Biosecurity Program Lead in Melbourne

AUSVEG is the prescribed peak industry body for the Australian vegetable, onion and potato industries. To help our growers and our industry succeed, we focus on core activities and are guided by values that underpin everything we do. We identify and prioritise the issues of our members and advocate on behalf of growers to ensure their needs are heard and understood by decision makers. We deliver projects that produce outstanding results for growers using our skills, resources, and credibility as an organisation. Over several decades, we’ve established a proven track record of service provision that’s supported the growing success of Australian horticulture.

The Biosecurity Program Coordinator delivers the Farm Biosecurity Program, which is delivered by AUSVEG in partnership with Plant Health Australia (PHA). This program aims to improve biosecurity preparedness and response mechanisms within the vegetable, potato and onion industries across Australia. The role will involve contributing to all aspects of the program including engaging with key project stakeholders, producing program communication outputs, organizing and presenting at industry focused workshops and delivering on all other project deliverables. The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating the program in line with agreed targets, the monitoring and evaluation plan and the program strategy.

The program aims to ensure that the Australian plant industries are well prepared to respond to biosecurity threats and, as such, will require close interaction with the major components of the Australian biosecurity system. Part of the role will be to facilitate cooperation and coordination of efforts to improve biosecurity outcomes for vegetable and potato growers. The role has a strong communication element and involves liaising with researchers, agronomists, growers and industry technical experts. A level of scientific literacy will be necessary. Consultation will also occur with the Commonwealth, state and territory governments, industry bodies, and other relevant stakeholders.

The incumbent will possess an understanding of agronomic issues, preferably have some research experience and have a sound technical knowledge that will help contribute to the successful continuation of the project. Reporting to the AUSVEG National Manager – Biosecurity and Extension, the successful candidate will be responsible for contributing to the successful operations of the Farm Biosecurity Program in line with project targets and strategies.

MAIN DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strengthening Industry Biosecurity
• Raise awareness of priority pest threats to the vegetable and potato industries among growers and other industry participants;
• Increase the use and awareness of on-farm biosecurity practices by vegetable, potato and onion growers and other industry participants;
• Integrate on-farm biosecurity measures with relevant quality assurance and/or best management practice programs;
• Provide vegetable, potato and onion growers with practical information for the improvement of on-farm biosecurity;
• Developing practical biosecurity resources for industry;
• Representing the industry at biosecurity meetings and forums;
• Organising and speaking at biosecurity workshops;
• Promoting biosecurity awareness activities through seminars, presentations, media releases etc.;
• Conducting farm biosecurity focused farm visits.
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Reviewing biosecurity policies and pest risk assessments;
• Providing technical advice on biosecurity related issues;
• Working with government departments, industry groups and vegetable growers for improved biosecurity outcomes;
• Developing biosecurity focused R,D&E programs.
• Communications
• Maintain a web presence and use social media to convey program information;
• Developing practical biosecurity resources for industry;
• Writing biosecurity articles and newsletters;
• Communicating and engaging with industry technical experts;
• Meeting all project milestone requirements.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Qualifications in Agricultural Science or a related discipline;
• Willingness and ability to travel nationally, including regional and remote areas, as required.

Experience:

• Experience working in agriculture;
• Demonstrable ability to engage with a broad range of stakeholders, primarily industry;
• Experience in project management.

Skills:

• Exceptional and proven project management skills and highly tuned attention to detail, with strong problem-solving skills;
• A team-orientation, and willingness to support the business more broadly;
• A capacity to manage multiple priorities at any one time in an environment with constant change, demonstrable initiative and pride in the quality of work delivered;
• Excellent stakeholder management skills and the ability to influence and negotiate;
• Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Office skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook);
• High level organisational skills;
• Public speaking skills;
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills;
• Excellent report writing skills and attention to detail;
• Proven ability to conduct desktop research on specific subject matter.

Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa. AUSVEG is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds.