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Why work for us?
PHA values collaboration, innovation, integrity, leadership and care
Our values guide our decisions to ensure we have a culture of continuous improvement and talent building, ensuring a high-performing, future-oriented and solution-seeking team, that promotes growth and delivers the best outcomes for our Members.
PHA offers a rewarding, interesting, and unique work environment and the PHA employee experience is supported by competitive remuneration structures. In addition, 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 up to five days study leave per year and full or partial reimbursement of course costs
- End-of-year office closure (Christmas and New Year)
- Rebatable employer offering a broad range of flexible salary sacrificing / salary packaging 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.
Here's what some of our team say about working at PHA:
Career opportunities
About the position
The Project Officer, Biosecurity Planning is a member of the Preparedness Team.
With general direction and day-to-day supervision from the Manager, Biosecurity Planning, the role is responsible for reviewing and developing Biosecurity Plans for specific plant industries, as well as working with industry and other PHA teams to improve biosecurity preparedness and response capability.
Biosecurity planning is undertaken at a national level through a collaborative approach between industry and government to identify the greatest biosecurity threats to Australia’s plant industries.
The role will also assist with the development of on-farm biosecurity resources, other targeted plans and materials that contribute to improving the biosecurity preparedness and response capability of PHA Members.
Our ideal candidate
To be successful in this role, you will have:
- Sound knowledge of invertebrate plant pests and pathogens
- Demonstrated research, critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills, with strong attention to detail
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, as well as sound presentation skills
- Ability to work autonomously and in a team environment, within agreed timeframes and deadlines
- Strong interpersonal, stakeholder and relationship management skills
- An undergraduate qualification in agriculture or science
Knowledge of agriculture, particularly plant industries, with an understanding of plant biosecurity, diagnostics or surveillance is desirable.
A demonstrated ability to provide secretariat support and postgraduate qualifications relevant to the role are also desirable.
Employment terms
The position is based in the PHA office in Canberra and is available on a full-time or part-time basis, with a minimum of approximately 20 hours per week.
The role is offered for an initial period of two years, with the potential for extension.
The salary range, excluding superannuation, is $81,538–$104,833 per annum, depending on skills and experience.
For further information or enquiries
Please see the Position Description for further information about the role.
Please direct enquiries to Stuart Kearns via email in the first instance: SKearns@phau.com.au.
To apply
Please apply via SEEK by providing:
- your up-to-date CV/resume
- a brief, one-page cover letter outlining your suitability for the role, with reference to the required key capabilities, experience and qualifications in the Position Description.
Please note: We do not accept applications submitted via email.
Applications close: Sunday 8 November 2026.
Interviews will be held during the week beginning 16 November 2026, with a view to the successful candidate commencing in the role in early January 2027.
About us
Plant Health Australia (PHA) is the trusted coordinator of the Australian plant biosecurity system.
As a not-for-profit organisation and registered charity, PHA works in partnership with industry, governments, researchers and others to generate solutions that improve biosecurity outcomes and ensure the system is future-oriented and solutions-focused.
PHA’s purpose is to support a strong biosecurity partnership between government and industry 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 of study leave per year and full or partial reimbursement of course costs
- Rebatable employer status, offering a broad range of flexible salary sacrifice options
- Interstate travel opportunities
- Hybrid working arrangements
- A great office location with free parking in Canberra’s leafy Inner South
- Full kitchen facilities and complimentary refreshments and snacks
- A flexible, friendly workplace with an active social club
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.
From time to time, PHA is interested in suitably qualified graduates as vacancies arise.
Work rights
Candidates must have ongoing work rights in Australia, independent of any employment with PHA. We do not generally act as a sponsor for overseas employees. Sponsored employment will be clearly specified in the job advertisement.