Technical Assistant

We are looking for a Technical Assistant to be part of the Virology Laboratory within NSW Biosecurity & Food Safety. This is a full-time opportunity, initially for 2 years. Part-time appointment by way of job sharing may be considered for the right person.

• Be part of a team providing laboratory testing and research
• Located at Menangle within the Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute
• Salary range from $52,882 to $63,199 + super (based on the Technical Assistant 1-3 Progression Criteria).

Our Department is responsible for building resilient regional economies and communities, strengthening primary industries, managing the use of regional land, overseeing the state’s mineral and mining resources and ensuring government investment in regional NSW is fair and delivers positive outcomes for local communities and businesses.

We encourage applicants from all backgrounds including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse groups, the LGBTIQ+ community, veterans, refugees, and people with disability. We support an inclusive workplace where staff have access to opportunities and resources at all levels, enabling our team members to drive innovation, productivity and delivery of high-quality services. We provide dignified access to reasonable adjustments both during the recruitment process and in the workplace. If you require reasonable adjustment during the recruitment process, please call or text the contact for this role.

What’s on Offer?

As a Technical Assistant, you’ll be:

Working as a member of the Virology Laboratory team at the Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute;

Part of the wider Biosecurity & Food Safety Division and NSW Department of Primary Industries team.

What you”ll do:

Assist with the receipt and testing of samples from farm animals, wildlife and aquatic animals for evidence of viral infections, Assist with the care of animals and collection of samples, Perform general duties in a laboratory environment.

What you’ll have:

• a demonstrated interest in biological science
• a capacity to work in a team environment
• an interest in biosecurity and disease prevention
• an enthusiasm to develop new skills
• outstanding and systematic record keeping abilities
• qualifications in accordance with Part A, 2 (xv) of the Crown Employees (Department of Industry) Technical Staff Award
• current NSW drivers licence

And if you’ve got this even better:

• experience in working with and caring for animals
• experience with general laboratory duties

What you’ll need to be successful and enjoy this role:

• an ability to prioritise and manage multiple tasks to meet deadlines and to work with limited supervision
• excellent oral and written communication skills
• a willingness to work with a range of biological specimens
• the maturity to take direction and adapt to change
• a keen eye for and attention to detail

Click here to view the role description.

How to Apply:

Simply submit your application electronically via the online application process, attaching a resume and cover letter outlining how your skills and experience match what we are looking for, and we will get back in you after the closing date.

Closing Date: Sunday 25th April 2021 by 11:55pm

For further information please click here to view the role description or contact Rodney Davis, Technical Manager, via email to rod.davis@dpi.nsw.gov.au 

Do you want to know more about this amazing employer of choice?

The NSW Department of Primary Industries, within NSW Department of Industry, works to increase the capacity of primary industries and communities to drive economic growth across NSW.

Within NSW DPI, the Biosecurity and Food Safety Division delivers a risk based approach to policy and compliance, and provides engagement and coordination in response to emergency incidents and natural disasters impacting industries and the food sectors.

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 twelve months.