This position is a unique opportunity to work within a respected and professional pest management team with strong national and international ties. Travel by 4WD to APLC field locations to assist with locust surveillance and control. Develop, coordinate and deliver unique training and safety programs. Work with stakeholders and partner organisations including government, landholders and industry to deliver safe and effective locust management and control using best practice methods.

The Plant Protection and Environmental Biosecurity Division (PPEBD) provides policy leadership and support for plant health and environmental biosecurity. PPEBD is the home of the Australian Chief Plant Protection Officer (ACPPO) and Australian Chief Environmental Biosecurity Officer (ACEBO). The division aims to improve Australia's plant health and environmental biosecurity systems and outcomes; helps meet relevant national and international obligations; and works to minimise the impacts of current and emerging biosecurity risks to Australia's agricultural production and trade, environment, Indigenous and cultural heritage, and associated amenities. The division is comprised of two branches: the Plant Health Policy Branch and the Environmental Biosecurity Office, which also oversees the Australian Plague Locust Commission's activities.

The Environmental Biosecurity Branch works collaboratively to strengthen Australia's plant health and environmental biosecurity systems including through policy advice, surveillance, diagnostics, preparedness, and response capabilities. We lead and coordinate the management of established pests, diseases and weeds, and the Australian Plague Locust Commission (APLC). The APLC is jointly funded by New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, and the Australian Government. The APLC is responsible for monitoring and managing locust populations that significantly threaten agriculture.

Under limited direct supervision, as APLC Safety & Training Officer, you will:

• Maintain and oversee APLC work health and safety (WHS) programs.
• Develop training programs for APLC field operations (including dangerous goods handling, aerial and remote area operations) and coordinate their delivery to new and existing staff from APLC and other agencies.
• Participate in the implementation of APLC locust surveillance and management programs as required (including remote area travel and field operations).
• Act as rostered Duty Officer when required, to provide HQ contact for APLC staff engaged in field operations (including after hours and weekend contact).
• Assist in the development and delivery of supporting systems used in APLC field operations.
• Cultivate an extensive network of relevant national and state contacts Assist the Director in any aspect of the Commissions activities as required.

The occupant of this position may be required to work for long periods under difficult conditions in remote areas, both alone and as a leader of a small team and undertake other duties as directed.

Please note that this recruitment process will initially be used to fill the vacancy. 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. If an offer of non-ongoing employment is made, the successful applicant would be employed for an initial period of eighteen months.

Current or ability to acquire manual driver's licence and ability to drive a 4WD vehicle.

Current certifications by an approved authority covering first aid, handling of agricultural chemicals and the transport of dangerous goods.

Self-reliance in remote and physically demanding situations.

Suitable level of fitness (that may be determined at a medical examination prior to appointment).

Lead and work with small teams.

Relevant qualifications and/or experience in the development, implementation, and assessment of safety management programs. (e.g. Certificate IV in Workplace Health & Safety).

Relevant qualifications and/or experience in the development, delivery, and assessment of competency-based training packages. (e.g. Certificate IV in Training & Assessment).

Apply at: nrmjobs.com.au/job/20021378