Team Manager - Entomology at Ministry for Primary Industries, Christchurch

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Location: Christchurch

Permanent - Full time

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the Role

We have a vacancy for a highly talented and experienced Entomology Manager to lead part of the Entomology team in the area of plant pests diagnostics. In this role you will work closely with the Entomology team manager based in Auckland and other laboratory managers in Assurance, Biosafety and Containment; Bacteriology and Botany; Diagnostic Readiness and Innovation; Mycology and Nematology; Post-Entry Quarantine; and Virology and Phytoplasmology.

The scope of the work includes leading the entomology diagnostic work programmes for the identification of entomology pests associated with imported and exported plants, and found post border, for example during surveillance, incursion investigation and response. You will also be expected to contribute to the laboratory's strategic objectives and projects plus the provision of technical advice to the crown and stakeholders regarding new to New Zealand invertebrates or impending risks.

The Salary Range for this role is C: $109,626 - $148,138 depending on skills, capabilities, and experience.

Mōu - About You 

You will be an approachable leader who can quickly establish rapport with your team. You will also be a member of a dynamic leadership team that takes pride in its people and the results they deliver together.

You will provide support and input on work across the branch and/or other parts within and outside MPI and work closely within and beyond MPI nationally and internationally with other scientific organizations. You will be working with a diverse range of stakeholders, including industry representatives, and sometimes under pressure situations, that requires good communication and negotiation skills.

The ideal candidate would have:

• Minimum of a post-graduate university qualification (preferable doctoral) related to  entomology.
  • A strong knowledge in diagnostic entomology for pests affecting plants and the environment and molecular biology is essential.
• A good understanding of high through-put sequencing technologies is desirable
  • Proven experience in managing and developing highly-qualified scientific staff and in leading a high performing team.
  • Expert technical knowledge and broad experience of managing laboratory diagnostic programmes and processes.
  • Expert operational management skills
  • Proven leadership skills
  • Excellent communication and written skills
  • Experience in budget management

Mō te Manatū Ahu Matua - About MPI

Our vision is New Zealand will be the world's most sustainable provider of high-value food and primary products. We aim to do this by having our primary sector thriving in a way that benefits all New Zealanders, increases sustainable resource use, and protects New Zealand from biological risk.

Mō tō mātou rōpū - About the Team

The Plant Health & Environment Laboratory is part of MPl's Diagnostic and Surveillance Services directorate (DSS). PHEL is the national reference laboratory for the identification of all suspected exotic, new and emerging pests and diseases, and arthropod pests affecting plants, the environment and human health. PHEL also provides diagnostic services to New Zealand's primary industries to facilitate trade. The laboratory is accredited to IS017025 and quality assurance system is an integral part of its operations. These activities enable the management of risks associated with traded plants and plant products and maximise the opportunities to respond to biosecurity risks in New Zealand.

Ahurea - Culture

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture. We are fair in our behaviour and our policies promote equal opportunity for all. We provide numerous training programmes and opportunities for people to continuously improve their skill sets and keep up to date with global best practices. MPI has a focus on career pathways so this is the first step in your career with us and we will help you grow.

Me pēhea te tuku tono - How to Apply

To view the position description and/or apply for the role please click “APPLY FOR THIS JOB” or visit the MPI Careers Site. For tracking and reporting purposes, all applications must be submitted through our online careers portal.

To apply for this role you must hold the right to work in New Zealand or be eligible to obtain it – click here to find out more about work visa eligibility and options.

The closing date is Sunday 3 July 2022.

For further technical information about the position including remuneration, contact Lalith Kumarasinghe at Lalith.Kumarasinghe@mpi.govt.nz.

The Ministry for Primary Industries is committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values inclusion and diversity. Your unique talents and experience will help us deliver exceptional services to our communities in Aotearoa. In return you'll enjoy an inclusive and flexible working environment in a diverse team of people while you're growing your career here in NZ and internationally. We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so that we can assist you through the recruitment process.