The Team

The position of Principal Veterinary Officer, Emergency Animal Disease Preparedness, forms a part of the Biosecurity and Agriculture Services branch within the Agriculture Victoria group.

The Biosecurity and Agriculture Services (BAS) branch designs and delivers services, provides technical advice and influences policy to support the agriculture sector to achieve sustainable growth while managing risks and minimising adverse impacts to the economy, environment and public health and safety. 

The Role

This senior position contributes expert technical advice and leadership to the development, implementation and evaluation of Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) prevention and preparedness programs.

The position leads and manages the development of operational policy and plans for the control of emergency animal diseases in Victoria and for other diseases as required. This position involves working closely with other branches and divisions within DJPR and with intrastate and interstate counterparts and appropriate national committees, to ensure that National and State EAD response policies and plans are kept relevant and up to date.

Key accountabilities:

1. Provide expert advice on scientific and strategic decisions in the context of emergency management and preparedness, to ensure emergency animal disease incursions are managed effectively.
2. Influence and provide leadership and technical direction at the state and national levels on committees and forums dealing with animal biosecurity and the development of emergency animal disease management policy.
3. Collaborate with DJPR Emergency groups/units and other emergency response agencies (external to DJPR) in the development of multiagency EAD preparedness policy and plans.

Key Selection Criteria

1. A degree in Veterinary Science and registration with the Veterinary Practitioners Registration Board of Victoria is mandatory.
2. Demonstrated expert skills and technical knowledge in livestock disease, particularly in the context of emergency animal diseases and relevant animal health legislation administered by DJPR.
3. Detailed knowledge of Victoria’s (Emergency Management Victoria & DJPR) interagency emergency management structures and arrangements.
4. Demonstrated knowledge of national approaches to EAD detection, control and eradication and of the national EADP arrangements, organisations involved and of AUSVETPLAN.
5. Highly developed interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills, including the proven ability to consult, liaise and negotiate on complex issues of government agencies, senior management, staff, community stakeholders and the livestock industries.
6. Demonstrated ability to lead, coordinate and manage projects and to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.

As part of the application process, you will need to provide a copy of your resume and a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria outlined in the position description.