Entomologist – Fruit Fly Diagnostics & Biosecurity

- Cairns, QLD

- $63.12–$68.80 per hour plus 12% superannuation

- Labour hire contract commencing 24 August 2026

- Initial six-month engagement with a possible six-month extension

Are you an entomologist, life scientist or biosecurity professional looking for an opportunity to apply your scientific expertise to work with genuine operational impact?

We are seeking an Entomologist to support a nationally important Australian Government fruit fly surveillance, diagnostic and response program based in Cairns.

Candidates with established fruit fly expertise are strongly encouraged to apply. Applications are also welcomed from experienced entomologists with broader insect diagnostic, surveillance, agricultural science or biosecurity experience who can rapidly develop specialist fruit fly diagnostic capability.

This is a hands-on scientific role combining laboratory diagnostics, surveillance information, data improvement and stakeholder collaboration.

The prospect

Working as part of a multidisciplinary scientific and operational team, you will help maintain and strengthen fruit fly diagnostic capability and support evidence-based biosecurity decision-making.

The position will work across laboratory and office environments and collaborate with scientific, operational and data management personnel, including operational partners in the Torres Strait and Biosecurity Queensland.

Your responsibilities will include:

- Providing specialist fruit fly entomology diagnostic services supporting surveillance and response activities.

- Examining and identifying fruit fly specimens and contributing to timely diagnostic outcomes.

- Supporting improvements to the capture, management, analysis and reporting of surveillance and diagnostic information.

- Identifying gaps in current information management processes and recommending practical improvements.

- Working with data specialists to improve the organisation, accessibility and searchability of fruit fly information and datasets.





- Contributing to business requirements for fruit fly data management, reporting and information systems.

- Supporting information sharing and program delivery with internal and external stakeholders.

- Providing regular updates on progress, deliverables and emerging issues.

- Complying with laboratory work health and safety requirements, biosecurity protocols, information security requirements and records management obligations.

About you

You may already be an experienced fruit fly specialist, or you may have broader entomological expertise that can be transferred into fruit fly diagnostics.

To be competitive, you will have:

- Relevant qualifications in entomology, biological science, agricultural science, life sciences, ecology, zoology or a related discipline.

- Practical experience in entomology, insect diagnostics, scientific surveillance, laboratory services, biosecurity or a closely related area.

- The ability to rapidly develop specialist fruit fly diagnostic knowledge.

- Strong scientific observation, analysis and problem-solving skills.

- An understanding of the importance of accurate scientific records, data quality and defensible diagnostic outcomes.

- The ability to work effectively with scientists, operational personnel, data specialists and external stakeholders.

- Strong written and verbal communication skills.

- The ability to manage competing priorities and deliver work in accordance with established procedures and quality standards.

Experience in one or more of the following areas will be highly regarded:

- Fruit fly entomology or diagnostics.

- Insect identification or diagnostic laboratory work.

- Biosecurity surveillance or response activities.





- Agricultural pest management.

- Scientific data management, analysis or reporting.

- Laboratory or surveillance information management systems.

- Translating scientific or operational needs into data or system requirements.

Contract details

- Engagement type: Labour hire.

- Classification: APS5 equivalent.

- Hourly rate: $63.12–$68.80 plus 12% superannuation, depending on experience.

- Location: Cairns Airport, Queensland.

- Hours: Between 30 and 37.5 hours per week.

- Commencement: August 2026.

- Initial term: Six months.

- Extension: An additional six months may be available, providing up to 12 months in total.

- Flexible working: Remote work of up to one day per week may be available, subject to operational requirements.

Security requirements

The successful candidate must hold, or be eligible to obtain and maintain, an Australian Government Baseline security clearance.

A valid Baseline clearance must be in place before access can be granted to government buildings, information, systems or assets.

Why apply?

This is a rare opportunity to combine practical entomology, scientific diagnostics, biosecurity surveillance and data improvement in one role.

Your work will directly support the timely detection and management of fruit fly risks and contribute to important surveillance and response activities across northern Australia.

How to apply

Please submit your current résumé together with a brief cover letter outlining:

- Your qualifications and experience in entomology or a related scientific discipline.

- Any fruit fly, insect diagnostic, surveillance, laboratory or biosecurity experience.

- Your experience working with scientific information, datasets or reporting systems.

- Your current security clearance status or eligibility to obtain a Baseline clearance.

- Your availability to commence in August 2026.

Applications will be assessed as they are received, so early applications are strongly encouraged.

📌 Entomologist – Fruit Fly Diagnostics & Biosecurity (Stratford)
🏢 Booka Consulting
📍 Stratford