• See also our related advert for a Field Officer - Panama TR4.

About the Australian Banana Growers' Council

The Australian Banana Growers' Council (ABGC) is the national peak advocacy organisation for the banana industry. The ABGC represents the interests of Australian banana growers on all issues crucial to the sustainability and profitability of growers.

The ABGC has 23 employees, located in Brisbane (Rocklea), South Johnstone FNQ and northern NSW.

In 2015 Panama tropical race 4 (TR4) was detected in Tully - a major banana growing region in north Queensland. Since this detection, the industry has been working with Biosecurity Queensland (BQ) to contain the spread of the disease. TR4 is a soil-borne fungal disease that kills banana plants and if left unmanaged will devastate the Australian banana industry.

About the job

The Field Team Leader will be responsible for conducting surveillance activities and leading field teams for the detection of Panama TR4. Surveillance activities are essential to a successful ABGC TR4 Program, and Field Officers will need to be able to work cohesively as a team and within the greater ABGC organisation.

This is a part-time position with varying hours (minimum 23 hours per week), where superannuation, sick leave and holiday pay will be included as part of the package. To commence the beginning of February 2025 until 30 June 2026, with the possibility of extension.

Successful candidate will need to be able to always work in a respectful and professional manner, especially when engaging with growers, and undertaking work on farms to successfully achieve surveillance objectives. The appointment of the successful/preferred candidate is subject to a satisfactory National Police Record Check.

Main Roles and Responsibilities

The position will involve performing surveillance activities in four major banana growing regions in far north Queensland and may require travel for up to a week at a time.

• Ensure the surveillance team operates in accordance with documented processes and procedures.
• Ensure resources and equipment are available for the team and in a ready-to-use condition for day-to-day operations.
• Lead the team to conduct field-based surveillance, sampling and decontamination processes for surveillance for Panama TR4, and ensure a high standard of work is achieved in accordance with documented standards and procedures. This includes, for example, fairly distributing work amongst team members and checking the quality of completed work.
• Support the Panama TR4 field team in surveillance tasks, including the correct input of surveillance data.
• Follow workplace health and safety procedures at all times, and support team members in doing the same. This includes safe, competent and compliant use of all allocated tools and equipment.
• Where required, engage with growers and other stakeholders to enter properties and maintain a polite and professional manner.
• Assist in monitoring and managing accurate data collection including record keeping using standard forms and maps and electronic apps where required.
• Assist in monitoring stock levels and requesting purchases of chemicals and relevant equipment where required.
• Communicate in a clear, concise and polite manner with all staff, banana growers and members of the community. Provide accurate information to internal and external stakeholders and, where required, seek advice from their supervisor.

As a member of the ABGC staff team, additional responsibilities may include:

• Attend and contribute to regular team meetings.
• Support colleagues and co-workers while respecting individuality.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of the organisation by identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Assist with risk assessment and risk management planning when undertaking any activity carried out as part of this position, or activity undertaken on behalf of ABGC.
• Take all necessary steps to control and minimise risk to self, other employees, contractors, clients, and the general public.
• Report any illness, injury, hazard, near miss, incidents, losses or any other risk factor as soon as they are detected.

Required Knowledge and Experience

Essential:

1. Experience leading teams to achieve goals and coordinating resources for operations.
2. Ability to learn new skills and adapt to different work situations.
3. Ability to follow processes and procedures, with a strong attention to detail.
4. Strong communication skills and the ability to tailor communication skills for different audiences.
5. Ability to achieve outcomes within clear deadlines and remain calm in high pressure situations.
6. Practical experience and skills, or the ability to quickly acquire skills, in using a smart mobile device.
7. Physical capability to undertake outdoor field surveillance work including walking on uneven terrain and slopes in tropical weather conditions.
8. A current 'C' class driver's license.

Desirable:

• Practical experience in the banana field.
• First aid certificate.