POSITION SUMMARY

The Risk Assessment Capability (RAC) Program of the APVMA works closely with internal stakeholders and external service providers and is responsible for the assessment of the environmental safety aspects of applications for the approval of chemical substances, registration of chemical products, approval of permits to use a chemical for a specific purpose, or the review of an existing chemical product and its uses.

As part of the RAC program the Environment Team focuses on:

• Managing all aspects of the environmental assessment of Agvet chemicals including the evaluation of data and risk assessments.
• Providing expert advice to other areas of the APVMA and external stakeholders on matters affecting environmental safety matters of Agvet chemicals
• Establishing technical policies associated with the environmental assessment of Agvet chemicals.

Under supervision, you will be responsible for preparing advice in relation to environmental safety assessments. You will provide assistance to team managers within the APVMA through the preparation of environmental assessment reports, as well as providing technical assistance to staff, as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

To be a strong contender for the role you will be a resilient, outcome driven person with an ability to:

• Perform technical assessment of environmental information relating to agricultural chemicals, veterinary medicines and other chemicals.
• Undertake Interpretation of data and preparation of scientific reports, under limited guidance using good judgement, expertise and knowledge.  Ensure decisions are governed by the application of policies and procedures in accordance with the legislation, APVMA principles of regulatory science quality and relevant international best practices.
• Ensure knowledge of and compliance with legislative frameworks and agency guidelines and procedures.
• Build and sustain positive relationships with team members and stakeholders.
• Assist in the development and implementation of strategies, operational policies, priorities and work practices for the Risk Assessment Capability program to achieve results in line with APVMA operational goals.
• Use project management skills to contribute to efficient workflow and related practices with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Provide advice and technical expertise in specific areas of team or program activities. Assist in the preparation of briefs, manuals, ministerial correspondence, reports, guidelines and policies, as required.

SELECTION CRITERIA

To be considered for these roles you will need:

Essential:

• Knowledge of the regulatory framework in which the APVMA operates in the assessment and approval of agricultural and veterinary chemicals and knowledge and/or experience of the use of chemicals within the context of current agricultural and veterinary practices in Australia;
• Ability to apply risk assessment principles in the context of environmental safety of pesticides or veterinary medicines, to analyse and evaluate complex scientific and technical information, and to provide advice on the interpretation of data, scientific reports, policies and procedures within a regulatory framework;
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to prepare documents and reports, ability to communicate clearly and confidently with clients, staff and service providers to establish and maintain internal and external networks, and to represent the APVMA in a variety of forums;
• Well-developed interpersonal, planning, organisational and teamwork skills including the ability to determine workflow priorities and assume responsibility for delivery of organisational goals while maintaining a focus on quality and a cohesive team environment;
• Appropriate tertiary qualifications in Environmental Toxicology or another relevant scientific discipline; and
• Willingness to abide by the APS Values, Code of Conduct and Employment Principles, and a demonstrated commitment to applying the principles and practices of WHS, equity and diversity in the workplace.

Desirable:

• Experience in environmental fate and ecotoxicological risk assessment;
• A relevant postgraduate qualification.