The Veterinary Officer (VO) will work 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 product integrity. Veterinary Officers are required to lead disease and animal welfare investigations in their district. By utilising their clinical experience in the prevention, investigation, diagnosis, control, eradication, and treatment of diseases of farmed livestock in Victoria, they will contribute to better veterinary outcomes in these investigations. The successful applicant will participate in 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;

• Management of animal welfare risks
• Disease surveillance
• Domestic and Export certification
• National Livestock Identification System auditing
• Preparedness and response to animal disease outbreaks
• Response to animal welfare issues

As part of an integrated and flexible business model within the Biosecurity and Agriculture Services Branch, you may also provide support to other programs or other regions.

You must work effectively and cooperatively in a team environment and with other agencies such as Victoria Police, CFA, saleyard managers and livestock agents within the district.  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 appear in court. This position has responsibilities under the Livestock Disease Control Act 1994 (all livestock), the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986, the Stock (Seller Liability and Declaration) Act 1993, the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemical (Control of Use) Act 1992, the Food Act 1984 and the Livestock Management Act 2010.

This position is a designated DEECA Authorised Officer and has responsibilities under the legislation relevant to the role.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• An appropriate tertiary degree in Veterinary Science registrable with the Veterinary Practitioners Registration Board of Victoria.
• Experience liaising and negotiating with government departments, farmers, livestock agents and other industry representatives.
• Good understanding of the livestock industries in Victoria, and of the disease control, emergency management and chemical residue minimisation programs administered by DEECA.
• Significant experience in the use of firearms and captive bolt guns in the destruction of livestock and the ability to work in abattoir and knackery environments.
• Detailed knowledge of and experience in the application and review of procedures used in the prevention, investigation, diagnosis, control, eradication and treatment of diseases of farmed livestock in Victoria.
• Demonstrated experience working with and handling farm livestock, including sheep, cattle, pigs and horses, and a practical knowledge of their husbandry.

This is an ongoing position. The work location for this position is Bendigo with hybrid work arrangements available.