Veterinary Officer

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) lead the sustainable development of Western Australia's regions and agriculture, aquaculture, food and fisheries sectors. In everything we do, we take an approach to protect, grow and innovate WA's economy, community and environment.

About the opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity for a veterinarian to join our animal biosecurity team as a veterinary policy officer to be involved in developing and influencing Western Australian and national animal biosecurity strategies, policies and plans.

We are seeking to establish a pool of suitably qualified applicants at Specified Calling Level (SCL) 2 and 3 who are keen to develop a career in animal biosecurity policy.

The pool will be used to fill current vacancies including three (3) SCL2 (Two permanent, one fixed term) and one (1) SCL3 (permanent) veterinary officer (policy) positions. Fixed term positions have the possibility of extension and/or permanency and are available for immediate filling.

The current vacancies are in the areas of animal biosecurity policy and planning, and food safety and chemical residues.

Key responsibilities of the roles include:

• Providing technical and high-level animal biosecurity policy advice and risk management.

• Providing advice on provisions of various Acts, regulations and guidelines for animal biosecurity

• Preparing scientifically based advice of the disease and residue status of Western Australia's livestock and aquatic sector.

• Supporting preparedness and responses to emergency animal disease and residue incidents of consequence to the agricultural sector, economy and human health.

• Developing and maintaining effective working relationships with stakeholders, industry groups and other agencies and organisations whilst developing national and state animal biosecurity strategies, policies and plans.

We are looking for individuals with:

• A degree in Veterinary Science (obtained from an Australian university or recognised equivalent) and current recognised registration (or able to obtain prior to commencement) with the Veterinary Surgeons Board of Western Australia.

For Specified Calling Level 2:

• The ability to contribute to the design and development of animal health and/or welfare policy initiatives.
• Well-developed verbal, written and interpersonal communications skills, to support engaging with departmental staff, industry and the community.
• Knowledge and understanding of state and national livestock and/or aquatic sectors and associated industries.

For Specified Calling Level 3:

• Demonstrated ability to design, develop and coordinate strategic animal health and/or welfare policy initiatives across the department and the whole of government.
• Strong verbal, written and interpersonal communications skills, to support engaging with departmental staff, industry and the community.
• Detailed knowledge and understanding of state and national livestock and/or aquatic sectors and associated industries.

For further information and special requirements for this role please see attached Job Description Form (JDF).

Equity and Diversity

At DPIRD we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce and are an equal opportunity employer. We value and strongly encourage people with disabilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, young people, women and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to apply for positions within our agency.

How to Apply

Click the Apply button and attach the following to your application:

• A comprehensive CV that highlights your skills, experience, and achievements including details of two (2) referees.

• A cover letter of no more than three (3) pages in length demonstrating how your skills, knowledge and experience relate to the following Work Related Requirements from the relevant JDF:

• Role Specific: 1, 3

• Core Capabilities: 5

As there are multiple levels being advertised, please clearly state which level/s you are applying for in your cover letter. You may apply for multiple levels in the same application, in which case you should tailor your cover letter to demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the higher-level position (SCL3).

It is recommended that you consider all information contained in the advertisement and any other related information to tailor your application. All Work-Related Requirements will be assessed at some stage during the selection process.

Need further information?

For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Katie Webb, A/Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer on during office hours.

If you experience technical difficulties applying online, please contact the RAMS Helpdesk on in first instance. For further information about the recruitment process please contact our Employment team on

Employment Conditions and Additional Information

DPIRD is an Emergency Management Agency and all employees may be required to work or travel during, or outside of, normal business hours to assist with incidents and emergencies.

Am I eligible to apply?

To be eligible for a permanent appointment to the Western Australian public sector you must be an Australian citizen or have permanent residency status in Australia. To be eligible for a fixed term or a casual appointment you must have documentary evidence of your entitlement to live and work in Australia for the period as part of your application.

You will be required to provide a current National Police Certificate (police clearance) before commencing employment. If not currently held, this must be acquired prior to appointment at applicant's expense.

This pool will be valid for a period of twelve (12) months following finalisation of the process and may be used to fill other same/similar permanent and fixed term, full-time and part-time vacancies with the possibility of extension or permanency at locations listed in this advert.  Please note, being appointed to the pool does not guarantee you a placement to a position.

The recruitment process may include online written assessments, psychometric, cognitive or other testing, job-related tasks, video or live stream interviews, documentation and reference checks or other assessment methodologies as required. We reserve the right to supplement the field of applicants via an executive search if required.

Please ensure you have plenty of time to submit your application to allow for unanticipated problems, as late and proforma applications will not be accepted. (Please note: Online lodgement is system generated. Any submissions on or after 4:00pm will not be accepted)