- EL 2 - $151,938 - $176,530 per annum plus superannuation
- Exports & Veterinary Services Division
- Canberra, ACT

The Director – Residue Chemistry and Laboratory Evaluation and Plant provides strategic leadership, governance and technical oversight for National Residue Survey (NRS) residue monitoring, laboratory evaluation, proficiency testing program and the NRS Plant Program. The role ensures compliance with accreditation and quality standards, manages laboratory procurement and performance and delivers expert advice on residue testing. It contributes to the integrity and effective delivery of NRS programs, supports food safety and market access outcomes and leads high-performing scientific and corporate teams to deliver quality services.

Why YOU are important to us and what impact will you have on the Exports & Veterinary Services Division and the departments’ goal.
We make sure Australian exports meet international standards through inspections, audits and certifications. Our work helps expand trade by negotiating technical access for food and other products. We also manage quotas under trade agreements and represent Australia in setting global food standards.

We oversee the export regulation of meat,dairy, fish, eggs, organic goods and other specialty products. Working closely with industry, governments and international partners, we ensure Australia’s exports meet high standards. We also manage the National Residue Survey and drive reforms to keep our export systems strong, trusted and effective.

The Director – Residue Chemistry and Laboratory Evaluation and Plant provides strategic leadership, technical oversight and governance for the National Residue Survey’s (NRS) residue monitoring, laboratory performance evaluation and proficiency testing programs. The role is responsible for maintaining NATA accreditation, overseeing laboratory procurement and performance, delivering expert scientific advice on residue testing and ensuring plant and animal residue monitoring programs meet domestic, international and trading partner requirements.

This is where you play an key role.
The position makes a critical contribution to the section by ensuring the integrity, quality and credibility of NRS testing and monitoring activities supports Australia’s food safety systems, market access and regulatory compliance. Through strong leadership of scientific and corporate functions,



stakeholder engagement and continuous improvement initiatives, the Director ensures the Residue Chemistry and Laboratory Evaluation and Plant Section delivers high-quality outcomes that meet government, industry and international expectations.

The Director is also responsible for the strategic oversight, governance and effective delivery of the NRS Plant Program, ensuring activities are aligned with requirements, stakeholder expectations and NRS objectives. As the Director – Residue Chemistry and Laboratory Evaluation and Plant, you will:

Leadership and Strategy
• provide strategic leadership and direction for NRS residue monitoring programs including the NRS Plant Program, ensuring alignment with government priorities, legislative requirements and international obligations
• lead and manage the section to deliver high-quality scientific and operational outcomes
• drive continuous improvement, innovation and risk-based approaches across program delivery
Program and Technical Oversight
• exercise high-level technical oversight of plant and animal residue monitoring programs to ensure they meet domestic and trading partner requirements
• lead the implementation and delivery of the NRS Plant Program, including program planning, stakeholder engagement, monitoring activities and reporting
• provide authoritative advice on residue testing, analytical methodologies and quality assurance systems
• evaluate complex laboratory data, identify emerging risks and ensure integrity of program outputs
Laboratory Management and Assurance
• lead procurement and contract management of laboratory services to ensure fitness for purpose, value for money and compliance with international standards
• oversee laboratory performance evaluation including proficiency testing (PT) programs and the operation of the NRS PT laboratory
• ensure ongoing compliance with ISO/IEC 17043 and maintain NATA accreditation as a proficiency testing provider




• lead NRS laboratory audits and coordinate engagement with trading partner audit processes
Stakeholder and International Engagement
• represent Australia and the NRS at international forums including leading Australia's delegation to the Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues (CCPR)
• lead international working groups and influence global standards through engagement with foreign governments, industry and international organisations
• provide strategic leadership in the department's relationship with the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA)
• build and maintain effective relationships with plant industry stakeholders to support the delivery and continuous improvement of the NRS Plant Program
Corporate and Business Management
• ensure sound governance, accountability and risk management across all program areas including the NRS Plant Program
People Leadership
• lead, manage and develop a multidisciplinary team of scientific and corporate staff
• foster a high-performing, inclusive and collaborative team culture aligned with the APS Values and Code of Conduct.

Please note that the merit pool established through this selection process, which is valid for a period of eighteen months from the date the vacancy was advertised in the Public Service Gazette, may also be used to fill future ongoing vacancies in the branch where the duties are of a similar nature.

Who we are looking for
Knowledge and experience
Mandatory requirements
Experience working within an agricultural, food safety or regulatory environment.

Desirable requirements
• Extensive experience in analytical chemistry, particularly in pesticide, veterinary chemical or environmental residue testing in food systems.
• A strong understanding of quality systems and accreditation frameworks (e.g. NATA, ISO standards) with the ability to ensure compliance and continuous improvement with these arrangements.
• Demonstrated experience analysing complex data and identifying technical issues, risks and trends across laboratory systems.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex procurement and contract management activities.For additional information, please read the Job Description below.

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📌 Director – Residue Chemistry and Laboratory Evaluation and Plant (Canberra)
🏢 Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
📍 Canberra