Biosecurity Officer

The Biosecurity Officer in the Plants Chemicals and Invasives Branch (PCI) within Agriculture Victoria has key responsibility in the operational delivery of biosecurity activities that supports the Victorian community with preparing for and managing the impacts of biosecurity under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994, and will also be required to deliver activities as required, under the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Act 1992, the Plant Biosecurity Act 2010 (Limited Powers), and the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981.

You will work as a member of a small team to support community and industry with invasive plant and animal management, plant biosecurity, pest and disease surveillance to enable market access, monitoring of chemical use in the agriculture sector, and preparing for and responding to biosecurity and agricultural emergencies relief.

As this is a regulatory position, you will be provided with training to obtain a Certificate IV in Government Investigations and will be required to conduct investigations and may be requested to appear in court.

As part of an integrated and flexible business model within the Plants Chemicals and Invaisves Unit you may also provide support to other programs or other regions. You will enjoy flexible working arrangements and undertake a wide variety of work to support interoperability across the business, including establishing strong working relationships with internal staff and various external stakeholders including private landowners, community, industry groups and local government agencies.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• Technical knowledge: Knowledge of Victorian agriculture and horticulture industries including biosecurity issues affecting these industries.
• Self-management: experience in planning and prioritising work to ensure outcomes are achieved; resists the temptation to react immediately without taking time to think things through; and uses strengths to contribute constructively, and consciously manages the impact of own weaknesses.
• Stakeholder engagement: Has collaborative, interpersonal and consultation skills, together with the ability to negotiate outcomes and liaise effectively with a wide range of stakeholders including government, non-government organisations, landholders, and community members.
• Written and verbal communication: Has verbal communication and interpersonal skills with an ability to deliver public presentations and build trust and credibility with community. An ability to prepare written briefs, letters, emails, and reports using clear, concise and grammatically correct language, ensuring written communications contain necessary information to achieve their purpose; uses appropriate style and formats.
• Regulator: An understanding of legislation relating to biosecurity and chemical use regulation in Victoria and has the confidence and ability to interpret and apply legislation.
  Mandatory qualification  
• Tertiary degree in Agricultural Science, Science or an equivalent science qualification. Candidates must have these qualifications to be considered eligible and verification is required prior to appointment. 

This is an ongoing position. The work location for this position is Wodonga - 1 Mckoy Street with hybrid work arrangements available.

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:

1. Your experience and/or knowledge of the regulation of Victorian agriculture and horticulture industries including biosecurity and invasive species affecting these industries; and
2. Your experience in engaging with challenging stakeholders.

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. 

Click the ‘Apply’ button and you'll be redirected to a new platform and create an account.

Applications close 11.59pm on Tuesday, 26 May 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.