APS5 Entomologist

APS5 Entomologist | Temporary Contract | Cairns

Your new company
An exciting opportunity has become available for an APS5 Scientific Officer (Entomology) to join a specialist government biosecurity team based in Cairns. Working within the Fruit Fly Programme, you will provide specialist entomology expertise to support surveillance, diagnostic and response activities that protect Australia's agricultural industries and environment from exotic pest threats.
This is an initial 6-month temporary assignment, offering 3037.5 hours per week, with the potential for extension and longer-term opportunities as the programme continues to evolve.
Your new role
As an APS5 Scientific Officer, you will work within a highly collaborative team of scientific, operational and data management professionals, supporting fruit fly surveillance activities across Far North Queensland and the Torres Strait.You will provide specialist fruit fly diagnostic services or apply broader entomological expertise while rapidly developing fruit fly diagnostic capabilities.
Key responsibilities include:

• Providing specialist fruit fly entomology diagnostic services to support surveillance and biosecurity response activities.
• Contributing to surveillance operations and maintaining diagnostic capability within the Fruit Fly Programme.
• Supporting the capture, management, analysis and reporting of surveillance and diagnostic information.
• Collaborating with data specialists to improve the organisation, accessibility and searchability of entomology datasets and information.
• Contributing to the development of business requirements for data management, reporting and information systems.
• Engaging with internal stakeholders and operational partners, including Biosecurity Queensland and Torres Strait-based teams.
• Providing scientific advice and contributing to evidence-based decision-making.
• Working within both laboratory and office environments while maintaining compliance with biosecurity, quality assurance and workplace health and safety requirements.

What you'll need to succeed
To be considered, you will possess:

• Tertiary qualifications in Entomology, Biological Sciences, Environmental Science or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in entomology, insect diagnostics, surveillance, biosecurity or related scientific fields.
• Experience identifying insects or working with diagnostic processes.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience working with scientific data, databases or information management systems.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• The ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.

You must also:

• Be an Australian Citizen.
• Be eligible to obtain and maintain an Australian Government Baseline Security Clearance.

What you'll get in return

• APS5-level opportunity within a specialised biosecurity programme.
• Initial 6-month assignment with potential future opportunities.
• Flexible working arrangements, with a minimum of 30 hours per week.
• Standard office hours between approximately 8:00am-4:00pm/9am5pm
• Based in Cairns with a mix of laboratory and office-based work.
• Opportunity to work alongside experienced entomologists and biosecurity specialists.
• Contribute to critical surveillance and response activities with real-world impact.

What you need to do now
If you're an experienced entomologist or scientific professional looking to apply your expertise within a specialised biosecurity programme, we'd love to hear from you.Apply now or contact the Hays Cairns office for a confidential discussion.#3010474