Who we are
The Biosecurity Animal Division works to maintain and enhance trade and market access for animals and animal products. The division undertakes risk analyses for animals and animal products (terrestrial, avian and aquatic) and assesses applications for the import of live animals, biological materials and animal genetic material. The division also provides policy and technical advice on marine pest biosecurity, and works collaboratively with Australian industries, governments and the community to strengthen Australia's animal disease prevention, preparedness and response capabilities. Working closely with stakeholders, the division maintains and enhances the health and sustainability of Australia's animal, animal products sectors and environment, and supports human health in Australia and overseas. The division also provides leadership and strategic direction on domestic and international animal health issues and facilitates the export of live animals and animal genetic material by negotiating animal health protocols and animal health certification with overseas authorities.

The Animal and Biological Imports Branch implements biosecurity policies to allow for the safe movement of animals, animal products (including aquatic animals and their products) and genetic material into Australia. The activities of the branch include the provision of technical advice to staff, importers and stakeholders, development and publishing of import conditions, instructional material and other guidance material, and assessing import permit applications and issuing import permits.

The Job
• Maintaining an expert understanding of the science, policies and legislation for managing the risks posed by animal pests and diseases that are relevant to the commodities you are responsible for.
• Providing sound technical advice to colleagues, importers, operational staff within the department and other stakeholders on biosecurity risk management.
• Undertaking biosecurity regulatory functions including exercising delegations under the Biosecurity Act 2015 to grant, refuse, suspend and revoke import permits.
• Providing leadership to staff undertaking import permit assessments to ensure permits are issued in accordance with the department’s service charter and are consistent with Australia’s biosecurity legislation and import policies.
• Monitoring business processes, identifying opportunities for improvement and implementing changes.
• Prepare and deliver briefings, reports and corporate correspondence.
• Supervise, train staff and manage resource allocation.
• Manage projects as required.
• Contribute to business planning and resource management activities.
• Build and maintain productive working relationships with peers and others in the department and externally (e.g. Department of Health).
• Ensure good records are maintained.

Please note that his recruitment process is advertised as both an ongoing and non-ongoing position. If an offer of non-ongoing employment is made, the successful applicant would be employed for an initial period of 12 months with the possibility of extension up to a maximum period of 3 years in total. Should the position become ongoing then the merit pool established through this selection process, which is valid for a period of twelve months from the date the vacancy was advertised in the Public Service Gazette, may be used to fill the vacancy on an ongoing basis.

What we are looking for
Knowledge and experience
• A thorough knowledge of pests, diseases and infectious agents which affect Australia’s terrestrial and/or aquatic animals is essential.
• Experience in risk assessment, regulatory actions or policy development regarding management of animal diseases is highly desirable.
• An understanding of Australia’s biosecurity system, biosecurity concepts and the ability to interpret and apply relevant legislation are highly desirable.
• An understanding of government processes and experience in preparing briefings, minutes and complex correspondence are desirable.
• Experience in and an aptitude for guiding and supervising staff in a dynamic and fast paced environment is desirable.

Skills and capabilities
Successful applicants have the following skills and capabilities:
• Demonstrated experience in the analysis of scientific and technical information that is related to the management of biosecurity risks, and an ability to quickly develop solutions to these complex problems.
• Well-developed written and verbal communication skills with the ability to converse with experts and to convey complex technical information in a clear and concise manner to various audiences.
• A demonstrated ability to effectively lead and manage teams in a high pressure environment.
• The ability to multi-task and manage competing priorities in a high pressure environment.
• A demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with a range of internal and external stakeholders including importers, overseas organisations and staff within the department.
• A strong ability to think strategically and to consider what we need for tomorrow.
• The skills to maintain a professional and compassionate approach to clients in emotionally challenging situations.
• Familiarity with current Microsoft Office software and an ability to quickly learn how to use unfamiliar software.
• Proven ability to manage projects and drive reform.

Mandatory qualifications
You must have a veterinary degree from an Australian university or equivalent veterinary qualification recognised in Australia. You must be fully registered, or eligible for full registration, with the relevant Australian state/territory veterinary board and you must maintain this registration whilst employed by the department.

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