As a Plant Breeder's Rights Examiner, you will use your technical expertise in combination with the legal and procedural training we provide (see training section below), to assess whether applications for Plant Breeder's Rights comply with the requirements set out in the legislation. This includes searching technical databases and conducting field examinations to confirm that the plant variety is distinct, uniform, stable and eligible for a Plant Breeder's Right.
This role has a strong customer service element as you will be liaising closely with applicants and their representatives throughout the process to resolve issues with applications and to conduct field trials.
Specific duties of a Plant Breeder's Rights Examiner include: Evaluating the scientific, legal and technical aspects of applications under the Plant Breeder's Rights Act 1994Independently conducting field examinations at often remote sites to establish distinctness, uniformity and stability (DUS) of new plant varietiesLiaising with PBR applicants, plant breeders, scientists, industry and technical experts from other organisations on PBR mattersUndertaking critical analysis of technical data and the preparation of concise, accurate examination reports for domestic and international applicantsAssisting in maintaining PBR databases and the preparation of the Plant Varieties Journal and other technical publicationsAssisting with the development of technical guidelines used for distinguishing new plant varietiesWorking as part of a small team to contribute to the achievement of group and organisational strategic goalsOur Training Program As a Plant Breeder's Rights Examiner, you will participate in the IP Rights Examiner Program. Starting as a trainee, you will be supported by a workplace coach through a competency-based training program to build your understanding of the relevant legislation and the examination process. This training program includes formal and on-the-job components, and you must complete all stages of the program within two years to meet the conditions of employment.
After successful completion of the training program, you will perform examinations independently as a Plant Breeder's Rights Examiner and work collaboratively as part of the PBR team to achieve section priorities.
The key duties of the position include: A relevant degree or equivalent qualifications in plant science, botany, horticulture or agricultureFluency in written and spoken EnglishA current driver's licence and the ability to travel interstate and overnight for field examinationsAdditional experience in plant breeding, plant related research, plant taxonomy and/or statistical analysis is highly regarded but not essential for this role.
In our Examiners, we look for a demonstrated ability to effectively:
Research, investigate and analyse complex informationCommunicate complex information simply, clearly and effectively in different mediumsDemonstrate initiative, self-motivation and the ability to work independentlySet goals and adapt to changing priorities and competing timeframes to meet deadlines and specified targetsEngage with stakeholders and work collaboratively with others to ensure quality service outcomes and the best result for customersEligibility Under section 22(8) of the Public Service Act 1999, employees must be Australian citizens to be employed in the Australian Public Service (APS).
All applicants offered employment will be required to successfully undergo a pre-engagement screening check, even if they have a security clearance. The screening check is conducted in accordance with the Australian Government Protective Security Policy Framework requirements.
The successful candidate/s may be required to obtain and maintain a security clearance at a specified clearance level – please check the candidate kit for security clearance requirements.
The successful applicant/s must be willing to share all relevant and required information.
IP Australia acknowledges that those with diverse experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds enhance our workplace and our capability for innovation. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander People, People with Disability and LGBTIQA+ people are encouraged to apply for any advertised position, that they may be suitable for, within IP Australia. Getting to know the IP Australia IP Australia is a Government agency with a passion for bright ideas. We offer a flexible workplace and rewarding career paths in the IP industry. If you get excited by creativity, innovation and breakthrough technologies, you should consider applying for a job with us. Be part of the team protecting Australian inventions and ideas while maintaining a balanced lifestyle. We offer stimulating jobs with strong career paths in the exciting and fast-growing world of Intellectual Property.
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