Why YOU are important to us and what impact will you have on the Biosecurity Plant and Science Services Division and the departments' goal. We protect Australia's plant health to support trade, the economy, and the environment. Our division provides scientific advice, diagnostics, biosecurity training, and risk assessments. We enable safe plant imports, strengthen systems, and engage stakeholders. Surveillance and response are conducted at national entry points and approved sites, including northern Australia. We work closely with communities and Indigenous rangers to manage biosecurity risks, including in the Torres Strait. Our scientists are on the front line of biosecurity, leading early detection and response for pests, diseases and weeds at entry points and across northern Australia. We deliver diagnostics, inspections, and training that help stop biosecurity threats before they spread. By working with stakeholders and sharing expertise, we strengthen Australia's ability to protect its agriculture, environment and communities. As a Senior Entomologist, you will manage and provide diagnostics and advice for arthropods of biosecurity concern, contribute to meeting the biosecurity challenges of the future, and work in a motivated team with a wide range of skill sets and backgrounds. The key duties of the position include This is where you play an important role. Under the general direction of the Principal Entomologist, the Senior Entomologist will contribute to scientific services and operational and policy advice. The duties of the roles may include, but are not limited to: • operational management and support of Entomologists to ensure effective delivery of quality diagnostic and technical advice functions in the OSS laboratory • undertaking general and specialist diagnostics of insects and other invertebrates to a high level and in accordance with departmental policy, procedures and the laboratory quality management system • coordinating and providing technical support to the National Operational Science Entomology Network (NOSEN) for a specialist taxonomic group or specialist technical/liaison area, as required • providing specialist risk-based biosecurity management advice • providing specimens for diagnostics and long-term preservation in departmental reference collections • undertaking high quality diagnostic imaging of invertebrate specimens • maintaining and developing diagnostic capability through participation in training, competency assessments and laboratory proficiency testing in line with quality system requirements • maintaining paper-based and electronic data and records in line with policy, data and quality standards • contributing to the provision of technical advice and reporting for OSS clients that cover a range of policy, auditing, inspection, risk management and treatment activities • participating in pest inspections, surveillance and response activities • liaising, negotiating and communicating with technical specialists, government agencies, industry bodies and other stakeholders • undertaking the development and delivery of training and awareness courses for department staff and other stakeholders • participating in working groups and other network meetings and contributing to the development and review of national policies and procedures • prioritising and managing time to provide efficient and effective services to meet internal and external client expectations within a regulatory environment • working independently or under limited guidance and with a high level of initiative, integrity and flexibility to lead and support the work practices of the team and the day-to-day operations of the laboratory • providing innovative advice and supporting changes that may affect Operational Science and Surveillance and/or delivery of key outputs to clients • promoting and ensuring compliance with departmental WH&S policies and guidelines, and being alert for and reporting risks regarding WH&S issues. Please note that this recruitment process will initially be used to fill one ongoing vacancy in the section . 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 Public Service Gazette, may be used to fill future ongoing vacancies in the branch where the duties are of a similar nature.
