Veterinary Officer

Location: North East Region | Benalla

Job type: Full time

Organisation: Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action

**Salary**: $109,730 - $132,764

Occupation: Agriculture/Primary Industry

Reference: VG/50960088

The Veterinary Officer (VO) will work as a member of the Animal Health and Welfare Unit, to ensure the delivery of major animal health projects that include disease surveillance; livestock legislation and enforcement management; emergency preparedness and response; and traceability and product integrity. Veterinary Officers are required to lead disease and animal welfare investigations in their district. By utilising their clinical experience in the prevention, investigation, diagnosis, control, eradication, and treatment of diseases of farmed livestock in Victoria, they will contribute to better veterinary outcomes in these investigations. The successful applicant will participate in delivering services that contribute to protecting and improving market access, work effectively as a member of a team, enjoy flexible working arrangements, and undertake a wide variety of work across the division, involving;
- Management of animal welfare risks
- Disease surveillance
- Domestic and Export certification
- National Livestock Identification System auditing
- Preparedness and response to animal disease outbreaks
- Response to animal welfare issues

**Accountabilities**
- Monitor, provide quality assurance and feedback on the delivery of the Animal Health and Welfare Programs within the district and report on results.
- Manage livestock disease investigation, diagnosis, control and prevention programs and animal welfare investigations in the district including developing and maintaining strong relationships with private veterinarians through the Significant Disease Investigation (SDI) Program.
- Ensure compliance with the statutory requirements of the Acts and Regulations administered by Animal Health and Welfare Unit, including the provision of disease certification for live animal and animal product movements within Victoria, interstate and for export.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of other livestock industry research and extension projects to ensure effective integration of Animal Health programs with the livestock industries projects within DEECA.
- Lead and manage a district team and build a positive team culture. Actively participate in the leadership of the Animal Health and Welfare Regional team and work effectively and cooperatively in a team environment with other agencies such as Victoria Police, CFA, and within DEECA.

**This position is a designated DEECA Authorised Officer and has responsibilities under the legislation relevant to the role.**

**Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications**
- An appropriate tertiary degree in Veterinary Science registrable with the Veterinary Practitioners Registration Board of Victoria.
- Current Drivers Licence for a motor vehicle
- A Victorian Firearms Licence for Category A, B & C firearms and DJPR firearms accreditation is required to be obtained and kept current.
- Hold a current Applied First Aid Certificate (Level 2 to be completed during probation period)
- Vaccination against diseases including tetanus, seasonal influenza and Q fever is required to be undertaken.
- Experience liaising and negotiating with government departments, farmers, livestock agents and other industry representatives.
- Good understanding of the livestock industries in Victoria, and of the disease control, emergency management and chemical residue minimisation programs administered by DEECA.

**This is a fixed term position available for a period of 12 months. The work location for this position is Benalla with hybrid work arrangements available.**

To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) summarising their skills and relevant experience.

Please refer to the Key Selection Criteria provided in the Position Description, including the mandatory requirements.

**Applications close at midnight on Monday 28 October 2024.**

**Other relevant information**:
To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing position is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.

**A Diverse, Inclusive and Flexible Workplace**
- DEECA welcomes applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds and we focus on the essential requirements of the job and being consistent and fair in our treatment of all applicants. We also understand that a balanced life is important to our employees. Talk to us about our flexible options such as working some days from home, starting early or late, working part time, job sharing or accessing paid or unpaid leave._