About Us
Plant Health Australia (PHA) is the trusted coordinator of the Australian plant biosecurity system. We bring expertise, knowledge and stakeholders together to generate solutions that improve biosecurity outcomes to ensure the system is future-oriented and solutions-focused.
The purpose of PHA is for government and industry to have a strong biosecurity partnership that minimises pest impacts on Australia, enhances market access and contributes to industry and community sustainability.
To find out more about PHA, please visit our website https://www.planthealthaustralia.com.au/
Working for Us
In addition to a rewarding, interesting and unique work environment we offer:
- A values-driven culture built on collaboration, innovation, integrity, leadership and care;
- A culture of continuous learning with a strong focus on professional evolution and growth;
- Study assistance, including five days study leave per year and full or partial reimbursement of course costs;
- Three additional days of annual leave a year (over the Christmas/New Year shutdown);
- Rebatable employer offering a broad range of flexible salary sacrifice options;
- Interstate travel opportunities;
- Hybrid working arrangements;
- Great office location with free parking in Canberra’s leafy Inner South;
- Full kitchen facilities and complimentary refreshments and snacks;
- Flexible, friendly workplace with an active social club.
About the Position
Our ongoing efforts to improve biosecurity are focused on investing in essential frontline resources and personnel. The PHA Digital Systems team is focused on improving critical frontline resources and people, modernising ICT systems and strengthening partnerships between PHA Members. The team administers a range of systems integral to national plant biosecurity, including AUSPestCheck®, the Australian Plant Pest Database (APPD) and the Pest and Disease Image Library (PaDIL). We add value to data by collating information and analysing it to transform it into insight and intelligence that informs decision-making.
A key system that delivers these objectives is AUSPestCheck®, an innovative tool that collates and displays plant pest surveillance data to provide national reporting capability that maps national surveillance efforts for early detection and market access. AUSPestCheck® is a proprietary application which has been built in Microsoft Azure using a loosely-coupled micro-service model.
As Manager, Digital Systems (AusPestCheck), you will have responsibility for the management of AUSPestCheck®, the national system for collating plant and aquatic biosecurity surveillance data. The role may also provide support for other digital systems managed by PHA, including APPD and PaDIL.
You will work with a diverse range of stakeholders including PHA plant industry and government Members, data scientists, plant pest and disease researchers, taxonomists and IT professionals to identify solutions that enhance biosecurity outcomes and support a more effective and efficient system.
Our Ideal Candidate
To be successful in this role, you will have:
- Demonstrated project and contract management skills, including the ability to manage and deliver multiple projects simultaneously
- Outstanding interpersonal, stakeholder liaison and relationship management skills at senior levels
- Relevant Project Management or ICT qualifications such as ITIL4, SAFe Agile, AgilePM v3 or Prince2
- Strong leadership and people management skills
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Knowledge of plant industries, plant biosecurity or development and delivery of digital tools
- Familiarity and experience with Agile delivery practices (desirable)
Appointment Terms
The position is based in the PHA Office in Canberra, however hybrid working, remote or outposted arrangements will also be considered. This position is available on either a full-time or part-time basis (minimum 30.4 hours per week) for a fixed term period of up to two years with the potential for extension subject to funding.
The salary range (excluding superannuation) is $123,797 – $147,016 per annum, depending on skills and experience.
There is occasional interstate travel required for this position to represent PHA at meetings or conferences and trade shows or participate in requirements gathering workshops.
Further Information or Enquiries
Please see the Position Description linked on our website for further information about the role.
Please direct enquiries to Simon Morgan, National Manager, Digital Systems via email in the first instance; SMorgan@phau.com.au
Work rights
Candidates must have ongoing work rights in Australia, independent of any employment with PHA. PHA does not generally act as a sponsor for working visas.
Background Checking
All prospective and current staff are required to undergo an applicable Background Check for their new position. The baseline requirements for background checks at PHA are reference checking, identity and qualification verification, declaration of pre-existing health conditions, a National Police Check, as well as a work rights check for applicants who do not hold Australian citizenship or permanent residency. All appointments are dependent and conditional upon the required Background Checking being completed, and/or the relevant supporting evidence provided to PHA People and Culture in order to complete the checks.
To Apply
Please apply online and provide the following documentation:
- your up-to-date CV/resume
- a brief, one-page cover letter, outlining your suitability for this role by referring to the required key capabilities, experience and qualifications in the position description.
Apply online at https://www.planthealthaustralia.com.au/about/careers-hub/
Note we do not accept applications submitted via email.
Applications close Tuesday, 28 October 2025
