Biosecurity Officer - Darwin

• APS 4 - $77,728 - $84,619 per annum plus superannuation
• Biosecurity Operations Division
• Darwin, NT

Who we are 
Cargo Operations Inspections are responsible for the inspection of imported food, goods, vessels, aircraft, animals and animal genetic material and the assessment of documentation to confirm compliance with Australia's biosecurity and export market requirements. The team are also responsible for managing goods that do not comply with import/export requirements and capturing information to support evidence-based decisions.

Maritime Operations delivers regulatory assessment and inspections of arriving international vessels to ensure compliance with Australia's biosecurity requirements. This pathway works with policy teams within the department to influence and inform operational policy and deliver regulatory functions in accordance with legislative requirements. The pathway has a national footprint with a presence in all capital cities and major regional ports.

The Jobs
The duties of a Biosecurity Officer may include, but are not limited to:

•  performing a range of screening, inspection, assurance and scheduling related activities associated with cargo, conveyances and people entering Australia
•  assessing documentation to confirm compliance with Australia’s biosecurity requirements
•  managing goods that do not comply with import/export requirements and capturing information to support evidence-based decisions
•  providing timely and accurate advice on biosecurity matters to stakeholders/clients, employees and senior managers via telephone and email
•  identifying trends in biosecurity risks and escalating these to assist in targeting intelligence and risk-based activities
•  managing, modelling and monitoring compliance with appropriate standards of behaviour in line with departmental expectations and including the APS Code of Conduct and Values
•  promoting and complying with departmental WHS and Rehabilitation policies and guidelines and being alert for and reporting risks to local management and WHS personnel
•  providing on-the-job coaching and assisting and supporting other employees on biosecurity issues.

Positions may be full-time or part-time depending on business needs and requirements. You will be required to attend full time for an initial training period if you are offered a part time position. Wherever possible, positions will be offered based on your pathway preference as indicated in your application.

For more information on the day in the life of a Biosecurity Officer, please click here.

What we are looking for
Knowledge and experience
Successful applicants will contribute to the division meeting its regulatory goals of managing biosecurity threats by demonstrating the following key attributes:

•  Integrity
-  Demonstrate sound moral and ethical principles across all areas of work.
-  Undertake duties in line with the Biosecurity Act 2015 and decision support materials.
-  Maintain biosecurity and personal integrity at all times.
•  Independence
-  Ensure activities are performed without interference or undue influence from those being regulated or those who have a vested interest.
-  The ability to make decisions within the scope of your authority through sound judgement and decision making whilst working independently with minimal supervision.
•  A clear purpose and level of curiosity
-  Articulate a clear purpose by understanding your role and the role of the department as a regulator.
-  Attention to detail whilst remaining open and inquisitive to consider elements outside the task at hand.
•  Appropriate use of authority
-  A good understanding of legislative powers (or the ability to acquire) and the ability to use them in a professional manner.
-  The ability to make evidence-based decisions using sound judgement in line with legislation.
-  The confidence and willingness to challenge, even where doubt exists.
-  The ability to manage conflict.
•  Accountability
-  Accountable for your actions and be able to make and explain informed defensible decisions.
-  Take responsibility to see activities through to completion.
-  Work effectively in a team environment, building and sustaining collaborative relationships.
•  Resilience
-  Manage change and maintain focus on strategic objectives.
-  Display agility and flexibility to adapt and deliver regulatory functions and operational outcomes in evolving circumstances.
•  Transparency
-  Fair, impartial and open to scrutiny.

Eligibility and other requirements
The successful applicants must:

•  hold and maintain a valid motor vehicle licence and bee capable of driving in accordance with Australian road laws
•  note that the physical requirements of the role(s) may involve a combination of outdoor and office-based work
•  wear an official uniform supplied by the department, including during field operations (as applicable), in accordance with the department’s uniform policy
•  wear appropriate protective personal equipment and clothing to comply with departmental Work Health & Safety policies and procedures
•  note that you must satisfactorily complete the department’s Biosecurity Foundation Program and meet the minimum requirements in order to be appointed as a Biosecurity Officer under the Biosecurity Act 2015
•  note that you may be required to perform occasional out-of-hours and weekend work
•  note that there may be a requirement to travel to regional areas
•  note that where applicable additional wage allowances may be provided for working outdoors and at wharf environments
•  note that in Cargo Operations Inspections and Maritime Operations, where applicable additional wage allowances may be provided for working outdoors and at wharf environments
•  note that the vacancies in Travellers Operations are part-time and that the ability to perform shift work is a requirement when applying for vacancies in this work area.
For additional information, please read the Job Description below. 

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