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
Earning Potential
$55,000 – $95,000
Qualification Required
Degree/diploma in biological science
Physically Demanding
Mix of office and on-site work
Absence from home
Varies with employer
QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS
To work in biosecurity you will need:
- a degree or diploma in a biological science – e.g. forest science, plant science, entomology
- expertise and interest in plant health, insects, diseases etc.
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.