First Nations Biosecurity Intern

Closing date:
Australian Central Standard Time (ACST)
Type: Full time
Location: Darwin
Northern Territory
Salary and conditions
$58,701 to $60,958 per annum
Other

Total remuneration package including superannuation $74,415 to $77,405 per annum pro rata. 

The filling of this position is intended to constitute a special/equal opportunity measure under section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 and section 57 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1992 (NT). This position therefore only be open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants

Menzies School Of Health Research

Menzies is a national leader in research and education that improves health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and populations across our region. As a leader in global and tropical research into life-threatening illnesses, Menzies continues to translate its research into effective partnerships and programs in communities across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. 

Job description/overview

These positions are funded through the Northern Australia Biosecurity Strategy as part of the Northern Australia People Capacity and Response Network (NAPCaRN) initiative and are based at the Menzies School of Health Research. The intern will learn what biosecurity is and why it is important. This will include scientific training in the Menzies and Northern Territory Government laboratories, and fieldwork with biosecurity teams. The intern will also be enrolled in an accredited VET or higher degree course, and will be provided study time, peer support, and academic support by the Menzies-Ramaciotti Centre. 

The following responsibilities are not exhaustive and may include others as directed by the Supervisor:

  1. Study and learn about relevant biosecurity threats and management.
  2. Maintain enrolment and progress in an accredited course approved by the Menzies-Ramaciotti Centre as relevant to biosecurity.
  3. Work closely with laboratory and field teams to provide support and learn a range of biosecurity techniques. These may include general project administration, logistics, and operations; data entry; data and specimen collection and analysis and laboratory techniques.
  4. Perform tasks under routine supervision and undertake relevant training as directed.
  5. Travel throughout the Northern Territory in response to biosecurity threats and research. this would entail travelling with a NTG biosecurity team to sites across the NT including remote areas and including remote communities.
  6. Understanding and awareness of relevant Workplace Health and Safety as well as Equal Opportunity principles and legislation along with a commitment to maintaining a healthy and safe workplace for all Menzies staff, students, volunteers and visitors.
  7. Carry out any other tasks as reasonably required by the Supervisor, Manager and/or Director. 

Selection criteria

Essential: 

  1. A commitment to enrol and remain enrolled in a relevant accredited course. These include but are not limited to: Certificate III in laboratory skills, Undergraduate Certificate Introduction to Environmental Science, Tertiary Enabling Program, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of environmental science.
  2. Willingness to undertake training in skills required to perform the role.
  3. Demonstrated verbal and written communication, with ability to communicate with a range of audiences including First Nations peoples and communicate with the project team.
  4. Ability to learn to work with others collaboratively in a team environment.
  5. Ability to learn about maintaining confidentiality of data, personal and sensitive information and confidential matters. 

Special provisions 

  1. Travel to remote communities (by light aircraft or 4WD) Frequency and timings to be agreed.
  2. Ability to obtain and maintain a current Working with Children Check (OCHRE card) and NT driver’s licence. 

How to apply

Heidi Smith-Vaughan 

Telephone: 08 8946 8409

Email: heidi.smith-vaughan@menzies.edu.au