Field Scientist

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry – Cairns QLD
Who we areThe Science and Surveillance Group (SSG) leads and delivers surveillance activities at Australia's biosecurity entry points and across northern Australia.
Our purpose is to ensure early detection of exotic plant pests, animal pests, diseases, and weeds that pose a threat to Australia's quality of life.
We are comprised of scientists, operations, and support staff, providing core scientific expertise and functions for the Department.
This includes diagnostics, monitoring, training, and awareness campaigns.
We provide regulatory advice and training, technical input to biosecurity policy, and regulation activity in the Torres Strait.
We undertake diverse surveillance and diagnostic services across Australia, including animal and plant health surveillance measures under the Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy.
The JobAre you a highly motivated and enthusiastic Field Scientist with a strong knowledge of exotic pests and a passion for protecting Australia's environment?
Do you enjoy working in a dynamic team with variety in your day-to-day work and the ability to have positive, real-world effects on Australia's agricultural industry?
We are looking for experienced field staff to deliver surveillance activities in response to exotic pests, weeds, and diseases.
As part of a local and national team, your work will include:
Planning, preparing, coordinating, and responding to biosecurity incident responses to exotic plant pests and diseases.Conducting field surveillance and monitoring activities throughout the year.Setting and maintaining response monitoring and/or trapping programs, arranging and supervising pest treatments.Some travel to regional areas/interstate may be required.Liaising with premise managers and external stakeholders to obtain site access, supervise treatments, manage expectations, and provide updates on responses.Increasing awareness of the threats of exotic pests, encouraging stakeholders to report incidents.Reporting: Ensuring accurate collection and reporting of data in line with the response procedures.Entering and retrieving geospatial data, including site mapping tools.Producing response plans.Staff supervision: Managing and supervising staff, including other program areas, to complete pest response surveillance for exotic pests such as invasive ants, stink bugs, snails, weeds, and plant pathogens.Assisting staff with administrative tasks such as managing leave and developing performance agreements.Undertaking field and laboratory triage diagnostics of samples collected, including invertebrates, weeds, and plant pathogens.Preparing specimens.Administration and Coordination: Ensuring timely ordering of stock and equipment for response activities.Contributing to the development of instructional material and delivery of training to staff to support responses to exotic pests.What we are looking forKnowledge and experience Knowledge of the Australian Biosecurity system and of exotic pests, diseases, or weeds.Demonstrated experience in planning, managing, and carrying out field pest surveillance (minimum 1 year).Ability to lead and manage a small team of pest surveillance officers working independently and in a nationally dispersed team.Mandatory qualificationsA tertiary qualification in biological science, environmental science, agriculture, entomology, botany, or plant pathology.
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