Biosecurity Officer

A Biosecurity Officer inspects goods, luggage, and shipments at borders or agricultural sites to prevent the entry of pests, diseases, and invasive species. Enforces quarantine regulations and educates travellers and businesses on compliance requirements. This role is critical for protecting agricultural industries, natural ecosystems, and public health from potential biosecurity threats. Protects national agriculture, ecosystems, and public health by preventing the introduction and spread of harmful pests, diseases, and invasive species, safeguarding economic stability and biodiversity.

A Biosecurity Officer earns a median of $70,000 per year in the US, typically ranging from $50,000 to $95,000.

To become a Biosecurity Officer, a certificate, diploma, or bachelor's degree in biosecurity, agriculture, environmental science, or a related field is typically required.

Biosecurity Officer roles tend to suit people who are highly conscientious — precise, organised and strong on follow-through (Conscientiousness 82/100) and steady under pressure — deadlines and setbacks do not rattle them easily (Emotional Stability 72/100). The traits that matter most in the role are Conscientious, Methodical, Analytical and Resilient. Exhibits strong adherence to regulations and a systematic approach to inspections and documentation. On interests, Biosecurity Officer maps to a RCI Holland Code profile — individuals who enjoy practical, hands-on work, systematic enforcement of rules, and investigating biological threats tend to thrive as Biosecurity Officers.

A Biosecurity Officer role is usually a strong fit for these reasons. High Realistic and Conventional alignment: the role involves hands-on inspection and strict adherence to protocols. Requires strong Conscientiousness for detailed work and consistent enforcement of regulations. Offers the opportunity to protect vital industries and the environment, appealing to those with a strong sense of duty.

Biosecurity Officer roles come with trade-offs worth weighing up. Can involve dealing with uncooperative individuals or challenging situations during enforcement actions. Work often takes place outdoors in varying weather conditions and may require travel to different sites.

Work as a Biosecurity Officer is mostly mixed-based with onsite arrangements common, semi-structured — a mix of set processes and self-directed work, a moderate pace and high exposure to clients or stakeholders. Around 18% of the week is focused deep work.

Core skills for a Biosecurity Officer include Biosecurity regulations knowledge, Pest and disease identification, Inspection techniques, Risk assessment and Communication and education.

Common entry routes into Biosecurity Officer roles include Agricultural Technician, Customs Officer and Environmental Monitor.

From a Biosecurity Officer role, common next steps include Senior Biosecurity Officer and Biosecurity Team Leader; lateral moves include Environmental Health Officer.

The outlook for Biosecurity Officer roles is currently rated stable. Demand is steady. This is an established role with consistent hiring across sectors.

Traitstack rates automation risk for Biosecurity Officer roles at 32 out of 100, which is low. AI can help screen import manifests and identify known threats; however, physical inspection, quarantine enforcement, and public education remain firmly human tasks. AI is most likely to take on screening cargo manifests and passenger declarations for high-risk items, identifying known pests or diseases from visual data and monitoring known biosecurity threat patterns. Conducting physical inspections of goods, conveyances, and premises, enforcing quarantine laws and seizing non-compliant items and identifying novel or unusual biosecurity risks not previously cataloged stay with people. From broad inspection to specialized threat identification and containment. That score measures how much of the work could change, not the likelihood the job disappears. It is Traitstack's current view, revisited as AI capability moves.