Independent Observer

APS 6 - $91,944 - $104,393 per annum plus superannuation
- Plant and Live Animal Exports, Animal Welfare and Regulation Division
- Adelaide, SA,Brisbane, QLD,Cairns, QLD,Canberra, ACT,Melbourne, VIC,Perth, WA,Sydney, NSW,Other

Independent observers provide regular reporting to the department regarding exporter arrangements, including compliance with the legislative and regulatory framework, such as the Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock (ASEL), Approved Arrangements (AA’s), and Approved Export Programs (AEP’s). The role is integral in providing assistance to industry, the public and government that the health and welfare of the live animals being transported on vessels is appropriately managed. As an independent observer, you will be required to travel on export vessels to monitor, review and/or audit and provide reporting on all aspects of the management of livestock from loading in the Australian port of departure to unloading in its international port(s) of destination. You will be required to work every day for the duration of the voyage (voyage lengths vary).

Knowledge and experience: To fulfil these duties effectively applicants should have:

- Experience with the management of sheep and/or other livestock.
- An understanding of the livestock export industry.
- The ability to provide an objective view of the on-board animal management processes.
- Demonstrated relevant experience in livestock management, animal welfare or related disciplines.

Other mandatory requirements to meet our duty of care obligations to employees and manage the risks associated with undertaking duties on a vessel far from shore and isolated from work and support networks Independent Observers are required to:

- Undergo pre-deployment medical and psychometric assessments.
- Comply with travel related health advice and obtain relevant immunisations including tetanus and Q fever.
- Be able to demonstrate a satisfactory level of swimming ability to pass the Elements of Shipboard Safety training.

**Who we are**
The Plant and Live Animal Exports, Animal Welfare and Regulation Division supports Australian agriculture industries and the government through development of animal welfare policy for export and domestic issues; management of policy, operations and certification for the export of live animals, animal reproductive material, plants, and plant products; management of the government priority to phase out live sheep exports; and we foster regulatory stewardship across export related functions.

The Live Animal Export Branch (LAEB) regulates the export of prescribed livestock, live animals and animal reproductive material in accordance with the Export Control Act 2020 and the Export Control (Animals) Rules 2021. The LAEB works closely with the Animal Welfare Branch and the Principal Regulatory Office to develop legislation and standards, operational policy and guidelines, instructional material, technical training and reporting.

The Independent Observer Deployment team is responsible for deploying observers on live animal export vessels. The observer’s role is to perform assurance activities (including monitoring, reviewing and auditing) relating to the implementation and effectiveness of exporter arrangements to manage the health and welfare of livestock exported by sea. The observer provides regular reporting to the department regarding exporter arrangements, including compliance with the legislative and regulatory framework, such as the Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock (ASEL), Approved Arrangements (AA’s), and Approved Export Programs (AEP’s). The Independent Observer role is integral in providing assistance to industry, the public and government that the health and welfare of the live animals being transported on vessels is appropriately managed.

**The Job**
The role of the Independent Observer is to travel on board live animal export vessels to monitor, review and/or audit and provide reporting on all aspects of the management of livestock from loading in the Australian port of departure to unloading in its international port(s) of destination. As an Independent Observer you are required to:

- Observe and document daily stock management activities on board through detailed daily logs, observing livestock, data collection and basic analysis.
- Capture and catalogue still images and video footage in relation to the daily animal management activities.
- Identify and report on non-compliance and/or non-conformance with legislative and regulatory requirements.
- Provide regular reporting throughout the voyage via the LAE Observer Application.
- Undertake duty every day for the duration of the voyage.
- Participate in pre
- and post-deployment operational, WHS, security training and activities.
- When required, undertake assigned tasks to support the Live Animal Export Branch. These tasks may include, but not limited to, administration duties, document and report reviews.

Applicants