Question Project Officer - RIFA Surveillance

Job Title: Project Officer - RIFA Surveillance
Employer:Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action
Location: Victoria
Job Type: Part-Time, fixed-term (Until 30th of June, 2027)

Job Description:
Agriculture Victoria is seeking applications from an enthusiastic and motivated person to join the Invasive Species Sciences Team within the Chief Plant Health Officer Branch (CPHOB) and contribute to the improvement of the existing state-wide seasonal surveillance program for red imported fire ants (RIFA).

This position will work in collaboration with the High Risk Invasive Animals (HRIA) team within Plants Chemical and Invasives (PCI) to review and expand delivery of the RIFA surveillance program conducted throughout Victoria each season. In the absence of detections, Victoria can assert RIFA-free status based upon active surveillance efforts undertaken in each of the past four years. Increasing risk of introduction to Victoria via multiple pathways warrants continued vigilance and an extension of these efforts. As part of a team, the Project Officer - RIFA Surveillance will be responsible for analysing the relative risks of potential pathways as a basis for expanding coverage of RIFA surveillance throughout the state, incorporating updated knowledge of RIFA behaviour and evaluation of novel surveillance approaches for use in Victoria. Responsibilities will include identification of additional surveillance sites, timely processing of quality assurance samples and collation of data.

This role requires well-developed communication and project management skills, along with an understanding of biosecurity issues. It will involve working effectively across multiple teams within Biosecurity and Agriculture Services, engagement with operational staff and external organisations including the National Fire Ant Eradication Program (NFAEP).

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications:
Tertiary degree in Agricultural Science, Ecology, Entomology or a relevant scientific discipline is desirable.

Demonstrated understanding of the regulatory environment and role of surveillance in biosecurity. Experience working with pest / invasive invertebrates would be advantageous.

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