• Help manage biosecurity risks to Australian agriculture, the environment and our way of life.
• Travel and work with Indigenous rangers in remote locations across northern Australia.
• Additional benefits including travel allowances, flexible work arrangements, and employment conditions.

This is an “identified position”. This means that the role specifically involves work that impacts First Nations people or requires interaction with First Nations communities or their representatives. These roles are designed to ensure that First Nations perspectives and needs are considered in the job’s duties. As a result, First Nations jobseekers are particularly encouraged to apply.

Why YOU are important to us and what impact will you have on the Indigenous Ranger Biosecurity Program (IRBP).

This is where you play an important role.

In the Indigenous Rangers and Business Management Section, you'll work with First Nations peoples and Indigenous rangers on biosecurity and environmental projects, like aquatic, plant and animal health surveillance, managing ghost nets and marine debris. This role strengthens Australia’s biosecurity and helps to care for Country while creating economic opportunities for First Nations communities.

Are you eager to make a real difference? The Science and Surveillance Group (SSG) is a team of scientists and support staff providing biosecurity advice, training, and policy input nationwide. From safeguarding the Torres Strait to implementing the Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy, SSG plays a key role in protecting Australia from exotic pests and diseases.

Please note that 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.

The Job

The Biosecurity Engagement Officer (BEO) works collaboratively with Indigenous ranger groups to manage the biosecurity risks in northern Australia through the Indigenous rangers through the Indigenous Ranger Biosecurity Program (IRBP). This role supports Indigenous ranger groups in northern Australia with pest, weed, and disease monitoring and provides information to remote communities. The ideal candidate should have strong cultural awareness, particularly when working with First Nations peoples. The BEO works both independently and, in a team, under general supervision.

Key duties include:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with remote communities, focusing on Indigenous rangers and related organisations.
• Promote opportunities for greater Indigenous ranger involvement in biosecurity service delivery.
• Coordinate biosecurity services with Indigenous ranger groups and support their activities under contract.
• Provide technical support by ensuring biosecurity activities follow technical guidance and departmental priorities, providing logistics and support for scientific teams.
• Administrative and operational tasks including operational planning, and field service delivery in line with safety regulations, policies, and the APS Code of Conduct.

Get in touch with the contact officer (see below) to find out more about what the role entails and what the expectations are for joining the Indigenous Ranger Biosecurity Program.

What are we looking for

Skills and experience

To be successful in the role the applicant must have:

• Strong cultural awareness, particularly in working with First Nations peoples in remote areas in northern Australia.
• Strong communication skills, integrity, and personal responsibility.
• Ability to build effective relationships with clients, including Indigenous communities, Indigenous rangers, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Proven ability to plan and organise fieldwork and remote travel independently.
• Proficiency in standard office programs and mobile applications, with adaptability to new IT systems.
• Good time management and task prioritisation skills.
• Sound knowledge of functions of Indigenous ranger groups in pest and weed control and/or land management practices would be an advantage.