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.

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 for further information about the role.

Please direct enquiries to Simon Morgan, National Manager, Digital Systems via email in the first instance at 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.

Note we do not accept applications submitted via email.

 Applications close Tuesday, 28 October 2025

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, ensuring 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.

PHA also aspires to be an employer of choice with a strong employee value proposition.

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

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced training or learning and development (L&D) professional to gain experience in a niche external-facing training role. The training team is responsible for working with PHA Members and other stakeholders to enhance the workforce capability of Australia’s plant biosecurity system. Some key partners include government agencies, peak plant industry bodies, Animal Health Australia, and research and development corporations such as the Grains Research and Development Corporation.

Our training covers a range of topics across the plant biosecurity system with a focus on obligations under the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD), and targets various audiences including growers, industry professionals, government representatives and researchers. The Training Coordinator will design and develop high quality plant biosecurity and emergency management training workshops, online courses, simulation exercises, as well as other training resources, that support biosecurity preparedness, response and recovery.

The position is based in the PHA Office in Canberra however, hybrid working, remote or outposted arrangements will also be considered. The position is available on a part-time (minimum of about 30.4 hours per week basis) until December 2027, with the potential for extension.

If you have relevant qualifications in L&D (minimum Certificate IV in Training & Assessment), and experience in developing and delivering training programs via diverse delivery mechanisms, we want to hear from you! Knowledge of the Australian plant biosecurity system and biosecurity issues would be a bonus.

The work you will be doing as our Training Coordinator is diverse and interesting, supporting PHA activities through:

• supporting the design, development and delivery of training services and resources, including face-to-face training, online courses and simulation exercises
• contributing to the implementation of measures to improve training services
• maintaining productive working relationships with internal (PHA) and external partners including government agencies, peak plant industry bodies, and subject matter experts
• contributing to PHA planning and reporting processes
• providing subject matter expertise across a range of activities or programs
• representing and promoting the interests of PHA at meetings and other forums.

Our ideal candidate

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• qualifications in learning and development, minimum Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
• an Australian driver’s licence
• demonstrated experience in developing and delivering training programs for a range of stakeholders and via diverse delivery mechanisms, including face-to-face webinar and e-learning
• demonstrated application of adult learning principles and instructional design methodologies
• demonstrated project management skills, including the ability to manage and deliver multiple projects simultaneously
• demonstrated experience with Learning Management Systems, including coordinating learning, administration and reporting of training events
• strong oral and written communication skills with excellent interpersonal, stakeholder and relationship management skills
• high-level critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as strong attention to detail
• ability to promote and uphold PHA’s Values in Action while supporting team operations and collaboration
• desirable: knowledge of the Australian plant biosecurity system and biosecurity issues, and/or graduate qualification in science, agriculture, emergency management, biosecurity or other relevant discipline.

Employment terms

The appointment is available for a specified term through to December 2027 (potential for extension) on a part-time (minimum 30.4 hours per week) basis. The position is based in the PHA Office in Canberra, however hybrid working, remote or outposted arrangements will also be considered.

The salary range (excluding superannuation) is $101,780 – $123,797 (full-time, pro rata for part-time appointments), depending on skills and experience.

The position requires occasional interstate travel.

For further information or enquiries

Please see the Position Description for further information about the role.

Please direct enquiries to Nick Lowther – Manager, Learning and Development via email: nlowther@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.

We do not accept applications submitted via email.

Applications close Wednesday 5 November 2025

From time to time, PHA is interested in suitably qualified graduates as vacancies arise.