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Senior Operations Coordinator
GM Operations; National Fire Ant Eradication Program; Biosecurity Queensland; Scenic Rim / Ipswich
The National Fire Ant Eradication Program is one of Australia’s largest biosecurity responses, protecting Queensland’s communities, environment, agriculture and economy from the impacts of fire ants.
We are seeking an experienced Senior Operations Coordinator (AO6) to lead Area Coordinators and frontline field teams delivering treatment operations across the Program. This role combines people leadership, operational delivery, workforce planning, safety and compliance in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
Just imagine what you could achieve with us
Job details
| Position status | Fixed Term Temporary |
|---|---|
| Position type | Full-time |
| Occupational group | Primary Industry & Environment |
| Classification | AO6 |
| Workplace Location | Ipswich region |
| Job ad reference | QLD/700000/26 |
| Closing date | 16-Sep-2026 |
| Job duration | Until 30 June 2027 with possible extension |
| Contact person | Chris Johns |
| Contact details | Phone: 0477 175 914 Access the National Relay Service |
As Senior Operations Coordinator you will:
Coordinate workforce and resources, ensuring field teams are appropriately staffed, trained, equipped and deployed, with fleet, equipment and other resources aligned to operational priorities
Drive treatment delivery and performance, monitoring activities against treatment plans, timeframes and KPIs, identifying risks early and providing senior leaders with clear visibility of progress, performance and emerging issues
Maintain safe and compliant operations, ensuring work is undertaken in accordance with permits, treatment requirements, environmental and weather conditions, workplace health and safety obligations and relevant policies and procedures
Provide leadership on complex people and conduct matters, working alongside Area Coordinators to manage performance, attendance, behavioural and employee issues, while coaching and supporting them to build capability and stepping in on complaints, Code of Conduct matters and other sensitive or complex cases
Apply sound judgement and connect the right expertise, ensuring appropriate documentation, procedural fairness and consistent people-management practices, while working with HR, Safety, recruitment, validation, planning and other specialist areas to resolve issues, escalate where required and keep operational delivery on track.
The people and employee-relations component is a significant part of this role. You will work alongside Area Coordinators to manage and contain complex workforce, performance and conduct matters, providing direction on the appropriate process, ensuring matters are documented and handled consistently, and taking a more active role where issues are sensitive, higher risk or require specialist HR involvement.
What we're looking for
We're seeking a resilient and motivated leader who can balance people leadership with operational delivery in a fast-paced environment.
You will:
Lead and support frontline leaders to deliver safe, effective operations.
Balance workforce, resource and operational priorities across multiple teams.
Apply sound judgement, make informed decisions and manage risk.
Navigate complex workforce issues with confidence and professionalism.
Build strong relationships with employees, leaders and key stakeholders.
Take a practical, solutions-focused approach to challenges.
Use performance data and operational insights to drive outcomes and continuous improvement.
Experience in biosecurity, eradication, surveillance, treatment or other complex fieldbased operational environments would be highly regarded, particularly where you have worked across multiple teams or large workforces. Experience navigating people, performance, conduct or employee-relations matters would also be valuable.
Take on a key leadership role within one of Queensland's largest biosecurity programs and make a real impact on statewide operations. This role offers the opportunity to lead large teams, develop frontline leaders, solve complex operational challenges, and build broad experience across operations, workforce management, safety and compliance.
Why Join Us?
Take on a key leadership role within one of Queensland's largest biosecurity programs and make a real impact on statewide operations. This role offers the opportunity to lead large teams, develop frontline leaders, solve complex operational challenges, and build broad experience across operations, workforce management, safety and compliance.
Lead people. Deliver outcomes. Help protect Queensland.
Job Ad Reference: QLD/700000/26
Closing Date: Wednesday, 16 September 2026
Further information
We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.
Please ensure you download all attachments and follow the instructions on how to apply.
Documents
Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.
