THE AUSTRALIAN BANANA GROWERS’ COUNCIL The Australian Banana Growers’ Council (ABGC) is the national peak advocacy organisation for the banana industry. The ABGC represents the interests of Australian banana growers on all issues crucial to the sustainability and profitability of growers. In March 2015 Panama disease tropical race 4 (TR4) was detected in Tully – a major banana growing region in north Queensland. Since this detection, the industry has been working with Biosecurity Queensland to contain the spread of the disease. TR4 is a soil-borne fungal disease that kills banana plants and if left unchecked will devastate the Australian banana industry. Since 1 July 2023, following a 5-year transition period from government to industry, the ABGC is responsible for delivering effective disease management activities through the Grower Support (Biosecurity) Program. Position Purpose The Field Officer plays a critical role in the ABGC’s Grower Support (Biosecurity) Program, working directly with banana growers to deliver on-farm surveillance activities, provide practical support, and strengthen industry biosecurity awareness. This is a predominantly field-based role (approximately 90%), focused on conducting property surveillance to support the early identification of Panama TR4 and other biosecurity concerns, while maintaining strong, trusted relationships with growers across the region. Field Officers act as a key connection point between ABGC and industry, engaging with growers to provide information, share knowledge, respond to enquiries, and support best-practice biosecurity awareness at the farm level. This is not a passive field role — we are seeking someone who is proactive, approachable, and confident working independently in the field, while contributing as part of a knowledgeable and supportive team committed to supporting growers and the long-term resilience of the banana industry. Key Responsibilities · Conduct on-farm surveillance activities for Panama TR4 and other biosecurity concerns in line with approved procedures, safety requirements, and program protocols. · Undertake field sampling, decontamination, mapping, data collection, and timely reporting using digital systems and tools. · Build and maintain positive, professional relationships with banana growers, acting as a trusted and approachable ABGC representative in the field. · Engage with growers to explain surveillance activities, respond to general biosecurity enquiries, and connect more complex matters with technical specialists where required. · Maintain field equipment, vehicle readiness, and stock supplies to support efficient program delivery. · Travel regularly throughout banana-growing regions to undertake field activities, including occasional overnight stays. · Contribute to a positive team culture by sharing field insights, supporting continuous improvement, and demonstrating a proactive, flexible approach to program and organisational priorities. · Promote and uphold strong safety, biosecurity, and professional standards in all interactions and activities. Key Capabilities & Selection Criteria Essential · Demonstrated ability to work as a team in a field-based environment, including in hot, wet and rugged tropical conditions. · Strong interpersonal and communication skills, particularly with primary producers or regional communities. · Willingness to learn and apply knowledge in biosecurity and banana production systems. · Experience working within set procedures and completing detailed data collection accurately. · A strong commitment to punctuality and reliability is required · A proactive attitude and ability to work well within a small, committed team. · Current manual driver’s licence (Class C). · Competence using mobile devices and digital apps for data collection. Desirable · Experience working in the banana industry or a similar agricultural setting. · Awareness of biosecurity risks relevant to tropical agriculture. · First Aid certificate. · Familiarity with field mapping or digital record-keeping tools. Why Join ABGC? This is your opportunity to be part of an organisation making a real difference to the future of the banana industry in Australia. You will work in a supportive and values-driven team, develop meaningful relationships with growers, and build valuable knowledge in biosecurity and agriculture. Remuneration Structure and Conditions of Employment This is a part-time position with varying hours, minimum 23 hours per week (with the possibility of additional hours each week). The position is covered by the Horticulture Award 2010. Salary and conditions will be specified in an Employment Contract and will be commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the successful application, plus superannuation. Employees will be committed to the ABGC corporate policies, which include ethical conduct (including respect for others regardless of race, sex, etc. and respect for confidentiality), workplace health and safety and motor vehicle use. Performance Appraisal The Field Officer will be required to perform activities that support the ABGC’s Surveillance Strategy as required. There will be a probationary period of six months, and a formal performance appraisal annually. How to Apply To apply for this role, you will need to submit the following documents: · A cover letter (of no more than 2 pages), telling us why you are interested in this role and how your skills and experience complement this role. · Your current resume, detailing your previous work, voluntary or relevant experience including two referees who have personally observed you displaying the responsibilities required for this role. The successful applicant will be required to undergo a National Police Check prior to commencement.
