Agency Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Work unit Agriculture Division

Job title Plant Pathologist Designation Professional 2

Job type Full Time Duration Fixed to 30/06/2028

Salary $95,697 - $114,104 Location Katherine

Position number 76260057 RTF 354908 Closing 23/09/2026

Contact Officer Dr Edward Mwando on 08 8973 8516 or [email protected]

About the agency https://daf.nt.gov.au

Apply online https://jobs.nt.gov.au/Home/JobDetails?rtfId=354908

APPLICATIONS MUST INCLUDE A ONE-PAGE SUMMARY ABOUT YOU, A DETAILED RESUME AND COPIES OF YOUR

TERTIARY QUALIFICATIONS.

Information for applicants – inclusion and diversity The NTPS values diversity. The NTPS encourages people from all diversity groups to apply for vacancies and accommodates people with disability by making reasonable workplace adjustments. If you require an adjustment for the recruitment process or job, please discuss this with the contact officer. For more information about applying for this position and the merit process, go to the OCPE website.

Primary objective The Plant Pathologist works under the direction of the Cropping Group Leader to deliver plant pathology research, disease diagnostics, and disease management programs. The role supports plant industry productivity through field, laboratory, and glasshouse activities, and contributes to emergency plant pest and disease responses across the Northern Territory.

Key duties and responsibilities

1. Contribute to plant pathology research, development, and extension activities that support the Department’s strategic





priorities and Northern Territory plant industries.
- Develop and implement laboratory, glasshouse, and field-based research projects focused on plant disease diagnosis,

epidemiology, and management.
- Conduct disease surveillance, sample collection, diagnostics, and pathogen identification using conventional and molecular techniques.
- Process diagnostic samples, analyse results, and prepare reports and recommendations for clients and stakeholders.
- Provide technical advice on plant diseases, biosecurity risks, and disease management to industry and research partners.
- Maintain laboratory operations, quality assurance systems, plant pathogen collections, and associated documentation.
- Prepare project proposals, milestone reports, scientific publications, extension materials, and presentations for industry and scientific audiences.
- Support emergency plant pest and disease responses and contribute to the development of new research initiatives and team-oriented partnerships.

Selection criteria

Essential

1. A degree in Plant Pathology, Agricultural Science, Biological Science, or a related discipline.
2. Demonstrated knowledge and experience in plant disease diagnostics, including fungal,



bacterial, viral, nematode, and

physiological disorders.
- Experience conducting plant disease surveys, sample collection, and field-based research in tropical and remote environments.
- Proven skills in laboratory diagnostic techniques, including microscopy, microbial isolation, aseptic techniques, molecular diagnostics (e.g. PCR), and pathogen identification.
- Knowledge of laboratory quality systems, workplace health and safety requirements, and experience working in physical containment (PC2) and/or biosecurity containment laboratories.
- Well-developed interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, industry stakeholders, researchers,

and government agencies to deliver project outcomes.
- Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare technical reports, scientific publications,

and extension materials.
- A current Northern Territory Driver Licence (Class C) or the ability to obtain one.

Desirable

1. Postgraduate qualifications and research experience.
2. Knowledge of plant health and pest and disease incursions at the local, national, and international levels.
3. Ability to work in hot/humid, remote locations, for surveillance and monitoring.
4. Accreditation for Approved Arrangement Facilities.

Further information To be considered for this position you must be able to travel to regional areas and work outside normal business hours to support emergency management activities.

📌 Plant Pathologist (Katherine)
🏢 Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
📍 Katherine