- Ongoing Full Time, 35 hours per week
- Primary Work Location: Menangle
- Classification/Salary Professional Officer Grade 7 – salary from $167,605 to 173,174 per annum (FTE) plus super and leave loading
About the Role
This is a unique opportunity to lead a highly skilled team delivering critical plant biosecurity diagnostic and research services that protect NSW agriculture, industries and communities.
As a senior scientific leader, you will provide strategic direction and oversight of plant pathology and entomology diagnostic services, research programs and Biosecurity Collections. You will work closely with government, industry, research organisations and national stakeholders to address emerging plant pest and disease threats, strengthen biosecurity capability and deliver outcomes aligned with the NSW Biosecurity Strategy.
You will lead and mentor a team of specialist scientists and technical professionals, fostering a collaborative, high-performing culture focused on scientific excellence, innovation and service delivery. As a key member of the Animal and Plant Biosecurity Research and Diagnostics leadership team, you will contribute to strategic planning, governance, resource management and organisational priorities.
This role offers the opportunity to influence plant biosecurity outcomes at a state and national level, build strong partnerships across industry and research sectors, and drive research and diagnostic initiatives that support the sustainability and productivity of NSW primary industries.
About You
As our ideal candidate, you will bring:
- Advanced people leadership skills with the ability to lead and mentor a large, multidisciplinary team of scientific experts to deliver high-quality diagnostic and research services, while fostering ongoing professional development, training and future capability
- Extensive biosecurity experience, enabling you to provide authoritative professional and technical advice on endemic and exotic biosecurity issues for NSW
- Strong collaborative engagement skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective partnerships with colleagues, industry partners, research organisations, universities, research and development corporations and national committees to enhance service delivery and identify new opportunities
- Highly developed organisational skills, enabling effective prioritisation of resources amid competing demands to deliver effective research and diagnostic outcomes, including during biosecurity responses
Essential criteria:
- Under-graduate and post-graduate qualifications in Science, Agricultural Science, Horticultural Science or relevant field and senior research or diagnostics experience
- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of plant pests and diseases and plant production systems with NSW and Australia with ability to apply this knowledge in the context of plant biosecurity research and diagnostics
- Current NSW Driver License and the ability and willingness to travel
For further information about the role please contact hiring manager Will Cuddy on 0429 394 759 or email
[email protected].
Please click here to
Applications close: Thursday 9 July at 11:55pm AEST
Applying is easy!
Please apply via our online portal and submit:
✅ A CV (approx. 4 pages)
✅ A cover letter (approx. 1 page) Tell us how your experience and skills make you a great fit for this role.
After applying:
- You’ll receive a confirmation email
- We’ll review all applications once the ad closes
- If shortlisted, you may be invited to interview (in person or Microsoft Teams video)
- Further assessments will follow (e.g. writing task, skills test, psychometric test)
- Reference checks will be completed for final candidates
- The preferred candidate for this role may be required to undergo reference checks, a national police check, bankruptcy check, health assessment and/or other assessments as required.
- A talent pool may be created for ongoing and temporary roles of the same type that may arise within the next 18 months.
Why Join Us?
At DPIRD, we’re committed to protecting and growing NSW’s primary industries while supporting regional communities. When you join us, you’ll:
- Work on meaningful projects that shape the future of agriculture and biosecurity.
- Enjoy flexible work arrangements and the option to work from regional locations.
- Access professional development opportunities to grow your career.
- Be part of a collaborative, inclusive team that values diversity and innovation.
About us – together, we are DPIRD
The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) protects, supports and develops primary industries and regional economies.
Collectively we support strong and sustainable agriculture, forestry, fishing and mining industries, and regional economies. We actively manage our natural assets: our lands and soils, minerals, waterways and oceans, vegetation and forests.
The department brings together:
- Local Land Services
- NSW Resources
- Agriculture and Biosecurity
- Fisheries and Forestry
- Regional Development and Delivery.
We have skilled and dedicated teams working in 200 locations across regional NSW. With nearly 5,000 employees, and 75 per cent of the DPIRD team living and working in regional NSW, we are embedded in the regions we serve. Learn more about the benefits of joining our diverse and talented DPIRD team.
At DPIRD, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds – including, but not limited to, gender, age, ethnicity, cultural heritage, disability, religion and sexual orientation.
DPIRD is a proud Disability Confident Recruiter, Family Inclusive Employer and Carer Friendly Employer
We are committed to ensuring every stage of the recruitment process is accessible and free from barriers. If you require adjustments or information in an alternative format to participate, please contact
[email protected] or the hiring manager listed for a confidential discussion.
We also understand that work is just one part of life. Our Family Inclusive Employer and Carers + Employers Accreditations reflect our commitment to supporting employees to balance work and family responsibilities.
