Biosecurity Survey Officer

This position provides important plant biosecurity services through plant pest and disease surveillance across the South East Region, principally in the Greater Melbourne area. In conjunction with Agriculture Victoria Biosecurity Officer - Plants staff, the position plays an important role in maintaining Victoria’s area freedom for various plant pests and diseases. 

As a Biosecurity Survey Officer, you will be required to work undertake regular surveillance and monitoring activities for different plant pests and diseases which are exotic to Victoria. This role will primarily focus on activities around Exotic Fruit Flies (EFF). This will include the surveillance, identification and recording of pests and diseases using a structured process.

You may also be required to assist with maintaining industry market access through a variety of related tasks, such as plant health certification and auditing. 

This position has responsibilities under the Plant Biosecurity Act 2010. 

The successful applicant will work effectively as a member of a team within the Plants, Chemicals and Invasives Branch in the Biosecurity and Agriculture Services Division.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

1. Knowledge of Victorian agriculture and horticulture industries including biosecurity issues affecting these industries.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Proficiency in the use of computer and telecommunication technology, including capturing data in the field on mobile devices.

This is an ongoing position. The work location for this position is Epping 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.

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 Wednesday, 19 August 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.

An inclusive, culturally safe and flexible workplace

DEECA fosters an inclusive workplace culture and is committed to a fair, accessible, and equitable recruitment process.

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander people to apply.  We recognise the strengths, knowledge and perspectives First Nations people bring and DEECA is committed to a culturally safe and respectful workplace.  If you need support to participate, please contact aboriginal.employment@deeca.vic.gov.au.

We support flexible working arrangements, including hybrid work, varied hours, part-time work and job sharing.  For more information about our recruitment processes, visit applying for a role with us.