Role type: Permanent, Full-Time

Location: Hutt Valley/Wellington

Salary range: $109,626 to $148,328 depending on skills and experience

  

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the Role

We are looking for a permanent full time Team Manager to lead the early detection, investigation and identification of biosecurity risks through the delivery and management of notifications received from the exotic pest and disease emergency phone and on-line notification system. This position is in the Biosecurity Surveillance and Incursion Investigation group. The successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

• Lead team members responsible for investigations to the point of diagnosis of suspect exotic, new and emerging diseases of animals
• Provide technical advice during investigations and during responses to incursions of unwanted and new organisms
• involvement in eradication and post eradication surveillance for exotic diseases and pests of animals
• surveillance and response programme project work, including development of exotic disease investigation and surveillance capability, development of surveillance systems
• Manage complex work programmes/projects to enhance general surveillance, incursion investigation and transition for a biosecurity response.
• Provide subject matter expertise around incursion investigation, intelligence and response and general epidemiology to solve biosecurity problems.

 

Mōu - About You

We are seeking a highly motivated individual with a veterinary degree and post-graduate qualification in epidemiology who is experienced in leading talented people, organisational management, enjoys a dynamic technical working environment and who is passionate about protecting New Zealand's livestock, companion and native animals. Experience working in a government organisation will be an advantage. Our ideal candidate will have:

• a veterinary degree able to be registered in New Zealand;
• diagnostic and epidemiological skills;
• crisis or emergency management skills, or a keen interest in developing these skills;
• motivation, initiative, flexibility, sound judgement and an aptitude for team leadership;
• excellent oral and written communication skills.

 

Why work for us?

Our Diagnostic and Surveillance Services (DSS) directorate are the guardians of Aotearoa New Zealand's biosecurity. We run a number of targeted and passive biosecurity surveillance programmes at any one time, identifying new pests and diseases that make it past our borders, providing research and analysis on their impact, and supporting eradication where we can. Our surveillance programme aren't just national – we also work with international partners to monitor biosecurity threats.

One of our greatest assets is our people. We've got a team of highly qualified, passionate science professionals who get to work on projects they're interested in. With employees from over 20 different countries, DSS is one of the most diverse, welcoming spaces in MPI.

All our labs are reference labs, so our team works on complex cases, not standard diagnostic lab activities. We have the best, highest qualified people - critical thinkers solving dynamic problems. You'll work on challenging, interesting and unusual cases – often things that are so new to biosecurity that no one else is working on them.

 

Mō te Manatū Ahu Matua - About MPI

The Ministry for Primary Industries is helping to seize export opportunities for our primary industries, improve sector productivity, ensure the food we produce is safe, increase sustainable resource use, and protect New Zealand from biological risk.

To learn more about our work in biosecurity surveillance, click here:

https://www.mpi.govt.nz/biosecurity/how-to-find-report-and-prevent-pests-and-diseases/surveillance-programmes/

 

Ngā hua o te Mahi i te Manatū Ahu Matua - Benefits of working at MPI

• Up to three additional (MPI holidays) leave days
• Wellness benefit for employees
• Work amongst some of the best scientific minds in the country

Wā Mahi Ngāwari - Flexible WorkingWe support work life balance and flexible work arrangements. If you're interested, we are open to discussing flexible working options with you.

 

Ngā Taki Whakahaumaru - Security checks

Low level Security Clearance

• most preferably a NZ citizen, who has resided continuously in NZ for at least the last five (5) years, OR
• is a citizen of, and/or has resided continuously in one or more of the following countries for the last five (5) years: either Australia, Canada, NZ, the United Kingdom (UK) or the United States of America (USA); and has a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed as appropriate by the NZ Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) towards a recommendation of suitability for a security clearance at this level.
• click here to find out more about the national security vetting process and access the eligibility self-check tool.

If you do not meet these minimum criteria, we will not be able to accept your application.

 

Whakamātau Whakapōauau me te Waipiro - Drug and Alcohol Screening

Please note, given this position is safety sensitive the preferred applicant/s for the position will be required to undergo a drug and alcohol pre-employment screening test. Further information on this process can be found on our careers site under the application process, on pre-employment checks page.

 

Me pēhea te tuku tono - How to Apply

To view the position description and/or apply online, please click “APPLY FOR THIS JOB” or visit the MPI Careers Site.

Overseas candidates are welcome to apply. To apply for this role you must hold the right to work in New Zealand or be eligible to obtain it – click here to find out more about work visa eligibility and options.

 

Applications close at midnight on 28 October 2022.

 

The Ministry for Primary Industries is committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values inclusion and diversity. Your unique talents and experience will help us deliver exceptional services to our communities in Aotearoa. In return you'll enjoy an inclusive and flexible working environment in a diverse team of people while you're growing your career here in NZ and internationally. We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so that we can assist you through the recruitment process.

 

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