Australian Chief Environmental Biosecurity Officer

Australian Chief Environmental Biosecurity Officer Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry – Sydney NSW 14d ago , from Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Senior Executive Service Band 2 per annum plus superannuation Environmental Biosecurity Office Adelaide, SA; Canberra, ACT; Melbourne, VIC; Brisbane, QLD; Sydney, NSW; Who we are The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) leads the Australian Government’s efforts to support, protect and grow the country’s food and fibre production industries. We play a pivotal role in developing and promoting Australia’s sustainable agricultural production practices, increasing trade and international market access, maximising economic opportunities for Australia’s First Nations peoples and helping our producers become more productive, profitable and resilient. As a department, we deliver world‑class work in areas such as agricultural economics, plant and animal sciences, and use digital technology to deliver better regulatory outcomes. We help keep Australians safe through effective biosecurity. Each day, we protect our industries, communities and natural environment from potentially devastating pests and diseases. We support every clean, safe meal that Australians sit down to enjoy. Our work touches the lives of all Australians, particularly those living in regional and rural areas. The Australian Chief Environmental Biosecurity Officer (CEBO) is the primary representative and adviser to the Commonwealth Government on environmental biosecurity matters. This is a national strategic leadership role. Environmental biosecurity is the management of risks associated with the entry, establishment and spread of exotic pests and diseases that cause harm to natural ecosystems, social amenity, cultural heritage and the Australian way of life. The CEBO is supported by the Environmental Biosecurity Office (EBO) and together provides policy leadership on national environmental biosecurity issues to safeguard Australia’s environment, rich culture and social amenity from the impacts of exotic pests, diseases and weeds. This requires collaboration, partnering and influencing extensively across the department and Commonwealth agencies, as well as with state and territory governments, industry, non‑government organisations, individuals and the community to strengthen environmental biosecurity outcomes and raise awareness of environmental biosecurity issues. The Office also incorporates the Australian Plague Locust Commission. The EBO supports the CEBO to minimise the impacts of current and emerging biosecurity risks to Australia’s environment and help meet relevant national and international obligations, providing policy leadership and program implementation on national environmental biosecurity issues to safeguard Australia’s environment, economy, health, Indigenous and cultural heritage, social amenity and national security interests. The EBO has: Oversight of environmental biosecurity risks, to provide national policy, engagement and leadership on environmental biosecurity issues and responses. Ensures that environmental biosecurity risks are well defined and prioritised, and programs are in place to further develop Australia’s environmental biosecurity preparedness, surveillance, and response capacity. The CEBO’s key responsibilities include: Being a strong strategic leader for national environmental biosecurity (and the key Commonwealth government advisor in this field) and chairing key national committees. Providing clear strategic direction and policy advice on environmental biosecurity. Leading work to prioritise and plan for national biosecurity risks impacting on the environment (terrestrial, aquatic and aerial) and social amenity by: supporting risk assessments and analysis improving the capture, analysis, management, use and sharing of data and information to inform investment and decision‑making encouraging increased and better coordinated research being a connector to shape and influence the work of the related national biosecurity committees, such as Animal Health Committee and Plant Health Committee Providing Commonwealth leadership during environmental responses. Leading consultation and partnerships with environmental and other biosecurity stakeholders. Being the lead reporting point for national reporting of environmental pests, diseases and weeds under the National Environmental Biosecurity Response Agreement (NEBRA). Liaising between government and the community to raise awareness and build capacity to manage biosecurity risks. Any other duties as required as an SES 2 in DAFF. The job As the CEBO you will be responsible for: Being the Commonwealth leader for environmental biosecurity (equivalent to the other biosecurity chief roles – Chief Veterinary Officer and Chief Plant Protection Officer). Being a clear face of environmental biosecurity – including having a visible public presence. Raising awareness and understanding of environmental biosecurity, including threats to Indigenous and cultural heritage and amenity landscapes. Building government, community and industry capacity to prepare for, respond to and reduce environmental biosecurity risks. Building and brokering close partnerships, networks and relationships with key internal and external stakeholders – across biosecurity, the environment and communities (including First Nations). Being the Commonwealth agency lead for national biosecurity environmental responses (including chairing or being a representative to strategic and technical committees and working groups) and supporting a broader OneHealth approach. This will require driving outcomes across multiple government agencies. Being the point of contact for national reporting of environmental pests, diseases and weeds under the NEBRA. Providing strategic direction, expert policy advice and analysis on environmental biosecurity issues and key threats to endangered species and ecosystems from invasive species and diseases. Enhancing our understanding of environmental biosecurity risks through: horizon scanning, risk assessment and analysis improving the capture, analysis, management, use and sharing of data and information to inform investment and decision‑making encouraging increased and better coordinated and targeted research and development of management tools providing strategic and technical leadership, guidance and coordination to national environmental biosecurity responses and programs developing robust, current and nationally agreed policies and guidelines for managing environmental biosecurity issues and responses representing the Australian government on matters of environmental biosecurity importance at national forums overseeing the operations and activities of the Australian Plague Locust Commission. What we are looking for To be successful in the role you will need to meet the SES capability for the SES Band 2 level, and you will have the following: Ability to demonstrate your collaboration and agility with a proven record of delivering high‑quality and innovative financial management outcomes in a complex, politically sensitive, and operationally diverse environment. Outstanding leadership skills, a substantial record of achievement and a reputation for innovation and delivery of results – we are looking for someone that is comfortable working in the grey and can act transparently and be accountable. Exceptional stakeholder relationship skills and experience in engaging with internal and external stakeholders at all levels to explore opportunities and solve complex problems. Highly developed management and stakeholder engagement skills and ability to represent Australia’s Government on environmental biosecurity risks. Ability to communicate effectively with all audiences, be articulate and persuasive and capable of guiding negotiations to a point of resolution in a facilitative way. Demonstrated public service professionalism and probity. Location Please note this position is located in Canberra, ACT with other locations considered based on operational requirements. Security clearance This position requires a Negative Vetting Level 1 security clearance. The successful applicant will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at the appropriate level for this position. #J-18808-Ljbffr