Work with scientific experts and Indigenous rangers to protect agricultural industries and care for Country across northern Australia.

• Deliver biosecurity training to Indigenous rangers in remote communities.
• Ensure First Nations expertise is included in modern surveillance approaches
• Travel across three states as you work in plant, animal and aquatic biosecurity

We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic person to join the NAQS Plant/Animal team, providing scientific contributions to the Indigenous Ranger Biosecurity Program (IRBP). The role will work across plant, animal and aquatic biosecurity and will develop and deliver surveillance activities and training materials aimed at Indigenous Rangers in remote northern Australia. The Ranger Science Extension Officer will be expected to visualise ranger-collected data, generate reports on ranger activity, and engage with a variety of stakeholders located both internal and external to the department. The role will include frequent travel to remote communities to deliver training and engage with stakeholders.

Indigenous job seekers are encouraged to apply for this vacancy. As an ‘Identified’ role, part or all of the duties completed impact on Indigenous Australian communities and their representatives.

Knowledge & Experience

• Experience communicating scientific materials and concepts to a wide range of stakeholders.
• Experience working with Indigenous stakeholders, ideally in remote northern Australia, is essential.
• Knowledge and understanding of biosecurity in northern Australia, including unregulated pathways and the role of Indigenous rangers.
• Experience in or detailed understanding of plant, animal, or aquatic biosecurity; or ideally, a combination of the three.
• The ideal candidate will have experience developing and/or delivering training, particularly in a scientific context.
• A tertiary degree in agricultural, environmental or biological sciences is preferred, but not mandatory.

The successful applicant must

• Provide an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander referee who can confirm your understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and your ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Skills & Capabilitie

• Ability to build relationships with a diverse array of internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong cultural awareness, particularly in dealing with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in remote areas.
• Data analysis and visualisation skills, and the ability to suggest improvements to data collection methods.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• A demonstrated ability to set priorities, monitor own performance, be flexible, and produce high quality work within agreed timeframes.
• Capacity to travel regularly (~ once per month) to remote and rural areas, including overnight travel.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Flexible employment arrangements are available with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.