The Director role sits at the heart of the Plant Protection & Environmental Biosecurity Division, shaping policy, managing a national program and leading a team across multiple locations. Daily you’ll plan, coordinate budgets and staff, steer research and policy development, and build strong networks with state commissioners and key biosecurity partners. You’ll prepare ministerial briefs, represent the department at meetings, and drive innovative locust management and response initiatives.
Role Specifications
| Job Title | Director |
|---|---|
| Vacancy Number | |
| Position Number | 2026/158 |
| Classification | Executive Level 2 |
| Salary | $151,938 – $176,530 per year |
| Job Type | Full-Time, Ongoing |
| Primary Locations | Canberra ACT; Various locations – ACT, Canberra |
| Future Merit Locations | Various locations – ACT, Canberra |
| Office Arrangement | Flexible |
| Office Arrangement Details | Subject to negotiation |
| Closing Date | Sunday 19 April 2026 |
| Agency Website | https://www.agriculture.gov.au |
About the Opportunity
The Australian Plague Locust Commission (APLC) is central to protecting Australia’s agriculture and biodiversity from locust threats. As Director, you’ll guide a national, cost-shared effort to implement preventative strategies that minimise losses to crops and markets. You’ll lead a team across multiple states, shaping policy, steering research, and coordinating with state commissioners to keep locust risks in check. It’s a role for a strategic thinker who can balance science, policy, and practical delivery in a complex public service environment.
You will be part of a purpose-driven organisation that values collaboration, rigorous analysis and timely, transparent decision-making. The Division prides itself on working across borders and with diverse stakeholders to safeguard plant health and the environment while maintaining Australia’s environmental and economic resilience. If you enjoy turning complex science into actionable policy and leading a high-performing team, this is a place where your work makes a real difference.
Duties (What You Will Do)
| Area | Key Tasks |
|---|---|
| Strategic leadership | Plan, organise and allocate staff resources; manage budgets, contracts, field bases (Canberra, Narromine, Broken Hill, Longreach), fleet, procurement and workforce planning. |
| Stakeholder management | Develop and maintain productive relationships with APLC Commissioners from NSW, Victoria, SA, QLD and DCCEEW; lead intergovernmental collaboration. |
| Research direction | Lead and coordinate major research projects; set objectives, foster interdisciplinary collaborations and secure external funding/in-kind support. |
| Policy and reporting | Prepare high-quality briefs, briefing papers and reports; support decision making and inform stakeholders and senior leaders. |
| Representation | Provide strategic direction to internal/external groups and committees; represent the Department at national and international meetings. |
| Biosecurity and preparedness | Establish and maintain relationships with key biosecurity, environmental and agriculture preparedness/response stakeholders; progress APLC priority activities. |
| Program innovation | Lead the development and implementation of new locust management, preparedness and response initiatives. |
| Financial management | Oversee cost-shared budgets; manage service delivery contracts, grants and procurement; work with member states as required. |
| Operational requirements | Work in difficult remote environments as needed; operate under limited supervision or in teams. |
About You (Eligibility)
- Experience developing, implementing and managing biosecurity policy or other science-based programs.
- Proven ability to manage a diverse team conducting operational, policy and research work.
- Knowledge of biosecurity emergency response management and locust-related applications.
- Strong written communication skills, including ministerial briefs, information papers and reports.
- Project and financial management experience, including contracts and grants.
- Experience with legislative frameworks and government decision-making processes.
- WH&S understanding to support a team operating in remote, challenging conditions.
- Willingness to work in remote locations as required.
Important Information for Applicants
The position notes RecruitAbility applies; you may be invited to participate in further assessment if you apply under this scheme and meet minimum requirements. VetPaths support is available for veterans transitioning to APS careers. Citizenship or visa requirements are not explicitly listed in the notice. In the APS, many roles require Australian citizenship or valid work rights; please check the eligibility criteria in the agency’s recruitment process and contact the Hiring Team if you’re unsure about your visa status.
Diversity & Inclusion
Recruitment notes indicate a commitment to diversity and inclusion, with pathways such as RecruitAbility and VetPaths to support applicants with differing needs and backgrounds.
RecruitAbility
Under this scheme, eligible applicants who declare a disability may be invited to participate in additional assessment activities after meeting minimum requirements.
Future Merit Pools
The merit pool established for this vacancy may be used to fill future ongoing vacancies within the branch for up to 18 months from the advertisement date.
How to Apply
| Contact Officer | Details |
|---|---|
| Position Contact | Con Goletsos, [email protected] |
| Candidate Kit | https://www.agriculture.gov.au/about/jobs/apply |
| Application Portal | https://www.agriculture.gov.au/about/jobs/apply |