YOUR CAREER AS A
BIOSECURITY MANAGER

Biosecurity managers and technical staff are responsible for monitoring the health of growing forests and also undertaking surveillance for pests and diseases. They can be employed by large forest companies or work as specialist contractors. Biosecurity specialists can also be involved in monitoring logs and lumber entering or leaving the country, to ensure New Zealand neither imports nor exports harmful organisms. 

SNAPSHOT INFO

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Earning Potential

$55,000 – $95,000

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Qualification Required

Degree/diploma in biological science

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Physically Demanding

Mix of office and on-site work

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Absence from home

Varies with employer

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS

To work in biosecurity you will need:

The work will generally involve a mix of time monitoring and sampling in the field or other outdoor locations – for example around ports – lab work and other desk-based work. It may involve taking foliage samples, making health assessments, and giving recommendations on nutrient requirements and treatment. A lot of biosecurity monitoring now uses new technologies such as drones and satellite imagery, so an aptitude for these technologies will be valuable. 

Administrative and report writing skills will be needed, as well as good physical fitness and a driver's licence.

SIMILAR JOBS

This is a relatively specialist area. 

CAREER PROGRESSION

People who begin work as biosecurity technicians can, over time, move up into more senior/management roles.