Deputy Secretary Agriculture and Biosecurity

• Senior Executive Band 3 Leadership Opportunity.
• Shape the future of NSW's Agriculture and Biosecurity sectors.
• Preference for position to be located in Orange, however other locations will be considered for the right candidate.

The Department of Regional NSW, to become the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development from 1 July 2024, is seeking a dynamic and experienced executive to lead our Agriculture and Biosecurity Group across the state.

About you

This is a unique opportunity to make a real difference. As Deputy Secretary Agriculture and Biosecurity, you will lead teams spread across regional NSW to deliver policy, compliance, research, legislation, and programs that enable profitable and sustainable primary industries. You will build strong networks with key decision-makers at all levels of industry and government and you will work closely with the Deputy Secretary Fisheries and Forestry and other leaders across the new department.

You will be a strategic thinker with a strong understanding of agriculture and biosecurity and an exceptional leader who can motivate, inspire, and empower others to achieve outcomes. Your strong communication and interpersonal skills allow you to build trust and foster collaboration. Furthermore, you are financially savvy with a keen eye for efficiency and maximising the public benefit and impact of allocated resources.

As a key leader, you will serve as a trusted advisor to the Secretary and Minister, with a particular emphasis on biosecurity, food safety as well as key emerging risks and issues impacting on the agricultural sector.You will also represent the department in key forums and collaborate with stakeholders and industry representatives to develop effective policies and regulations. This leadership role offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on the future of NSW's primary industries.

To be successful in this role you will have:

• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant primary industries related field and/or natural resource management and/or economics, business/finance or other relevant discipline.
• Experience in a senior government and/or corporate sector role.
• Strong knowledge of the agricultural sector and the issues and risks impacting upon it as well as biosecurity and the relevant state and national preparedness and response frameworks.

For further information about the role, please contact Dragana Papak at dragana.papak@regional.nsw.gov.au or 0459 165 897. Please view the role description here.

About us

We are the department focussed on protecting and growing primary industries, supporting sustainable land management, overseeing the state’s mineral and mining resources and ensuring that government investment supports strong regional communities and economies.

We have nearly 5,000 employees, with almost 80 per cent of us living and working in regional NSW.

How to apply

If you are a strategic leader with a passion for sustainable agriculture and biosecurity , we invite you to apply online.  Please submit a copy of your curriculum vitae and a cover letter addressing your suitability for this position.

Application Closing Date:  Sunday, 12 May 2024 at 11.55pm

If you require adjustments in completing your application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, requiring information in an alternative format, or otherwise participating in the recruitment process, please let us know so we can assist. Send an email to capability.talent@regional.nsw.gov.au for a confidential discussion.

A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary roles of the same role or role type that may become available for filling over the next 18 months.

The successful applicant in this role may be required to undergo a police check, health assessment and other assessments as required.