Head of Surveillance

Are you a visionary veterinary leader with a passion for animal health, surveillance and collaborating towards a positive impact? Animal Health Australia (AHA), the trusted and independent national animal health body, invites applications for the pivotal position of Head of Surveillance within our Emergency Preparedness and Surveillance (EPS) team.

About Animal Health Australia

AHA unites government, industry, and stakeholders to safeguard Australia's livestock industries through innovative animal health, biosecurity and surveillance solutions. With 35 diverse members—including government agencies and industry organisations—our collaborative approach is the cornerstone of national animal health surveillance and monitoring program success.

The Opportunity

As Head of Surveillance, you will be the driving force behind Australia's national animal disease surveillance. You will lead strategic planning, research, and delivery of high-impact programs and projects to ensure the nation's animal health status is robustly monitored, reported and communicated. Reporting to the General Manager EPS and as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will shape national frameworks, influence policy and foster cross-sectoral partnerships that make a lasting difference.

Your Impact

• Set and deliver the strategic plan and vision for animal disease surveillance activities.
• Lead reporting and program delivery to inform stakeholders and government.
• Build and nurture influential relationships across AHA's government and industry members.
• Represent AHA as a thought leader, contributing technical expertise and innovative solutions.
• Champion communication by translating complex science into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.
• Grow, mentor, and empower a high-performing team in a dynamic, collaborative environment.
• Play a critical role in Australia's emergency animal disease response, including out-of-hours leadership when required.

About You

Essential:

• Tertiary qualification in Veterinary Science and current Australian Veterinary registration.
• Senior operational and strategic experience in livestock health and animal disease surveillance, programs and policy.
• Previous experience in a similar role with demonstrated ability to create collaborative and engaged teams that successfully deliver results within agreed timeframes and budgets.
• Knowledge of Australia's emergency preparedness and response arrangements.
• Extensive project management skills and experience, including financial and budget management.
• Experience in managing and chairing committees.
• Ability to distil complex scientific information into plain English suitable for a non-technical audience.
• High level scientific analysis and report writing, applying epidemiological principles.
• Superior written and oral communication and interpersonal skills including negotiating, presenting, active listening and the giving and receiving constructive feedback.
• Proven ability to have influence and impact within area of expertise.
• Ability to develop and maintain relationships and networks within AHA and with AHA's members and key stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience in leading in a dynamic and changing environment, supporting teams to be resilient, agile and adaptable.
• Commitment to deliver excellent customer service.
• Fluency and expertise with contemporary office software applications, internet communication tools, Microsoft Teams and database administration.

Desirable:

• Postgraduate qualification in epidemiology.
• Coaching leadership style.
• Experience in Australian agriculture, biosecurity, livestock health, surveillance, livestock trade and market access.
• Practical experience in emergency animal disease response.
• Expertise in monitoring and evaluation.

Why Join Us?

At AHA, you will find more than a job—you will find a community united by our values:

• Act with integrity: Build trust and respect through ethical behaviour and accountability.
• Collaborate: Harness collective strength and diversity.
• Innovate: Embrace creativity and strive for continuous improvement.
• Lead: Inspire and empower teams to achieve excellence.
• Community: Take a 'one team' approach through meaningful connections and a shared purpose.

Location:
Canberra Head Office / Remote

Salary package starts from $156k including superannuation.

If you are ready to lead national animal health surveillance and drive change for Australia's livestock industries, we want to hear from you.

How to Apply:
Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your experience and suitability for the role. Applications close on 19 September 2025.

For enquiries, please email