Fixed Term: 2 Years
Location: National
Mō te Manatū Ahu Matua - About MPI
At MPI we are responsible for ‘Growing and Protecting New Zealand'. It's no mean feat and we have a team of hard working and dedicated people in a variety of roles supporting us to make this happen. MPI's services ensure New Zealand is protected from biological risk and that the food New Zealand businesses produce is safe for us to consume. MPI respects the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi: Partnership, Participation, and Protection.
The Diagnostic and Surveillance Services Directorate (DSS) is responsible for delivering the core functions of surveillance, incursion investigation and diagnostics.
The Director DSS is accountable for managing the surveillance, identification and investigation of notifications of suspected exotic pests and diseases that may affect New Zealand's primary industries or aquatic and terrestrial environments. The Director holds accountability for minimising the impact on our economy, environment and social and cultural values from harmful organisms that have or may establish in New Zealand by ensuring MPI's Readiness and Response Services Director is informed of any potential biosecurity risks to enable effective deployment of robust leadership to any such response event.

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role
Reporting directly to the south Manager Biosecurity Surveillance & Incursion Investigation Plant Health this role will develop, implement, review and provide technical support for plant health biosecurity surveillance programmes, support the technical leads for each programme, and plan and prioritise surveillance activities and ensure the outputs from these systems are available to other appropriate areas of Biosecurity New Zealand and MPI.
You will support the wider Diagnostic & Surveillance Directorate by:

* Delivering surveillance programmes;
* Drafting annual surveillance reports and surveillance project reports for publication;
* Providing advice on the design and enhancement of surveillance programmes;
* Providing support and advice to industry and other stakeholders/agencies on surveillance activities;
* Gathering and analysing data to inform surveillance activities.
* Gathering, assessing and reporting surveillance-based information across the biosecurity system;
* Undertaking assessments of pest and disease freedom status;
* Establishing and maintaining systems to support the functions above;
* Communicating with relevant authorities both nationally and internationally.

The salary range for the role is F: 66k to 89k depending on skills, capabilities, and experience.

Mōu - About You
You will ideally have:

* A tertiary qualification in plant science; or a related discipline (e.g., ecology, biosecurity, biometrics).
* 2 - 5 years relevant technical/professional experience.
* Knowledge of/experience with surveillance system development and/or management.
* Experience in information and data management and information development.
* Understanding of quality management principles.
* Understanding of Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Ngā hua o te Mahi i te Manatū Ahu Matua: - Benefits of working at MPI

* Modern offices close to Railway Station
* Up to three additional (MPI holidays) leave days
* Career development and internal opportunities across the branch and organisation
* Comprehensive one-week MPI Induction Programme
* Workstation assessment
* Free annual flu vaccination

See the benefits of working at MPI

Wā Mahi Ngāwari - Flexible Working
If you're interested we are open to discussing flexible working options with you. This can take many forms such as (but not limited to) reduced hours, remote working, flexible start and finish times, compressed hours or term-time work. Please feel free to talk to us at the interview about the flexibility you need and we will explore what's possible for the role.

Me pēhea te tuku tono - How to Apply
To apply for this role you must hold the right to work in New Zealand or be eligible to obtain it. To view the position description and/or apply for the role please click “APPLY NOW” or visit the MPI Careers Site. For tracking and reporting purposes, all applications must be submitted through our online careers portal.
For detailed information on this role please refer to the position description or contact Conrad Cheung at conrad.cheung@mpi.govt.nz who will point you in the right direction.

The Ministry for Primary Industries is committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values inclusion and diversity. Your unique talents and experience will help us deliver exceptional services to our communities in Aotearoa. In return you'll enjoy an inclusive and flexible working environment in a diverse team of people while you're growing your career here in NZ and internationally. We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so that we can assist you through the recruitment process.