Agency Department of Agriculture and Work unit Plant Biosecurity Branch – Biosecurity and

Fisheries Animal Welfare

Job title Deputy Chief Plant Health Officer Designation Senior Professional Officer 2

Job type Full Time Duration Ongoing

Salary $157,334 - $171,482 Location Darwin

Position number 43686 RTF 358439 Closing 28/10/2026

Contact Officer Sally Heaton on 08 8999 2118 or [email protected]

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

Apply online https://jobs.nt.gov.au/Home/JobDetails?rtfId=358439

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 Deputy Chief Plant Health Officer provides leadership to deliver efficient and effective biosecurity services that align with the legislation, the Northern Territory’s Biosecurity Strategy, the North Australian Biosecurity strategy, and national obligations, such as the Intergovernmental Agreement on Biosecurity.

The Deputy Chief Plant Health

Officer works closely with industry and the community to deliver robust and high quality biosecurity programs for the Northern Territory.

Key duties and responsibilities

1.



Lead and manage the planning, development and delivery of plant biosecurity surveillance, audit, compliance and

engagement activities, including pest and disease management and response programs, ensuring effective and efficient delivery to achieve legislative and national requirements, with a focus on best practice and continuous improvement.
1. Interpret and apply relevant legislation, protocols and procedures within the legal framework which underpins plant

industries and biosecurity control in the NT, including the implementation and coordination of high level investigations and compliance activities, to achieve outcomes for industry and the NT primary industries.
1. Establish effective collaborative partnerships with key stakeholders in industry, community, and other government

agencies in the NT and nationally to protect the NT from pests and diseases.
1. Represent the NT at national forums and committees that establish national biosecurity strategic directions and

policies, prevention programs and emergency responses.
1. Manage sensitive and confidential issues and develop practical and innovative solutions to complex, multifaceted

problems in a politically sensitive workplace,



and develop and provide high level strategic advice, briefings and correspondence to the Chief Plant Health Officer, senior executives, Ministers and the government on biosecurity matters.
1. Promote a culture of respect, accountability and excellence through personal behaviours aligned to organisational

principles and values.

Selection criteria

Essential

1. Tertiary qualifications in Agricultural Science, Plant Biosecurity or other relevant discipline.
2. Demonstrated experience operating at a senior level in a complex government and industry environment in order to

influence and achieve outcomes.
1. Demonstrated experience at a senior leadership level with extensive experience managing large, diverse, multi-

disciplinary and remote teams.
1. Demonstrated senior governance experience administering legislation, financial, contract, human resource and

information management policies and processes.
1. Superior presentation and oral communication skills including experience engaging with key stakeholders and

undertaking public presentations, community meetings, media interviews and leading high profile public events.
1. Experience analysing, researching and synthesising complex information into succinct policy advice, high quality briefs,

strategies, correspondence, memoranda and submissions for Directors, Executives and the Minister.

Desirable

1. Demonstrated understanding of emergency management as it relates to biosecurity.

Further information Ability to travel intra and inter-state will be required from time to time.

📌 Deputy Chief Plant Health Officer (Darwin)
🏢 NT Government - Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
📍 Darwin