Senior Veterinary Officer

If protecting Australia's animal health and contributing to the nation's agricultural trade excites you, then this job is for you.

The Job

The duties of the role include, but are not limited to:

• leading, managing and coordinating work across a team whilst cultivating a high performing and collaborative team environment
• undertaking research, developing strategic, long-term plans and implementing and managing change
• communicating with stakeholders, including representing the department in relevant forums
• providing expert advice to team members, stakeholders and regulated entities about the import and export of live animals
• building the capability of team members by training, mentoring and support them whilst ensuring that they maintain professional qualifications and expertise
• verifying compliance with departmental policies, practices and procedures
• regularly participating in live animal import and export operations when required, including out of hours
• providing support to regional live animal import and export operations when required, including out of hours.

Please note that this selection process will initially be used to fill an ongoing role in Perth. The merit pool established through this selection process, which is valid for a period of eighteen months from the date the vacancy was advertised in the Public Service Gazette, may also be used to fill future ongoing and non-ongoing vacancies in the branch where the duties are of a similar nature. These vacancies may occur in any of the locations listed above. Non-ongoing (specified‑term) contracts may be offered to new employees for an initial period of up to twelve months with the possibility of extension up to a maximum period of two years in total. Non-ongoing (casual) contracts will be offered for periods of up to two years. Some of these non-ongoing positions may become ongoing in the next eighteen months. Should a position become ongoing then the merit pool may be used to fill the vacancy on an ongoing basis.

What we are looking for

Knowledge and experience

• Knowledge of Australia's animal health system.
• A demonstrated understanding of relevant legislation, Australian and International standards, quality assurance procedures and best practice models for the export and import of live animals and animal reproductive material.
• Knowledge of animal pests and diseases affecting Australia's animal health status and import and export trade in animals and animal products.
• A demonstrated understanding of legislative frameworks and regulation as well as government decision-making processes.
• Experience providing technical advice to regulated entities, stakeholders and staff about complex, contentious and sensitive issues.
• Demonstrated experience managing administrative and general business of government responsibilities.
• Demonstrated experience leading and managing teams.
• Relevant veterinary experience with livestock, horses, cats and dogs would be highly valued.

Mandatory qualifications

To be considered for this position you must have a veterinary degree from an Australian university or equivalent veterinary qualification recognised in Australia. You must be registered, or eligible for registration, with the relevant Australian state/territory veterinary board and you must maintain this registration whilst employed by the department.

Eligibility and other requirements

The successful applicant must:

• hold and maintain a valid Australian motor vehicle drivers licence
• note that the physical requirements of the role(s) involve a combination of outdoor and office-based work
• note that the position may require them to participate in an on-call roster (for which an appropriate restriction allowance will be paid) and be available to perform duty outside standard hours
• note that you may be required to perform occasional out-of-hours and weekend work
• wear an official uniform supplied by the department, including during field operations (as applicable), in accordance with the department's uniform policy
• wear appropriate protective personal equipment and clothing to comply with departmental Work Health & Safety policies and procedures
• note that the role will involve some interstate and intrastate travel to assist other regions to cover staff shortages (e.g. leave) or operational needs
• note that they may be required to travel occasionally to inspect live animal consignments, properties and/or artificial breeding centres.

Flexible employment arrangements are available with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

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