The Centre of Invasive Species Solutions

The Centre for Invasive Species Solutions (CISS) brings together government, industry and research partners to develop coordinated and collaborative research, development and extension (RD&E) projects and innovation pipelines that meet national invasive species challenges and deliver resources and materials to assist on ground actions.

Through scientific leadership and alliances, they act as a catalyst to deliver ethical invasive species solutions in Australia and beyond.

The Opportunity

You will manage current and emerging CISS species projects including weed RD&E projects, including contract management, research project delivery and data management.

• Work in an agile organisation full of incredibly talented people, within a tight knit team
• Support CISS’ invasive weeds management; a high priority issue at the forefront of agricultural enterprise and the environment 
• Work in partnership with CISS National Coordinators, Program Leaders and Senior Leadership

The Role

The primary function of this role is to support the delivery of CISS’ pest and weed projects into a nationally managed function.

You will plan for future research, development and extension activities, manage weed-related data and assist in the contract administration of pest and weed projects.

You will have the following key responsibilities:

• Assistance to the Principal Research, Development and Engagement Manager (PRDEM) on CISS’ pest and weed projects to ensure achievement of intended outputs and outcomes sought, including financial management, milestone reporting and annual reporting
• Management, guidance and supervision of Research Administration Officer and National Platform Technical Officers (3x direct reports)
• Managing and overseeing the collation and analysis of available data required for the preparation of Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) or such other commercial registrations.
• Management of special projects that may be awarded to CISS, including financial management, reporting, monitoring and evaluation including specifically Weed projects
• Investigating application development for special projects, consultancies or grants that align with CISS’ business model, including in the international arena, as well as drive and draft grant submissions and proposals
• Overseeing the Centre’s development of technology and tools, such as WeedScan and WeedRemeed, for the management of invasive weeds
• Act as the CISS representative on the Weeds Working Group of the Environment and Invasives Committee (EIC) and other EIC working groups as required

The Ideal Person

This role will suit someone that is passionate about invasive weeds management and motivated to make a positive impact within Australia’s environmental and agricultural communities.

Essential experience/knowledge:

• A relevant tertiary qualification
• Relevant experience or subject matter expertise in the area of invasive weeds research and development
• Knowledge of invasive weeds, their impacts and management options in Australia
• Data management experience (strong Excel at a minimum)

Desirable experience/knowledge:

• Experience with best practice management control tools and techniques
• Postgraduate degree in a relevant area
• Contract and Project Management Experience

In addition to the above, you will have the following key competences:

• Manage projects effectively to meet deadlines through goal setting, financial management, budget management, risk management, performance evaluation and milestone reporting
• Retrieve, manage and analyse scientific literature and data
• Shape strategic thinking on key issues consistent with best practice management and CISS’ strategic direction
• Communicate with, influence and cultivate productive working relationships with a range of diverse internal and external stakeholders
• High level of computer proficiency with the Microsoft suite of programs

Salary / Rate

• A competitive salary will be offered to the successful applicant, dependent on experience
• Full-time permanent position
• Hybrid WFH arrangement - 60/40 (60% in office, 40% from home) after initial induction period