Principal Officer Invasive Plants and Invertebrates

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action

This position is responsible for applying specialist expertise at state and national levels to the management of risks created by invasive plants and invertebrates and reports to the Deputy Director Invasive Species Science. The work involves contributing to Agriculture Victoria's development of policy and strategy relating to invasive plants and invertebrates. The role is responsible for advising government, senior management and other Australian jurisdictions on these matters and leading the provision of scientific and technical information and analysis to guide the management of incursions and other operational issues as they arise. The role requires the development of good working relationships within Agriculture Victoria and across relevant Victorian government agencies, with the Commonwealth Government, research organisations and key stakeholders.

Critical to this role will be a high level ability in identifying, analysing and applying the latest relevant scientific knowledge to invasive plant and invertebrate surveillance and management, combined with excellent communication and negotiation skills. The incumbent will be expected to be able to work effectively and independently at senior levels of government and with industry and community leaders.

The successful applicant will work effectively as a member of a team, enjoy flexible working arrangements and undertake a wide variety of work with stakeholders across the department and the Victorian Public Service.

Key Selection Criteria

The key selection criteria specified below outline the capabilities required for the position.

1. Extensive experience in the management of invasive plants and invertebrates and other areas of biosecurity including risk assessment and mitigation.
2. Demonstrated high level conceptual, investigative and analytical skills, experience interpreting complex datasets and synthesizing scientific information to prepare succinct reports and advice on complex issues.
3. An excellent understanding of the legislative and policy context for the management of invasive plants and invertebrates in Victoria, or other related biosecurity fields.
4. Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills, with a track record of representing government in high-level forums and engaging effectively with senior executives, industry, and community leaders.
5. Demonstrated ability to work across government agencies and jurisdictions to align policy and program delivery, and to lead Victoria's input into national biosecurity processes and intergovernmental agreements.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

1. A tertiary qualification in a relevant scientific discipline including environmental science, entomology, ecology and environmental management

This is an ongoing position. The work location for this position is flexible within Victoria with hybrid work arrangements available.

To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) summarising their skills and relevant experience.

Please refer to the Key Selection Criteria provided in the Position Description, including the mandatory requirements.

How to Apply:

If you are a current DEECA employee, please apply via DEECA Careers.

Click the ‘Apply' button and you'll be redirected to a new platform and create an account.

Applications close 11.59pm on Wednesday, 9 September 2026.

All applications must be submitted through the online portal. We are unable to consider email or manual applications at this time.

Other relevant information:

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing position is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.

An inclusive, culturally safe and flexible workplace

DEECA fosters an inclusive workplace culture and is committed to a fair, accessible, and equitable recruitment process.

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander people to apply. We recognise the strengths, knowledge and perspectives First Nations people bring and DEECA is committed to a culturally safe and respectful workplace. If you need support to participate, please contact aboriginal.employment@deeca.vic.gov.au.

We support flexible working arrangements, including hybrid work, varied hours, part-time work and job sharing. For more information about our recruitment processes, visit applying for a role with us.