Senior Legal Officer

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry's legal work is unique.

You will have the opportunity to provide legal advice and services while working closely with policymakers and operational staff on matters that directly affect all Australians across areas as diverse as biosecurity, agricultural production, trade, food, wine, fisheries, and forestry.

A job with the Legal Division is a chance to meaningfully apply your legal skills to practical outcomes in an environment focused on your learning and development as a lawyer.

The division's large and diverse practice means that lawyers can gain experience in their specific interests across various areas of law, including : Advising on regulatory systems and operations to assist staff on the front lines with Australia's quarantine, trade, food safety, and exports across diverse supply chains, at airports, and in the community.

Providing practical legal advice to assist investigation and enforcement of biosecurity and export laws to safeguard Australia's trade and health, including civil penalty litigation.

Developing and progressing legislation in collaboration with policymakers to implement effective laws.

Managing the department's litigation caseload and dispute resolution, including working with external law firms and counsel to provide strategic advice supporting the department's policy and operational activities.

Providing employment law advice, including on investigations, work health and safety, and external review proceedings.

Advising on the department's commercial matters, including procurements, grants, ICT contracting, the Commonwealth resource management framework, intellectual property, and property issues.

Handling legal issues related to data management, information collection, privacy, and freedom of information requests.

Developing and delivering legal training to staff involved in policy and operational decision-making.

The Legal Division works together to support and develop lawyers to meet their career aspirations.

You will be working with committed, engaged colleagues in a supportive and flexible environment, with interesting and meaningful work that is unique to the department and the Commonwealth.

The Job We have ongoing and non-ongoing opportunities for Senior Legal Officers who thrive in an energetic, purposeful, and collaborative legal environment.

As a Senior Legal Officer, you will provide high-quality legal services in an in-house environment, including legal research, analysis, and problem-solving.

Our highly engaged internal clients include regulatory scientists and administrative, policy, and compliance officers dedicated to safeguarding and growing sustainable agriculture, fisheries, and forestry for Australians.

You will also be responsible, alongside your Principal Legal Officer, for motivating, mentoring, and supervising legal officers in your team to achieve initiatives and goals while maintaining an inclusive, responsive, and effective environment.

Please note that the merit pool established through this selection process will be valid for 18 months from the date the vacancy was advertised in the Gazette and may be used to fill future ongoing and non-ongoing vacancies in the division with similar duties.

What we are looking for Knowledge and experience The successful applicants will ideally have between 3 to 6 years of relevant post-admission experience and experience in one or more of the legal areas listed above.

Skills and capabilities The successful applicants will demonstrate : The ability to identify key legal issues and provide accurate, practical legal advice clearly and concisely to meet client needs.

Excellent communication skills and the ability to foster effective relationships as an in-house adviser in a collaborative environment.

The capacity to handle sensitive matters affecting the department, the Public Service, and the broader community appropriately.

The capability to lead and develop lawyers and to manage legal services efficiently and effectively.

Mandatory Qualifications Applicants must hold a degree in law and be eligible for an ACT, VIC, QLD, or NSW legal practising certificate.

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