your pathway preference as indicated in your application.

For more information on the day in the life of a Biosecurity Officer, please click here.

What we are looking for

Knowledge and experience

Successful applicants will contribute to the division meeting its regulatory goals of managing biosecurity threats by demonstrating the following key attributes:

• Integrity

-  Demonstrate sound moral and ethical principles across all areas of work.

-  Undertake duties in line with the Biosecurity Act 2015 and decision support materials.

-  Maintain biosecurity and personal integrity at all times.

•  Independence

-  Ensure activities are performed without interference or undue influence from those being regulated or those who have a vested interest.

-  The ability to make decisions within the scope of your authority through sound judgement and decision making whilst working independently with minimal supervision.

•  A clear purpose and level of curiosity

-  Articulate a clear purpose by understanding your role and the role of the department as a regulator.

-  Attention to detail whilst remaining open and inquisitive to consider elements outside the task at hand.

•  Appropriate use of authority

- A good understanding of legislative powers (or the ability to acquire) and the ability to use them in a professional manner.

- The ability to make evidence-based decisions using sound judgement in line with legislation.

-  The confidence and willingness to challenge, even where doubt exists.

-  The ability to manage conflict.

•  Accountability

-  Accountable for your actions and be able to make and explain informed defensible decisions.

-  Take responsibility to see activities through to completion.

-   Work effectively in a team environment, building and sustaining collaborative relationships.

• Resilience

-  Manage change and maintain focus on strategic objectives.

-  Display agility and flexibility to adapt and deliver regulatory functions and operational outcomes in evolving circumstances.

•  Transparency

-  Fair, impartial and open to scrutiny.

Eligibility and other requirements

The successful applicants must:

• hold and maintain a valid motor vehicle licence and bee capable of driving in accordance with Australian road laws

•  note that the physical requirements of the role(s) may involve a combination of outdoor and office-based work

•  wear an official uniform supplied by the department, including during field operations (as applicable), in accordance with the department’s uniform policy

•  wear appropriate protective personal equipment and clothing to comply with departmental Work Health & Safety policies and procedures

•  note that you must satisfactorily complete the department’s Biosecurity Foundation Program and meet the minimum requirements in order to be appointed as a Biosecurity Officer under the Biosecurity Act 2015

•  note that you may be required to perform occasional out-of-hours and weekend work

•  note that there may be a requirement to travel to regional areas

•  note that in Cargo Operations Inspections, where applicable additional wage allowances may be provided for working outdoors and at wharf environments

•  note that the ability to perform shift work is a requirement when applying for vacancies in Travellers Operations.

Flexible employment arrangements are available with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

PLEASE DO NOT USE THE APPLY BUTTON LISTED IN THIS ADVERTISEMENT AS IT WILL REQUIRE YOU TO LOG IN TO SEEK. Please use https://www.agriculture.gov.au/about/jobs/apply instead and select Job Reference 2025/1215 from the list of vacancies.