Bee Biosecurity Officer

The Bee Biosecurity Officer (BBO) performs a key role within Agriculture Victoria’s apiary team. The primary focus of the position is to encourage adoption and compliance with the Australian Honey Bee Industry Biosecurity Code of Practice. It will have a strong focus on education and community engagement to promote adoption of the Biosecurity Code of Practice. The position will have an emphasis on the management of the endemic disease American Foulbrood (AFB) and will involve field inspections of hives and providing direction on best practice management of AFB.

The position will be required to build beekeeper capability to manage bee pest and diseases through a mixture of direct one on one engagement, group-based activities and written communications. You will work alongside other Bee Biosecurity Officers and apiary staff in a broader team environment that has a focus on bee biosecurity. This will involve attendance at bee club/association meetings and conferences, field days, and other events. 

The BBO will also actively participate in the development of emergency response preparedness activities for exotic bee pests and diseases, including the State Quarantine Response Team program.

You will be energetic, thoughtful and have enthusiasm for working closely with both internal staff and various external stakeholders associated with the beekeeping industry to deliver quality services to the Victorian community. 

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• Comprehensive understanding of the Victorian honey bee and pollination industries including the range of biosecurity threats.
• Proven ability in delivery of training and awareness programs for the honey bee industry, including the ability to deliver education and training programs, incorporating adult learning principles.
• Demonstrated experience in the management of best practice bee biosecurity in commercial/semi-commercial apiaries, including disease surveillance and management with particular emphasis on American Foulbrood
• Current Drivers Licence for a motor vehicle
• Field work including walking long distances
• Manual handling including opening/closing/inspecting and moving beehives
• Use of hazardous substances

This is an ongoing position. The work location for this position is negotiable at Attwood, Bendigo or Wodonga with hybrid work arrangements available.
To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) summarising their skills and relevant experience. In particular please address the following questions:

• Please outline your demonstrated knowledge of Victoria’s commercial and semi‑commercial apiculture sector and your experience in education and engagement to support this industry.
• Please describe your understanding of the Australian Honey Bee Industry Code of Practice, along with your experience in addressing key biosecurity risks affecting the industry—particularly American Foulbrood and its management.

Please refer to the Key Selection Criteria provided in the Position Description, including the mandatory requirements.

How to Apply:

If you are a current DEECA employee, please apply via DEECA Careers. 

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Applications close 11.59pm on Monday, 20th April 2026. 

All applications must be submitted through the online portal. We are unable to consider email or manual applications at this time.

Other relevant information:

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing position is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.

A Diverse, Inclusive and Flexible Workplace

DEECA welcomes applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds and we focus on the essential requirements of the job and being consistent and fair in our treatment of all applicants. We also understand that a balanced life is important to our employees. Talk to us about our flexible options such as working some days from home, starting early or late, working part time, job sharing or accessing paid or unpaid leave. For more information visit applying for a role with us.