Animal Health Officer

Location: North West Region | Bendigo

Job type: Full time / Fixed Term for 12 months

Organisation: Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action

**Salary**: $68,045 - $93,274

Occupation: Agriculture/Primary Industry

Reference: VG/50958745

As an Animal Health Officer you 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 auditing.

Animal Health Officers are required to fulfil surveillance and auditing roles which provide knowledge of the disease and residue status of Victoria's livestock industries. This information is a key component in maintaining access to markets for Victorian livestock and livestock products, and in mitigating the economic and social effects of disease and residue incidents in Victoria.

The successful applicant will 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

As part of an integrated and flexible business model within the Biosecurity and Agriculture Services Branch, you may also provide support to other programs or other regions.

You must work effectively and cooperatively in a team environment and with other agencies such as Victoria Police, CFA, saleyard managers and livestock agents within the district. You will establish strong working relationships with internal staff and various external stakeholders including private landowners, community and industry groups as well as local and state government agencies.

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

**Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications**
- A tertiary degree in Science, Agricultural Science, Natural Resource Management is required for this position. Other related Science Degrees may be considered.
- Experience liaising and negotiating with government departments, farmers, livestock agents and other industry representatives.
- 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.
- Audiometric testing is conducted on commencement of employment and every two years for firearms users.
- Current Drivers Licence for a motor vehicle

**This is a fixed term position available for a period of 12 Months. The work location for this position is Bendigo 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 Thursday, 16**th** January 2025.**

**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._