Chief Plant Protection Officer

• NSW's lead voice on plant pest and disease prevention and response
• Strengthen preparedness and lead the state's response to protect market access for NSW producers
• NSW Senior Executive Band 1 – TRP $240,651 to $266,345 (inclusive of super)

The Organisation
The Agriculture and Biosecurity Group plays a key role in protecting, supporting and developing sustainable, future-ready agricultural and biosecurity sectors across NSW. Within the Group, the Biosecurity and Food Safety division prevents, prepares for and responds to biosecurity and food safety risks across the state. As Chief Plant Protection Officer, you will provide state and national leadership in the development of plant pest and disease prevention and management programs that protect industry productivity and market access for NSW producers.

The Role
As Chief Plant Protection Officer, you will provide strategic direction and leadership to NSW's plant biosecurity and product integrity programs, reducing the impact of pests, diseases and residues on the state's economy, environment and community, and protecting market access for NSW producers.
You will hold delegated statutory powers as DPIRD's Hazard Owner for plant biosecurity incidents and emergencies, including the authority to issue emergency orders, establish control zones and set conditions on the movement of goods during a response.

Working closely with other Directors across DPIRD, you will develop and deliver a science and research strategy that underpins the state's plant biosecurity objectives and aligns with national priorities. You will represent DPIRD on state and national forums, build strategic partnerships with industry, and balance the state's regulatory powers with a practical, risk-based approach that keeps trade moving.

A response is rarely far away in this space, and you will bring the same energy to building preparedness and early detection capability as you do to managing active incidents, while helping shape national reform in how biosecurity response costs are shared between government and industry. The role requires availability outside standard hours to respond to urgent biosecurity issues, and you will lead a stable, experienced and technically strong team.

The Person
You will bring a strong technical or agricultural background; prior biosecurity experience is favourable but not essential, provided you have been exposed to biosecurity risk through your work in agriculture, production or a related research setting.

You will be a skilled negotiator and collaborator, comfortable finding practical, risk-based outcomes rather than defaulting to blanket restrictions, and able to communicate complex technical issues clearly and credibly to government, industry and the community.

You will hold a reputation as a proven leader in a field related to biosecurity, with significant experience bringing together multiple disciplines to deliver strong outcomes, and tertiary qualifications in a relevant science, or substantial demonstrated equivalent experience.

The Opportunity
This is a high-profile statutory leadership role with direct influence on how NSW manages plant biosecurity risk, preparedness and market access, at a time when the national approach to biosecurity funding and response is under reform. For a leader who combines technical credibility with sound judgement and a practical, collaborative style, this is a rare opportunity to shape policy and protect an industry that matters to the whole state.

Why DPIRD
DPIRD is the department dedicated to growing primary industries and supporting regional economic development to deliver long term benefits to the state. Our focus is to protect, support and develop our primary industries, mining sector, and regions.

DPIRD brings together Agriculture and Biosecurity; Fisheries and Forestry; Local Land Services; NSW Resources; Regional Development and Delivery; the Regional Growth NSW Development Corporation; and NSW Public Works and Soil Conservation Service. We have nearly 5,000 employees, with almost 80 per cent of us living and working in regional NSW.

Diversity, equity and inclusion are central to DPIRD. We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, reflecting the rich diversity of the communities we serve. We actively encourage individuals of all backgrounds – including but not limited to gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural heritage, disability, religion and sexual orientation – to apply. We strive to ensure that every stage of the recruitment process and overall employee experience is accessible, welcoming and free from barriers.

Additional Information
A talent pool may be created from this recruitment action for ongoing and temporary roles of the same standard that may become available for filling over the next eighteen months. The successful applicant in this role may be required to undergo a police check, health assessment and other assessments as required.

How to apply
Candidate information: Please click on the "Additional Information" button to download a copy of the Candidate Information Pack. For more information, please contact email publicsector@derwentsearch.com.au or call Andrew McEncroe on 0416 018 860 quoting reference number: 34949.

To apply: Please provide a cover letter highlighting your suitability for the role and a resume by the due date.

Applications close: Sunday, 1 November 2026.