District Veterinary Officer

The District Veterinary Officer (DVO) works as a member of the Animal Health and Welfare Unit, to ensure the delivery of major animal health projects that include disease surveillance; livestock legislation and enforcement management; emergency preparedness and response; and traceability and auditing. As the supervisor of the staff in the district, the DVO is accountable for the delivery of the animal health and welfare program in the district.

As a District Veterinary Officer, you will lead disease and animal welfare investigations in the district. By utilising your clinical experience in the prevention, investigation, diagnosis, control, eradication and treatment of diseases of farmed livestock in Victoria, you will contribute to better veterinary outcomes in these investigations.

The successful applicant will manage a small team of staff delivering services that contribute to protecting and improving market access, work effectively as a member of a team, enjoy flexible working arrangements and undertake a wide variety of work across the division, involving;

• Disease surveillance for exotic and emerging diseases
• Domestic and Export certification for livestock
• National Livestock Identification System auditing for traceability
• Preparedness and response to emergency animal disease outbreaks
• Management of livestock welfare risks
• Response to animal welfare issues

As part of an integrated and flexible business model within the Biosecurity Services branch, you may also provide support to other programs. You will establish strong working relationships with internal staff and various external stakeholders including private landowners, community and industry groups as well as local and state government agencies.

As this is a regulatory position, you will be required to conduct investigations and give evidence in court.

Candidates must become authorised to implement the requirements and administration of the Livestock Disease Control Act, Livestock Management Act, Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, Stock (Seller Liability and Declaration) Act and Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Act and adopt and apply WH&S policies and procedures to ensure a safe work environment.