The Leading Biosecurity Officer - Plants coordinates the planning, delivery and reporting of projects involving regulatory and operational activities across the South West region of Victoria.

Reporting to the Biosecurity Manager, you will ensure delivery of high-quality services in the areas of pest and disease surveillance; plant biosecurity legislation and enforcement management; emergency preparedness and response; and auditing.

The position plays a key role in supporting industry with the maintenance of market access to domestic and international trade and in mitigating the economic and social effects of disease incidents in Victoria. As part of the flexible and integrated response model implemented by Biosecurity Victoria, you will provide support to other regional biosecurity operations as required, including participation in biosecurity and other emergency responses.

You will establish strong working relationships with internal staff and various external stakeholders, including private landowners, community, and industry groups as well as local and state government agencies.

As this is a regulatory position, you may be required to conduct investigations and appear in court. This position has

responsibilities under the Plant Biosecurity Act 2010.

The successful applicant will work effectively as a member of a team, enjoy flexible working arrangements and undertake a wide variety of work to support interoperability across the business.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

An appropriate tertiary degree in Science, Agricultural Science, Natural Resource Management is required for this position. Other related Science Degrees may be considered.

This is an ongoing position. The work location for this position is Ballarat preferred but negotiable within the South West Region with hybrid work arrangements available.

To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) summarising their skills and relevant experience. Please address the following questions:

Your demonstrated experience and/or knowledge of regulation within Victorian agricultural and horticulture industries including biosecurity issues affecting these industries; and

Please explain your understanding of what is required when working in a regulatory role.

Please refer to the Key Selection Criteria provided in the Position Description, including the mandatory requirements.

How to Apply:

If you are a current DEECA employee, please apply via DEECA Careers.

Applications close 11.59pm on Sunday, 04 January 2026.

All applications must be submitted through the online portal. We are unable to consider email or manual applications at this time.

Other relevant information:

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing position is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.

A Diverse, Inclusive and Flexible Workplace

DEECA welcomes applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds and we focus on the essential requirements of the job and being consistent and fair in our treatment of all applicants. We also understand that a balanced life is important to our employees. Talk to us about our flexible options such as working some days from home, starting early or late, working part time, job sharing or accessing paid or unpaid leave. For more information visit applying for a role with us.