Veterinary Pathologist

Job description

Agency Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Work unit Biosecurity and Animal Welfare - Berrimah

Veterinary Laboratory

Job title Veterinary Pathologist Designation Professional 3

Job type Full time Duration Ongoing commencing 09/01/2026

Salary $110,873 - $124,173 Location Darwin

Position number 50335 RTF Closing 17/12/2025

Contact officer Cathy Shilton, Principal Veterinary Pathologist, Berrimah Veterinary Laboratory on or

About the agency

Apply online

APPLICATIONS MUST INCLUDE A ONE-PAGE SUMMARY ABOUT YOU, A DETAILED RESUME AND COPIES OF YOUR TERTIARY

QUALIFICATIONS.

Information for applicants – inclusion and diversity and Special Measures recruitment plans

The NTPS values diversity. The NTPS encourages people from all diversity groups to apply for vacancies and accommodates people with

disability by making reasonable workplace adjustments. If you require an adjustment for the recruitment process or job, please discuss

this with the contact officer. For more information about applying for this position and the merit process, go to the OCPE website.

Aboriginal applicants will be granted priority consideration for this vacancy. For more information on Special Measures plans, go to the

OCPE website.

Primary objective

The Veterinary Pathologist provides expert advice in the delivery of National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accredited

veterinary pathology diagnostic services to support animal biosecurity, disease control and prevention. This service directly supports

primary industry including aquaculture, in addition to supporting wildlife disease surveillance and providing pathology services for private

veterinarians and animal industry clients throughout the Northern Territory.

Context statement

The Berrimah Veterinary Laboratory (BVL) is part of the Northern Territory Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF). The core

function of BVL is testing for diseases of production animals and aquaculture species for diagnostic, surveillance, regulatory, research,

export and exotic disease exclusion purposes. The laboratory also provides a testing service for companion animals, performance animals,

aviary birds and native fauna on a fee for service basis. BVL is NATA accredited in the field of Veterinary Testing (ISO for the

following classes of test: anatomical pathology, histopathology, bacteriology, serology, molecular and virology.

Key duties and responsibilities

1. Participate as duty pathologist in the management of submissions for veterinary laboratory services and provide clear, concise and

accurate reports and advice on veterinary diagnostic testing.

2. Conduct veterinary necropsy, histopathology and cytology examinations, including reporting on results and diagnoses in a variety of

species, including livestock, poultry, companion animals, wildlife and aquaculture species.

1. Provide animal disease and veterinary diagnostic testing expertise to other departmental and external animal health professionals,

private veterinarians and industry in the Northern Territory.

1. Supervise pathology section technicians and contribute to the continuing improvement of technical aspects related to the section.

2. Operate according to laboratory accreditation (NATA) guidelines and provide advice in the maintenance of NATA accreditation of the

section.

1. Support research programs appropriate to animal health issues in the Territory and introduction of new test methods where

appropriate.

7. Support emergency disease and pest animal and plant responses in the Northern Territory.

Selection criteria

Essential

1. Tertiary qualification in Veterinary Science or Veterinary Medicine suitable for registration as a veterinarian in the Northern Territory.

2. Post graduate qualification (eg. relevant Membership in Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists or equivalent,

or higher academic degree in discipline related to veterinary pathology).

3. Post-graduate experience in veterinary science of a minimum of 5 years, including some post-graduate experience in veterinary

diagnostic pathology, with extensive contemporary knowledge and experience related to gross pathology, histopathology and

cytology and related veterinary diagnostic testing.

1. Well-developed communication, interpersonal, and diplomacy skills and the ability to develop sound relationships with clients and

staff.

1. Strong self-motivation with the ability to work independently in managing busy diagnostic workloads within strict timelines.
2. Skills in computer applications relevant to a diagnostic laboratory environment.

Desirable

1. Demonstrated ability to supervise staff and deliver quality assured accredited services.

2. Understanding of animal health issues specific to the Northern Territory.

3. Experience in planning and conducting research projects.

Further information

The successful applicant will require current vaccination or willingness to undergo vaccination for rabies and Japanese encephalitis virus

and a current driver's licence.