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.
In a rapidly changing biosecurity environment, PHA has a critical role to play in working closely with industry, government and associated stakeholders to reduce the threat and impact of plant pest incursions and protect Australia’s plant industries, market access, environment and community.
PHA also aspires to be an employer of choice with a strong employee value proposition.
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;
- Annual office closure (Christmas/New Year period);
- 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 line of work
The Biosecurity Plan for the Grains Industry Version 4.0 (the Plan) has been developed to help strengthen biosecurity protections and further safeguard the $32 billion Australian grains industry, by delivering a range of targeted activities and investments.
The Grains Biosecurity Reference Group (GBRG) involving representatives from Grain Producers Australia (GPA), Grain Growers Ltd (GGL), Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), PHA, Federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), and state and territory agricultural agencies, developed an implementation plan that sets out the biosecurity strategies and activities to be implemented over the life of the plan to strengthen industry biosecurity efforts.
The Industry Liaison – Grains Biosecurity, together with a Grains Biosecurity Advisory Committee (GBAC), will ensure the successful implementation and coordination of the activities identified in the plan.
About the role
We are looking for an Industry Liaison – Grains Biosecurity to join the PHA Preparedness, Research, Development and Extension (RD&E) team.
The Industry Liaison – Grains Biosecurity is a primary role within PHA aimed at enhancing biosecurity outcomes in the grains industry. This position involves building and maintaining national relationships with the programs advisory committee members through the development and implementation of the plan of grain biosecurity activities and projects. The role will collaborate with the GRDC to design and develop activities and projects that raise awareness of biosecurity risks and the results of mitigation efforts throughout the production and supply chain. The role will also provide support, where required, for the grains industry in the event of exotic pest incursions affecting grains.
The work you will be doing as the Industry Liaison – Grains Biosecurity is diverse and interesting, supporting PHA activities through:
• Building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including Program Advisory Committee members, project partners, and the GRDC to facilitate mutual benefits, information leverage, and delivery of biosecurity outcomes.
• Designing, developing, implementing, coordinating, monitoring, and reporting on complex projects listed in the Schedule that deliver value to the grains biosecurity system now and into the future.
• Coordinating the regular review of the Biosecurity Plan for the Grains Industry including updating High Priority and watch list pests, preparedness status and implementation plan.
• Developing mechanisms and processes to engage key grains industry stakeholders to improve the awareness and understanding of biosecurity activities, stakeholders and future needs across the continuum.
• Providing ongoing support of the programs advisory committee through the preparation meeting papers, correspondence, minutes, logistics and other materials as required.
• Working with the PHA and GRDC to identify communication opportunities.
• Contributing to the Preparedness Team and PHA through representation and participation in various meetings and events.
Our Ideal Candidate
To be successful in this role, you will have:
- Sound knowledge of and experience in broadacre production, biosecurity or crop protection RD&E in Australia (5+ years desirable)
- Experience in project design, negotiation, facilitation and management in a relevant agricultural industry (5+ years desirable)
- An understanding of Australia’s biosecurity system, crop protection environment, biosecurity issues and grower representative and lobbying organisations.
- Excellent interpersonal, stakeholder, relationship management skills
- The ability to work autonomously and as a member of a team, within agreed timeframes and deadlines
- Very good oral and written communication and presentation skills, including the ability to distil complex scientific information into plain English suitable for a non-technical audience
- A graduate qualification in Biological Science, Agricultural Science or equivalent (essential) or post-graduate qualification in science or agriculture discipline (desirable)
- Project management experience or qualification
Employment Terms
This full-time position is based in the PHA Office in Canberra, however
hybrid working, remote or outposted arrangements will also be considered. The position is funded by the GRDC until 30 June 2027 with potential for extension. There is occasional interstate travel required for this position.
The salary range (excluding superannuation) is $101,780 – $123,797, depending on skills and experience.
As a rebatable employer we also offer a broad range of flexible salary sacrificing options.
For Further Information or Enquiries
Please see the Position Description linked on our website for further information about the role.
Please direct enquiries to Stuart Kearns, National Manager – Preparedness and RD&E, via email in the first instance; skearns@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 overseas employees.
To Apply
Please apply online. Your application must include:
1. Your up-to-date CV/resume and
2. A cover letter (one A4 page) that briefly outlines your suitability for this role in terms of the required capabilities, skills and qualifications as listed in the position description.
Please note: We do not accept applications submitted via email.
Timeline
Applications close 5pm (AEST) Wednesday, 8 April 2026.
Interviews will be held the week beginning 20 April, with a view to the successful candidate commencing in the role by late May/early June 2026.
