Biosecurity Officer - Career Advice - Government and Defence

Agricultural Inspector

Biosecurity officers, Quarantine officers or Quarantine inspectors, work at checkpoints across Australia to prevent unwanted pests, weeds and diseases being brought into Australia or State/Territory. Future Growth Strong

They control the movement of agricultural and horticultural produce, and examine incoming and outgoing animals, plants, food, humans and machinery.

They may screen and inspect mail parcels, baggage, cargo containers and ships entering Australia.

They identify anything that poses a biosecurity risk and these items may be confiscated or destroyed.

Biosecurity officers examine imported plants, animals and products (timber, seeds and dried fruits, for example) and make quarantine arrangements where necessary.

They may also play an educational role in advising farmers about disease management, health regulations, and the implications of breaches of regulations.

ANZSCO ID: 5995

Alternative names: Noxious Weeds and Pest Inspector; Quarantine inspector; Agricultural Inspector

Knowledge, skills and attributes Biosecurity Officer

A biosecurity officer needs:

sound knowledge of pests and diseases
good verbal and written communication skills
strong analytical and research skills
to be observant with attention to detail
good organisational and problem solving skills
the ability to remain calm and patient in high pressure situations
to be able to work independently and as part of a team.

Working conditions

Biosecurity officers work in airports, ports, mail centres, in the field, and at border crossings throughout Australia. They may also work inspecting aircrafts, or vessels in open water. Biosecurity officers may be required to travel between locations or work in regional areas.

Biosecurity officers may need to work shiftwork, including weekends and public holidays.

Tools and Technologies

Biosecurity officers use equipment such as X-ray machines to screen mail parcels and baggage, and detector dogs are used to locate materials that pose a quarantine risk. They may also administer special treatments, tests and washes on livestock entering into the state. Biosecurity officers use computers to perform research, write reports, and produce documentation to record the movement of agricultural products.

Biosecurity sign

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a biosecurity officer you must first become an employee of either a Department of Agriculture and Food or a Department of Agriculture and Water Resources in any State or Territory.

You will then be required to undertake a VET qualification in government and will be provided with training on the job.

Applicants must be an Australian citizen, and need to hold a current National Police Certificate, pass medical checks, and may also need to hold a driver’s licence to drive manual vehicles.

Completing a bachelor degree in agricultural science, biological sciences, animal science or a related area may improve your employment chances in obtaining a specialist role.

Most universities in Australia offer relevant courses.

Biosecurity Officer at Port Macquarie getting rid of the highly invasive aquatic weed, Kidney-leaf mud plantain. February 2020
(Source: Port Macquarie News)

Did You Know?

Biosecurity has played a critical role in reducing risk and shaping our nation to become one of the few countries in the world to remain free from the world’s most severe pests and diseases.

While our geographical isolation has played a key role in maintaining this status, our isolation as an island nation is rapidly changing as the barriers of time and distance become less relevant and international travel and trade increase.

With more than 60 000 kilometres of coastline offering a variety of pathways for exotic pests and diseases, the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources screens, inspects and clears the millions of people, mail parcels, baggage, ships, animals, plants and cargo containers entering Australia every year using x–ray machines, surveillance, and, of course, the instantly recognisable detector dogs.

Australia works across the whole biosecurity continuum with offshore, at the border and onshore measures. The department uses a range of sophisticated technologies and approaches including, research, shared international resources and intelligence, to help prevent the introduction and spread of disease. Surveillance and monitoring of risk areas is also critical along with border control activities, which focus on assessing and managing potential biosecurity threats at Australia’s airports, seaports, and international mail centres.

Today, biosecurity controls at Australia’s borders minimise the risk of exotic pests and diseases entering Australia and protect our $32 billion agriculture export industries as well as our unique environment, native flora and fauna, our tourism industries and lifestyle.
(Source: Department of Agriculture and Water Resources)

Agricultural inspectors inspect agricultural assets, processing equipment, and facilities, and aquaculture and timber operations, to ensure regulations and laws concerning health, quality, and safety are being adhered to. Future Growth Static

ANZSCO ID: 311313

Knowledge, skills and attributes

To become an agricultural inspector, you should have:

knowledge and experience of agriculture
good communication skills
good observation and problem-solving skills
fairness and reliability
tact and diplomacy
up-to-date knowledge of relevant laws
You may be required to be able to handle animals confidently and humanely

Duties and Tasks

Agricultural inspectors make sure that the food we eat is safe and of a high quality. They are responsible for checking plants, animals and produce at farms, businesses and food processing plants, and could work for a variety of government inspection agencies.

They may also inspect storage, shipping and aircraft facilities to ensure they meet hygiene and quality standards, and export requirements.

Working conditions

Agricultural inspectors will usually work full-time, which may include weekends and shift work. Inspectors are usually office based, but the job involves frequent travel, and you would spend at least half of your time visiting workplaces. There may be occasional overnight stays away from home.

If you are working with animals, conditions on some visits can be noisy and dirty, and you should be able to cope with strong smells. You may need to wear protective clothing for some jobs.

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become an agricultural inspector, you usually have to complete a VET qualification in the relevant industry area – for example, meat processing (meat safety). You may be able to study through distance education.

As a quarantine inspector, you must be an employee of the federal Department of Agriculture & Water Resources. Once employed, you must complete on-the-job training.

Employment Opportunities

Employment of agricultural inspectors fell over the last few years, and the number of new job openings is expected to continue to be low.

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