Chief Plant Health Officer PS1 - DEECA

• Lead Victoria’s plant biosecurity strategy and scientific leadership
• Influence national policy and protect Victoria’s agricultural future
• Executive opportunity to shape government, industry and community outcomes

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) plays a critical role in protecting Victoria’s environment, agriculture, economy and communities. Through Agriculture Victoria and Biosecurity Victoria division, the department works alongside industry, research organisations, government and the community to strengthen the state’s biosecurity system, safeguard market access and prepare for emerging threats. As Victoria faces increasing biosecurity risks driven by global trade, climate change and evolving pest and disease pathways, this is a rare opportunity to provide scientific leadership that will have lasting impact across the state and nationally.

Reporting to the Executive Director, Biosecurity Victoria, the Chief Plant Health Officer is Victoria’s principal scientific authority on plant health and biosecurity. You will lead the development of strategic plant biosecurity policy, programs and preparedness initiatives that protect Victoria’s horticulture, forestry, agriculture and natural environment from exotic and emerging plant pests and diseases. Providing trusted advice to the Executive Director, senior government leaders and the Minister for Agriculture, you will influence policy and decision-making at the highest levels while representing Victoria on national committees and negotiating outcomes that protect the state’s biosecurity and trade interests. Leading a highly specialised team, you will also drive emergency preparedness and response capability, strengthen partnerships across government, industry and research, and foster innovation across surveillance, compliance and legislative frameworks.

To succeed in this role, you will be a recognised scientific leader with extensive experience in plant biosecurity, plant health, plant pathology or a related discipline, combined with a demonstrated ability to lead complex programs and influence policy in highly regulated environments. You will bring exceptional strategic thinking, sound scientific judgement and the ability to communicate complex technical issues to diverse audiences, including Ministers, senior executives and industry leaders. An accomplished executive, you will have a collaborative leadership style, outstanding stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills, and a proven track record of building high-performing teams and delivering outcomes through influence and partnership. Relevant tertiary qualifications in Agricultural Science or a related discipline are essential, with postgraduate qualifications, including a PhD, highly regarded.

To view the Success Profile for this opportunity, please copy and paste the following link into your browser: https://tinyurl.com/4fsb4hns

To apply, please click ‘Apply Now’ and upload your CV and Cover Letter. For a confidential discussion, please contact Natasha Diamond on 0412 822 348 or Paul Lefebvre on 0408 036 046.

Davidson acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work and live. We are committed to equal opportunity and strive to promote diversity, inclusion, belonging, flexibility and accessibility in everything we do.

Applications close Wednesday 22nd July 2026