Join the fight to protect our communities and environment! The National Fire Ant Eradication Program is on a mission to eliminate one of Australia¿s most invasive pests ¿ the fire ant. These destructive pests pose a serious threat to our way of life, and we need passionate and dedicated individuals to help us stop them in their tracks. Be part of a team making a real difference for Queensland¿s future.

Together, we can protect our homes, wildlife, and industries. Join us today and help eradicate fire ants for good.

Job details

About the Role
As the Manager, Applied Science and Evidence, you will lead a multidisciplinary team responsible for providing the scientific, technical and evidence base that underpins Australia's largest invasive species eradication program. Reporting at a senior leadership level, you will oversee complex programs of work, translate science into practical operational outcomes, and ensure evidence-based decision making supports the National Fire Ant Eradication Program's ambition to eradicate red imported fire ants from Australia by 2032. Success in this role requires a strategic leader who can build high-performing teams, manage competing priorities, influence stakeholders and deliver outcomes in a complex and fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities and Outputs:

• Lead, develop and inspire a multidisciplinary team of scientific, technical and operational professionals, building capability, accountability and a high-performance culture.
• Oversee the delivery of complex programs, projects and initiatives, ensuring resources, risks, budgets, timelines and priorities are effectively managed to achieve strategic outcomes.
• Translate scientific and technical evidence into practical operational solutions that support decision making, service delivery and eradication objectives.
• Provide strategic leadership across workforce planning, business planning, financial management and operational performance to ensure sustainable and effective program delivery.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with government agencies, industry, research institutions and other stakeholders to drive collaboration and influence outcomes.
• Foster a culture of innovation, continuous improvement and evidence-based decision making, ensuring governance, quality assurance and best-practice standards are maintained.
• Provide authoritative advice to senior leaders and stakeholders on emerging issues, risks, opportunities and strategic priorities affecting program outcomes.
• Contribute as a senior leader across Biosecurity Queensland and the National Fire Ant Eradication Program, supporting broader organisational priorities and change initiatives.

Ideal Candidate:
• Experience leading large multidisciplinary teams through complexity and change.
• Ability to translate technical or scientific information into operational outcomes.
• Strong program and project management skills, including budget and risk management.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement, influencing and negotiation capability.
• Experience delivering outcomes in government, biosecurity, environmental, agricultural or other highly regulated environments.

Job Ad Reference: QLD/705561/26

Closing Date: Wednesday, 11 November 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.

• Candidate Information Pack DPI (PDF, 279KB)
  
  
  705561 26 Role Description (Word, 941KB)