How to become an Invasive Pest, Weed and Disease Inspector

Also called: Biosecurity Officer (Weeds and Pests), Noxious Weed and Pest Inspector

Inspects and monitors plants, animals, land and water for invasive pests and diseases, and organises for their control or eradication.

Main tasks

• Conducts inspections to identify invasive pests, weeds and diseases, and determines treatment and management actions
• Collects and analyses data on the presence and spread of invasive pests, weeds and diseases
• Develops and implements control and eradication strategies for invasive pests, weeds and diseases
• Coordinates and liaises with relevant stakeholders and authorities to ensure effective control and eradication measures
• Provides advice and guidance to landowners and the public on the management and prevention of invasive pests, weeds and diseases
• Conducts surveys to assess the impact of invasive pests, weeds and diseases
• Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of control and eradication programs

Ways in

• TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Rural and Environmental Pest Management (AHC30324); Certificate IV in Urban Pest Management (CPP41619); Certificate III in Public Safety (Biosecurity Emergency Response Operations) (PUA30922); Certificate III in Urban Pest Management (CPP30119); Certificate IV in Public Safety (Biosecurity Emergency Response Leadership) (PUA40422)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $96,824 a year
• About 47,500 people work in this job group now, and about 50,800 are projected by 2035. (+7%)
• AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Related jobs

• Aerodrome Reporting Officer
• Council Ranger
• Electrical Asset Inspector
• Meter Reader
• Motor Vehicle Licence Examiner
• Parking Officer

Not sure this is for you? Take the 2-minute career quiz

Questions people ask

How do I become an Invasive Pest, Weed and Disease Inspector?

Ways in include: Certificate III in Rural and Environmental Pest Management; Certificate IV in Urban Pest Management.

How much does an Invasive Pest, Weed and Disease Inspector earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $96,824 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is an Invasive Pest, Weed and Disease Inspector a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 7% by 2035, from about 47,500 to about 50,800 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become an Invasive Pest, Weed and Disease Inspector?

Not always. 38% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Rural and Environmental Pest Management; Certificate IV in Urban Pest Management.

Will AI change the work of an Invasive Pest, Weed and Disease Inspector?

AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04