HPAI (H5 Bird Flu) Coordinator

• EL 1 - $124,861 - $134,295 per annum plus superannuation
• Australian Antarctic Division
• Kingston, TAS,Other

Who we are
The Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) is part of the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. As primary agency for Australia's Antarctic Program (AAP), the AAD is responsible for achieving the Australian Government's Antarctic goals. These goals are to:

• maintain the Antarctic Treaty System and enhance Australia's influence within it
• protect the Antarctic environment
• understand the role of Antarctica in the global climate system
• undertake scientific work of practical, economic and national significance.

The AAD also has responsibility for administering the Australian Antarctic Territory and the Territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands.

The AAD Science Branch leads, conducts and supports a world class program of scientific research and environmental management, consistent with national priorities through the Australian Antarctic Science Strategic Plan. The responsibilities of the Science Branch are diverse as we lead the Australian Government’s scientific program in the Antarctic and Southern Ocean, conducting research and providing advice to support Australia’s Antarctic policy objectives, support regulatory and management decisions (including conducting environmental impact assessments) and supporting participation in the Antarctic Treaty system and other international committees, commissions and intergovernmental panels.

The Environmental Stewardship Program (ESP), within the Science Branch, is a multidisciplinary program that conducts scientific research and implements evidence-based conservation, environmental management, environmental assessments, remediation and mitigation actions in Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic.

The job
There have been significant outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI, H5 Bird Flu) worldwide, with the presence and impact of H5 Bird Flu now reported in Antarctic and sub-Antarctic regions. While no cases of H5 Bird Flu have yet been detected at any of Australia’s Antarctic or sub-Antarctic stations, the AAD has prepared specific monitoring, preparedness and response plans to address the presence and risk of H5 Bird Flu arriving in the Australian Antarctic Territory (AAT), Heard Island and McDonald Island (HIMI), and Macquarie Island.

The AAD’s HPAI Coordinator will lead the AAD’s response to HPAI Bird Flu in the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic. The HPAI Coordinator will work within the AAD’s Environmental Stewardship Program, but is required to engage widely, with advanced skills, working closely with multi-disciplinary teams across and external to the AAD, including across government agencies.

This position will be filled in the first instance in a non-ongoing capacity (for minimum 18 months), however, may be considered for ongoing requirements in support of the AAD’s future HPAI related or broader Environmental Stewardship needs.

Under broad direction and with significant degree of independence, the responsibilities of the role include:

• acting as the primary conduit for all HPAI related matters at the AAD
• leading engagement across the AAD with stakeholders and range of subject matter experts from operations, science and environment, WHS, people and culture, and policy
• leading AAD’s situational awareness of HPAI and impact on AAD/AAP activities and operations
• chairing the AAD’s HPAI Working group and undertake secretariat function
• leading maintenance, and updating, of the AAD’s Preparedness and Response plans (including “Trigger Action Response Plans”) and the HPAI H5 Crisis Appreciation Strategic Plan (CASP) as required
• represent and explain the views of the AAD at cross-agency meetings and other forums including:
  • representing the AAD on the DCCEEW HPAI Governance Committee
  • representing the AAD on the HPAI Interdepartmental Committee
  • coordinating HPAI related briefs e.g. Senate Estimates, Key Issues Briefs etc for AAD and requests from DCCEEW
  • liaising with the DCCEEW HPAI taskforce and coordinating information requests for the taskforce and Ministerial correspondence.
• liaising with the Heard Island and McDonald Island (HIMI) campaign steering committee and operational areas regarding HPAI measures required in preparation for, and during, delivery of the planned 25/26 HIMI Management campaign
• providing a broad range of advice on subject matters relating to minimising and reducing humans impacts to the Antarctic environment (environmental management, environmental impact assessments, waste management, biosecurity) on behalf of the Environmental Stewardship Program
• being a positive team member while leading and actively promoting a positive workplace culture at the AAD, and one committed to safety, compliance and continuous improvement.

Eligibility

• Mandatory qualifications - A relevant qualification from an Australian tertiary institution, or a comparable overseas institution, or demonstrated equivalent experience.
• Citizenship - to be eligible for employment with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water you must be an Australian citizen.
• Security Clearance - this position requires a Baseline Vetting security clearance. You will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.
• Pre-employment checks - your suitability for employment will be assessed through a pre-employment screening process. This process includes a requirement to undergo and satisfy a National Police Check, referee checks, character clearance and where required a pre-employment medical assessment, specified mandatory qualification(s) validation and a probation period.
• Please note that the successful applicant may be required to travel to the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic regions therefore they may be required to meet specific medical, adaptability and personal qualities requirements appropriate to working in those environments. In order to undertake travel to the Antarctic & sub-Antarctic regions they will need to:
  
  • demonstrate the range of personal qualities and interpersonal skills necessary to perform as a successful team member within isolated Antarctic and sub-Antarctic environments
  • demonstrate an ability to effectively adapt and respond to the demands of living and working in an isolated and confined environment as determined by a psychological (adaptability) assessment
  • be certified as fit for Antarctic service by the AAD’s Polar Medicine Unit.

For additional information, please read the Job Description below.

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