About Us
Plant Health Australia (PHA) is the trusted coordinator of the Australian plant biosecurity system. As a not-for-profit company and a registered charity, PHA works in partnership with industry, governments, researchers and others to generate solutions that improve biosecurity outcomes and ensures the system is future-orientated 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. PHA is a signatory to and custodian of the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD), supporting its members in ensuring contemporary partnership arrangements are maintained nationally for responding to emergency plant pests. 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;
- 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
The Project Officer, Response is a member of the Response Team at PHA. The Response Team supports PHA’s role as custodian of the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed by administering and maintaining the Deed and its associated processes, ensuring arrangements remain contemporary, functional and aligned with the needs of signatories. With day-to-day supervision from the Response Manager (Policy) the role provides administrative, coordination and operational support for the implementation of PHA’s responsibilities as custodian of the EPPRD. The position is focused on delivering high-quality secretariat and coordination support across EPPRD processes, including records and document management, meeting coordination, action tracking, and stakeholder liaison.
The Project Officer work is diverse and interesting, and key responsibilities include:
- Manage general EPPRD administration, including shared inboxes, filing structures, record accessibility, workflow coordination, internal procedures, and variations and amendments to the EPPRD in accordance with relevant clauses.
- Maintain and update records of signatory contacts for notices, biosecurity statements and nominated representatives, ensuring information is current, accurately recorded and appropriately documented and communicated with relevant stakeholders.
- Support incident management activities, including establishment and maintenance of record management and filing systems, document tracking, action tracking, and preparation for formal Incident meetings, including initiating and coordinating the development of briefs and supporting materials for PHA representatives.
- Provide secretariat support to EPPRD-related meetings and processes, including coordinating logistics, preparing meeting packs, drafting and distributing agenda papers, meeting records, actions and minutes, tracking outcomes and actions, and supporting timely follow-up and stakeholder communication.
- Provide administrative support for key continuous improvement activities, including debriefs, Owner Reimbursement Costs (ORC) evidence frameworks and reviews of PLANTPLAN and associated guidance material, including consultation logistics, document collation, version control and tracking of inputs.
Our Ideal Candidate
To be successful in this role, you will have:
- Strong stakeholder and relationship management skills
- Strong organisational skills
- Sound oral and written communication skills
- Demonstrated critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as strong attention to detail
- Demonstrated ability to provide high-level secretariat support
- Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and as a member of a team
- Ability to consistently adhere to and demonstrate PHA’s Values in Action through day-to-day activities and interactions
In addition, we are interested in hearing from people with graduate qualifications in agriculture, emergency response, law or related discipline.
Employment terms
The position is based in the PHA Office in Canberra, however remote arrangements will also be considered based upon experience. This position is available on a full-time or part-time basis (minimum 30 hours per week) for two years with potential for extension. The salary range (excluding superannuation) is $81,538 – $104,833 per annum, depending on skills and experience. There is occasional interstate travel required for this position.
For Further Information or Enquiries
Please see the Position Description linked on our website for further information about the role.
Please direct enquiries to Rachel Mann via email in the first instance; rmann@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 work visas.
To Apply
Please apply online by providing your up-to-date CV/resume, along with 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.
Please note: We do not accept applications submitted via email.
Applications close Wednesday, 22 July 2026. Interviews will be held week beginning 3 August 2026, with a view to the successful candidate commencing in the role by September 2026.
