Biocontainment Manager

Who we are 
The Post-Entry Quarantine Group (PEQ) is responsible for the post arrival quarantine of plants and animals at the Mickleham Post-entry Quarantine Facility located on the outskirts of Melbourne. The Mickleham PEQ Facility is purpose built for accommodating high risk plants, horses, cats, dogs, ruminants, birds and bees while undergoing post-entry quarantine. Working in partnership with plant scientists and veterinarians, we ensure that all plants and animals passing through the facility meet all necessary requirements to demonstrate compliance with the regulatory requirements for their safe import and that the health and welfare of the plants and animals is maintained throughout the period of their stay in PEQ.

The High Containment Team are responsible for the regulatory compliance of the complex buildings on the site, specifically the Biocontainment level 3 (BC3) avian facility and the Biocontainment level 2 (BC2) and BC3 plant facilities. The Biocontainment Team, within the High Containment Section, are responsible for the maintenance of the building and the continuity of services. The team also develops work instructions, works closely with operational staff and ensures that the requirements of all related BC2 and BC3 codes and standards for the quarantine of avian and plant species are maintained.

The Job
The key duties of the role include, but are not limited to:

•  managing the operation and maintenance of the complex mechanical, electrical and hydraulic components services associated with the physical biocontainment units to ensure required conditions for the quarantine of avian species can be maintained
•  managing the sites complex avian building and the maintenance of the services associated with this building to ensure that the requirements of all related BC3 codes and standards for the quarantine of avian species are maintained
•  the provision of timely and accurate technical advice relating to complex issues involved in the management and operation of the physical biocontainment units
•  stakeholder engagement and management of both internal and external stakeholders to ensure facility maintenance requirements do not impact biosecurity
•  overseeing the regular and emergency maintenance requirements of the avian biocontainment units
•  managing annual facility and equipment certification requirements
•  leading and supervising a small number of direct reports
•  preparing reports and maintaining computer based and manual records, as appropriate
•  providing technical input into the development of standard operating procedures, instructional material and training for avian imports
•  promoting and ensuring compliance with department WHS policies and guidelines as well as the APS Values and Code of Conduct.

To see more on work at the Post-Entry Quarantine Facility please click here .

What we are looking for
Knowledge and experience
•  A high level of demonstrated experience in a facility management, laboratory or a design-engineering-related role associated with a Physical Containment facility.
•  A thorough understanding of the relevant regulatory codes and standards which include AS/NZS2243.3 and DAFF AA 7.10.
•  A demonstrated understanding of complex mechanical, electrical and other services required to operate and maintain physical containment requirements.
•  Experience in dealing with a complex range of stakeholders including specialist trades, facility management providers and government stakeholders.
•  Experience with the use and maintenance of autoclaves and gaseous decontamination equipment (highly regarded but not mandatory).
•  An understanding of the Biosecurity Act 2015 and other relevant legislative and policy frameworks (highly regarded but not mandatory).

Eligibility and other requirements
The successful applicant must note that the position may require them to participate in an on-call roster (for which an appropriate restriction allowance will be paid) and be available to perform duty outside standard hours.