Biocontainment Engineer / Senior Biocontainment Engineer | Auckland Tamaki

Job Description

Biocontainment Engineer / Senior Biocontainment Engineer

Role type: Permanent Full time

Location: Auckland

Salary band & range: Biocontainment Engineer, GSR Band E: $87,008 to $116,232

Senior Biocontainment Engineer, GSR Band D: $100,934 - $135,076

About the Role - Kōrero mō te Tūranga

As a Senior/Biocontainment Engineer, you will help establish and support the engineering systems that underpin the new Plant Health & Environment Laboratory (PHEL) at Mt Albert—one of NZ's most important biocontainment facilities. These systems are essential to keeping harmful organisms securely contained and enabling critical diagnostic, surveillance and research work.

This is an exciting opportunity to be a key player in the development of a world leading, specialist facility. These positions contribute across design, construction, commissioning, certification and operational stages of the new facility, adapting as the building transitions from construction to day-to-day operation.

As a Biocontainment Engineer, you will:

• Review technical specifications for containment engineering systems
• Develop and maintain procedures, risk assessments and other documents for engineering systems and containment practices
• Contribute to risk and issue identification, documentation and mitigation
• Maintain detailed technical knowledge of containment engineering systems
• Support operation, maintenance and repair of containment systems
• Assist with contractor coordination following facility handover
• Support biological risk management activities
• Meet requirements for working in high biocontainment areas
• Build networks with national and international experts

At the Senior level, you will additionally:

• Lead specialist engineering input across design, construction and commissioning
• Provide expert technical review and be an approver for critical engineering decisions
• Lead risk identification and management for containment engineering systems
• Oversee development and certification compliant SOPs and procedures
• Supervise or lead maintenance, diagnostic activities and complex engineering tasks
• Provide authoritative advice and analysis
• Oversee contractor performance, work quality and system reliability
• Mentor, guide and support team capability development

About You - Mōu

You'll bring sound engineering capability, strong judgement and an interest in highly specialised biocontainment systems.

You will bring:

• A relevant engineering/technical qualification
• Experience with building systems and working within project environments
• Strong analytical, problem solving and communication skills
• Ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders
• Strong organisational and time management skills

At the Senior level, you'll also bring:

• Broad experience across design, construction, commissioning and operations
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders through credibility and expertise
• Experience managing risk, issues and technical decision-making
• Leadership or mentoring capability
• Experience overseeing contractors and complex engineering activities

About the Team - Mō tō mātou Rōpū

You'll join the Biosafety, Risk and Containment Systems team within Diagnostics, Readiness & Surveillance. The team collaborates closely with the new laboratory programme, PHEL scientists, MPI Property Services and specialist engineering partners. You'll be part of a collaborative, supportive group focused on delivering safe, effective containment operations for Aotearoa.

About MPI - Mō te Manatū Ahu Matua

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) partners with New Zealand's food and fibre sector to be the world's most trusted provider of high-value food and fibre products.

Benefits of working at MPI - Ngā hua o te mahi i te Manatū Ahu Matua

• Additional MPI leave days
• Ability to purchase extra annual leave
• Annual Wellness payment

https://www.mpi.govt.nz/about-mpi/careers/working-mpi/benefits/

Security checks - Ngā Taki Whakahaumaru

Low level Security Clearance

• most preferably a New Zealand citizen, who has resided continuously in New Zealand for at least the last five (5) years, OR
• is a citizen of, and/or has resided continuously in one or more of the following countries for the last five (5) years: either Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom (UK) or the United States of America (USA); and has a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed as appropriate by the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) towards a recommendation of suitability for a security clearance at this level.
• click here to find out more about the national security vetting process and access the eligibility self-check tool.

If you do not meet these minimum criteria, we will not be able to accept your application.

Drug and Alcohol Screening - Whakamātau Whakapōauau me te Waipiro

Please note, given this position is safety sensitive the preferred candidates(s) for the position will be required to undergo a drug and alcohol pre-employment screening test. Further information on this process can be found on our careers site, here.

Are you ready to make a difference? - Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi whaitake?

We are committed to being a good partner under Te Tiriti o Waitangi which includes working closely with iwi, hapū, whānau and hāpori.

We aspire to reflect the diverse communities we serve, so we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, and identities. As an organisation, we are committed to making Manatū Ahu Matua Ministry for Primary Industries a great place to work for all.

In your cover letter we'd like to know about you, your values; your interest and motivations for this role; the abilities, strengths, personal attributes, and diverse perspectives you will bring to the role and this organisation, which may have also been gained outside of the workforce.

To view the position description and/or apply online, please click “APPLY FOR THIS JOB” or visit the MPI Careers Site. To apply, 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.

Applications close at midnight on 15th of February.

If you have any questions about the role, please email ryan.pink@mpi.govt.nz 

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