EMPLOYMENT

Who we are 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. We manage the Hitchhiker Surveillance Program (HSP) , which strengthens early detection of high-priority exotic pests, diseases, and weeds at or near international borders. The program assesses innovative surveillance technologies and conducts targeted surveillance to inform risk assessments, enhancing Australia's biosecurity and protecting our economy, environment, and way of life. As Senior Surveillance Officer, you will lead a nationally dispersed team, overseeing surveillance activities, investigations, and innovations to ensure the program's objectives are met and national outcomes are delivered. The key duties of the position include The Job This is where you play an important role. As the Senior Surveillance Officer, you will: Supervise and manage the performance of the nationally dispersed HSP team, fostering a positive and productive environment through regular, constructive feedback, effective communication, and conflict resolution. Ensure the effective delivery of HSP projects, including surveillance at importer sites and investigations into new surveillance technologies. Facilitate the implementation of national and departmental surveillance protocols, work instructions, and data protocols, ensuring accurate data recording and timely reporting of progress and outcomes. Coordinate and actively participate in HSP activities, including year-round outdoor fieldwork, while managing competing priorities, organising workflow for self and others, maintaining attention to detail, and meeting deadlines. Provide technical, administrative, and managerial guidance to HSP staff to effectively deliver program activities. Build team capability by organising training for HSP staff to ensure they have the skills and experience needed to perform their duties effectively and support their career development. Support the HSP management with planning, administrating, and financial management including activity and resource planning, scheduling, procurement, budget tracking, and reporting to ensure effective delivery and compliance with departmental policies. Liaise with the department's surveillance policy team, internal and external stakeholders, and government agencies to support the effective delivery of HSP projects and related activities, as required. Contribute to broader surveillance networks by participating in and organising workshops and conferences. Promote a positive team culture and ensure the effective implementation of APS Values, Employment Principles, and the Code of Conduct, as well as Work Health and Safety (WHS) and Rehabilitation policies. Note: 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 also be used to fill future ongoing vacancies in the branch where the duties are of a similar nature.