Who we are The Australian Plague Locust Commission (APLC) is jointly funded by New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland State Governments with a matching contribution from the Australian Government. The APLC is responsible for monitoring and managing locust populations that are a significant threat to agriculture . The Job The position of field officer has responsibility for the following: Be prepared to travel and undertake field work in rural and remote parts of Australia. Working alone under limited supervision and as part of a small team, conduct ground and/or aerial surveys to assess locust distribution and abundance, assess the habitat and collect data. Participate in locust control campaigns including aerial and ground target search and assessment of control. Assist in the operation and maintenance of field base and equipment. Develop and maintain a network of relevant contacts in the rural community. Assist scientific staff in research and development work as required e.g. field testing of insecticides, locust ecology, environmental impact etc. Assist the Director and Operations Manager in any aspect of the Commission's activities as required. What we are looking for The Work You will be based at one of the APLC field stations in Broken Hill (NSW), Narromine (NSW) or Longreach (QLD). You must be willing to work for long periods under difficult conditions in remote areas both alone and/or as a member of a small team. You will work with the Officer in Charge of the field station to develop trip plans and undertake locust surveillance. You will be required to collect and upload surveillance data while in the field and provide scheduled daily communication updates with central office in Canberra. You will assist with control activities when required including safe transport and handling of pesticides, working with aerial spraying contractors, undertake ground and aerial surveillance and other control activities. You must be self-reliant in remote and physically demanding situations and comply with all safety requirements, have attention to detail to ensure data is accurate and recorded in a timely manner. You will maintain a 4WD vehicle and associated survey, control, communication, and safety equipment. You will establish and maintain collaborative relationships with stakeholders including state agency officers, local government, landholders, and others to assist with reporting of locusts and when undertaking control activities. Skills and capabilities The successful candidates will have strong organisational and time management skills and be motivated to learn on the job. You will be supported to develop and learn while working collaboratively in a team-based environment and operating as an effective team member. Mandatory Qualifications § Manual car license and ability to drive a 4WD vehicle in a range of conditions. Desirable Qualifications · Relevant formal training and experience in an entomological, ecological, biological, agricultural, environmental, emergency response management or other relevant discipline or field. Knowledge of agricultural/environmental pest survey and control. Willingness and ability to obtain certifications by an approved authority in: First aid Handling of agricultural chemicals Undertake fitness for duty assessment Aviation Security Identification Card National heavy vehicle license Transport of dangerous goods Working Safely Around Aircraft training Eligibility and other requirements Citizenship - To be eligible for employment with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry you must be an Australian citizen. Security Clearance - This position does not require a security clearance. Pre-employment Check - Your suitability for employment will be assessed through a preemployment screening process. This process includes a requirement to undergo and satisfy a National Police Check, referee checks, character clearance and where required a pre-employment medical assessment, specified mandatory qualification(s) validation and a probation period of 6 months. MSIC and ASIC Licences – If the position requires unescorted access within an aviation or maritime security zone, you will be required to obtain and maintain an Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC) or Maritime Security Identification Card (MSIC). Statement of claims Applicants are required to submit a statement of claims (900 words maximum) outlining why you are interested in these positions and why you believe that you have the skills, capabilities, knowledge and experience to be considered for these roles. Please provide examples which demonstrate your ability to perform the duties of the position. The key areas, or points, listed above describe the particular skills, capabilities, knowledge, and experience and where applicable the qualifications required to achieve the desired outcomes for the role and your statement of claims against these is an essential part of the shortlisting process. If shortlisted, applicants may be asked to attend an interview to provide further examples against these key areas/points to demonstrate their ability to perform the duties of the position. Applicants must demonstrate the ways in which they will be of value to the job and the organisation. You must make sure that you adequately address each key area or point and cite evidence of your suitability. Do not simply state that you meet the requirements - it is essential that you provide examples from your current or past role(s) which demonstrate how you meet each of the key areas or points. You should focus on how your experience, achievements and capabilities will enable you to successfully undertake the responsibilities of the role. Work Health and Safety Obligations All workers (APS1-Secretary) have a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety whilst at work, to ensure their acts or omissions do not adversely affect the health and safety of other persons and to comply with any reasonable instruction given to comply with the Work Health and Safety legislation. All supervisors and managers (APS5-EL1) play a significant role by modelling safe work behaviours and clearly setting the standard for acceptable behaviour in the workplace. Supervisors and managers play a critical role in supporting 'Officers' to exercise due diligence and in consulting with duty holders. An Officer (EL2-Secretary) makes and participates in making decisions that affect the whole or a substantial part of the department. Employees at the SES Band 2 and above classification are considered to be Officers under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cwth) with all EL 2 and above required to complete officer due diligence training. Officers have a duty to be proactive and continuously ensure that the department complies with relevant duties and obligations. RecruitAbility RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the position. For more information see https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability. These positions may be filled using the Affirmative Measure provision, which allows for the targeted recruitment of First Nations people(s) into the Australian Public Service. Contact Name: Heath McRae Phone number: 02 6272 3358 Email address: ****** Closing Date Applications close: 14 May 2024
