Scientist (Weed Biocontrol) Classification: PO3

Working within the Invasive Plant and Animal Research group in Biosecurity Queensland, you will be
required to manage weed biological control projects, prepare project plans, budgets and reports,
supervise staff, undertake field exploration in other countries, conduct host specificity testing of
candidate biological control agents in quarantine, and conduct field visits to monitor the establishment
and spread of released biocontrol agents, as part of ongoing weed biocontrol projects.
The position will assist researchers in a new 5-year project funded by Landcare Research NZ Ltd to
manage pasture weeds in Vanuatu. Travel to Vanuatu to support local researchers and to other
countries may be required.

 Help provide cost-effective, biological control of some of Queensland’s worst weeds

 Manage weed biological control projects through preparing project plans, budgets and reports
 Supervise staff
 Collaborate with international, national and state organisations as required

Benefits of working for us

 Flexible working options <<including hours of work, pattern of work and location of work>>
 Great superannuation and salary sacrificing options
 A safe, inclusive and diverse work culture
 Rewards and recognition programs
 The position is located at the Ecosciences Precinct, Boggo Road, Dutton Park.
 Ecosciences Precinct is close to public transport (train and bus).

Employment type Temporary full-time up to 30 June 2023

Salary per annum $80,537 - $87,763 p/a

Primary location Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, Qld 4102

Business group Invasive Plants and Animals Research, Biosecurity Queensland

Closing date Wednesday, 27 March 2019

Contact for further information Michael Day (07) 3708 8553

Job ad reference no. QLD/305378/19

Upload a one to two page statement including examples, outlining your

How to apply suitability for the role by addressing the key capabilities , along with your
resume through smartjobs.qld.gov.au.

CHA/2018/4385 Role Description – Scientist (Weed Biocontrol)

Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
What you will do
 Manage weed biological control projects through preparing project plans, budgets and reports in
a timely manner.
 Supervise staff and maintain a safe working environment.
 Conduct overseas exploration for candidate biological control agents.
 Maintain cultures of insects in a quarantine for biological and host specificity studies.
 Design robust experiments and conduct host specificity testing of insects in quarantine premises.
 Plan and implement field visits to release and monitor biological control agents.
 Collaborate with international, national and state organisations as required.

You’ll be good at
While we’re deciding if you’re the right person for the job, you’ll be assessed on the following key
capabilities that relate to the above tasks you will do:

 Achieves quality results

o Demonstrates personal integrity and commitment through effective planning & diligent
management of available resources & work effort to deliver business priorities in
accordance with endorsed business processes & standards
 Applies, maintains and builds specialist expertise
o Applies expertise in pest research and management (particularly weeds) to deliver quality
functional and technical services
 Communicates clearly and effectively
o Communicates clearly and respectfully, adapting their style to the audience while
maintaining the integrity of the message and negotiates persuasively to achieve mutually
beneficial outcomes
 Cultivates productive working relationships
o Builds the necessary relationships to achieve required and/or agreed operational and
strategic outcomes
 Shapes and supports strategic thinking
o Thinking and decision-making is evidence-based, reflects the organisation's operating
context and considers current and emerging issues and opportunities to improve
outcomes
 Undertakes data and intelligence analysis/investigations
o Uses relevant and sufficient data/evidence to enable informed decision-making, including
where necessary, asking appropriate questions, creating appropriate data queries,
developing data models / investigation or research methods and seeking out additional
data sources.

You must also have

 Degree qualification in an area such as entomology, plant science, agricultural science or
environmental science.
 Willingness to work under quarantine conditions and in the field.
 Valid driver’s licence.

CHA/2018/4385 Role Description – Scientist (Weed Biocontrol)

Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Page 2 of 4
What we do
The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) promotes profitable agriculture, fisheries and forestry
industries for Queensland. DAF employs over 2000 people in areas including policy development,
leading-edge science, biosecurity, fisheries, forestry management, trade and export. Further information
is available from the department’s website at daf.qld.gov.au and our social media accounts.
Biosecurity Queensland protects Queensland’s plants and animals and the environment from Biosecurity
threats that could jeopardise Queensland’s industries, economy and lifestyle. The business group has a
strong state-wide operational footprint whose staff are the frontline in Queensland’s defence against pest
and disease threats to our plants and animals. Biosecurity Queensland operates through four (4)
operational programs:
1. Animal Biosecurity and Welfare;
2. Invasive Plants and Animals;
3. Plant Biosecurity and Product Integrity; and
4. National Red Imported Fire Ant Eradication Program.

Biosecurity Queensland is supported by the following three (3) programs:

1. Business Services;
2. Service Coordination; and
3. Strategy and Legislation.

How to apply
To apply for this role, you will need to submit the following:

 A one to two page cover letter, describing one or two activities that you’ve been involved with that
can demonstrate to us that you possess the key capabilities mentioned above. Your response
must be no longer than two pages.
 Your current resume detailing your previous work or voluntary experience including two referees
who have personally observed you displaying the key capabilities required for this role.
 If you are not applying online through the Smart jobs and careers website, a completed
‘Advertised position application’.

Submit your application online

 Applying online through the Smart jobs and careers website, smartjobs.qld.gov.au, is the
preferred means to submit an application. To do this, click 'Apply online' on the job ad. You will
need to create a Smart Job account before submitting your online application.
 By applying online you can track your application through the process, maintain your personal
details through registration and withdraw your application if required.
 If you experience any technical difficulties when accessing the Smart jobs and careers website
please contact 13 QGOV (13 74 68). All enquiries relating to the status of your application once
the job has closed should be directed to the contact officer on the role description.
 If you do not have internet access and are unable to submit your application online please
contact the QSS Support Team on 1300 146 370, between 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, to
enquire about alternative arrangements.
 Late applications cannot be submitted through the Smart jobs and careers website, so please
allow enough time before the closing date to submit your application. If approval has been
granted by the contact officer for a late application to be considered, please contact the
Applications Processing Team on the numbers above to arrange this.
 Hand delivered applications will not be accepted.

CHA/2018/4385 Role Description – Scientist (Weed Biocontrol)

Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Page 3 of 4
Additional information
 A three month probationary period may apply to successful candidates.
 Candidates may be subject to a criminal history or probity check during the selection process.
 The recommended applicant will be required to disclose any previous serious disciplinary action.
 Newly appointed public service employees are obliged to disclose within one month of starting
duty, a disclosure of employment as a lobbyist in the previous two years.
 Applications may remain current for 12 months and may be considered for other vacancies.
 The capability descriptions are based on the DAF Workforce Capability Framework.

CHA/2018/4385 Role Description – Scientist (Weed Biocontrol)

Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Page 4 of 4