Question Department of Agriculture Victoria

Entomologist•  Undertake diagnostics and provide advice for arthropods of biosecurity concern.
•  Contribute to meeting the biosecurity challenges of the future.
•  Work in a motivated team with a wide range of skill sets and backgrounds.

Who we are 
Science and Surveillance Group (SSG) is comprised of scientists, operations and support staff responsible for regulatory advice and training, technical input to biosecurity policy, regulation activity in Torres Strait and diverse surveillance and diagnostic services around Australia, including animal and plant health surveillance measures under the Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy.

The Operational Science and Surveillance (OSS) team has four technical sections, (1) Entomology, (2) Plant Pathology & Botany, (3) Surveillance, and (4) Technical Response, with a national network and laboratory facilities located in Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Canberra, Darwin, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. Collectively our work contributes to Australia’s favourable animal, plant and environmental status through the delivery of diagnostics services for pests, pathogens and plants/seeds, and biosecurity surveillance and response activities within Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry jurisdictions. The OSS team also provides technical, policy and pest mitigation advice and delivers training to departmental and industry staff.

The Jobs
Under the general direction of the Senior Entomologist, the Entomologist will contribute to scientific services and operational and policy advice. The duties of the roles may include, but are not limited to:

•  undertaking diagnostics of insects and other invertebrates to a high level and in accordance with departmental policy, procedures and the laboratory quality management system
•  preparing specimens for diagnostics and long-term preservation in departmental reference collections
•  undertaking high quality diagnostic imaging of invertebrate specimens
•  providing risk-based biosecurity management advice to Biosecurity Officers and other stakeholders
•  maintaining paper-based and electronic data and records in line with policy, data and quality standards
•  maintaining and developing diagnostic capability through participation in training, competency assessments and laboratory proficiency testing in line with quality system requirements
•  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
•  assisting with the development and delivery of training and awareness courses for inspection 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 an efficient and effective service 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 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 be used to fill multiple vacancies and that the roles may be able to be performed from any of the locations listed on the job description. The merit pool established through this selection process, which is valid for a period of 18 months from the date the vacancy was advertised in the Public Service Gazette, may be used to fill future vacancies in the branch where the duties are of a similar nature.

What we are looking for
Knowledge and experience
A significant aspect of these roles involves the operational application of technical knowledge and expertise. The successful applicants will have: 

•  demonstrated knowledge of insects, arachnids and/or particular invertebrate pests of biosecurity significance to Australia. 
•  practical experience in performing accurate morphology-based identification of invertebrate specimens (additional experience in molecular diagnostics would be advantageous)
•  knowledge of the Australian biosecurity environment and the application of pest risk mitigation measures, or the ability to rapidly acquire this knowledge.
 
Mandatory qualifications
Tertiary qualifications (Bachelor degree) in agriculture, ecology, or a related field that emphasises entomology.

Eligibility and other requirements
The successful applicants must:

•  hold and maintain a valid Australian motor vehicle drivers licence
•  note that relocation assistance is subject to negotiation
•  note that the physical requirements of the role(s) involve a combination of outdoor, laboratory and office-based work
•  note that the position may require them to participate in an on-call roster (for which an appropriate restriction allowance will be paid) and be available to perform duty outside standard hours
•  wear an official uniform supplied by the department, including during field operations (as applicable), in accordance with the department’s uniform policy
•  wear appropriate protective personal equipment and clothing to comply with departmental Work Health & Safety policies and procedures
•  note that intra and interstate travel is a requirement of the position
•  note that there may be a requirement to work out of hours (including on weekends and public holidays) to provide out of hours diagnostic support, participate in emergency response and other activities.

For additional information, please read the Job Description below. Candidate Information Package DOCX Opens in new window Candidate Information Package PDF Opens in new window Job Description Opens in new window How to apply: 

• Start your application by clicking the "begin" button.
• Login to an existing account or reset your password
• Preview Application Form Opens in new window

  By choosing to continue, you agree to the privacy policy. Show Privacy Notice Opens in new window