Veterinary Officer (Field)

Specified Calling Level 3  | Permanent

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) leads the sustainable development of Western Australia’s regions and agriculture, aquaculture, food and fisheries sectors. In everything we do, we take an approach to protect, grow and innovate WA’s economy, community and environment.

About the opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity for a registered veterinarian to work with a diverse range of disease surveillance and National animal health programs within the Animal Biosecurity and Welfare branch. Field veterinarians play a critical role in surveillance and emergency animal disease preparedness which underpins Western Australia’s extensive livestock market access. This role will provide scientifically based advice on livestock disease diagnosis, prevention and control and help provide a rapid response to any emergency animal disease incident in Western Australia in accordance with state policies and procedures.

There is currently one (1) permanent position in Perth available for immediate filling, regional locations may be considered.

You will work collaboratively with all sectors of the livestock industry and contribute to general disease knowledge that underpins the WA export market: this position will work with the pig and poultry industries to manage reportable disease risks and early detection of an exotic or new and emerging disease. The role also supports preparation for a rapid emergency animal disease response.

We are looking for individuals with:

• knowledge and experience in animal disease control, including the ability to investigate disease, carry out clinical and necropsy diagnostics and conduct residue sampling.
• disease surveillance knowledge to help support WA’s state animal disease control programs.
• the ability to work collaboratively with local and community groups to implement operational plans and responses.
• It is desirable that the successful candidate has experience in pig and poultry disease prevention, diagnosis and control.
• current vaccination or willingness to be vaccinated for Influenza A and Q Fever.
• physically fit to carry out field veterinary investigations.

For further information and special requirements for this role please see attached Job Description Form (JDF).

Equity and Diversity

At DPIRD we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce and are an equal opportunity employer. We value and strongly encourage people with disabilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, young people, women and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to apply for positions within our agency.

How to Apply

Click the Apply button and attach the following to your application:

A comprehensive CV that highlights your skills, experience, and achievements including details of two (2) referees.

A cover letter of no more than three (3) pages in length addressing the following three criteria:

• Work related requirement 1 - Role Specific: Demonstrated knowledge and experience in production animal medicine, including the ability to investigate disease at an individual and herd/flock level; carry out clinical and necropsy examinations; select and submit appropriate specimens to a diagnostic laboratory; and formulate plans for treatment and control.
• Work related requirement 6 - Think Strategically: Well developed research, conceptual and analytical skills including the ability to provide innovative solutions to complex and challenging issues and problems.
• Work related requirement 8 - Lead and empower others: Proven ability to lead teams and work collaboratively in a team environment contributing to the achievement of departmental level outcomes.

All Work-Related Requirements will be assessed at some stage during the selection process.

Am I eligible to apply?

To be eligible for a permanent appointment to the Western Australian public sector you must be an Australian citizen or have permanent residency status in Australia. To be eligible for a fixed term or a casual appointment you must have documentary evidence of your entitlement to live and work in Australia for the period as part of your application.

Need further information?

For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Anna Erickson, Senior Veterinary Officer (Field), on (08) 9881 0211.

If you experience technical difficulties applying online, please contact the RAMS Helpdesk on 1300 733 056 in first instance. For further information about the recruitment process please contact our Employment team on (08) 6552 1943.

Am I eligible to apply?

To be eligible for a permanent appointment to the Western Australian public sector you must be an Australian citizen or have permanent residency status in Australia. To be eligible for a fixed term or a casual appointment you must have documentary evidence of your entitlement to live and work in Australia for the period as part of your application.

You will be required to provide a current National Police Certificate (police clearance) before commencing employment. If not currently held, this must be acquired prior to appointment at applicant’s expense.

This process may be used to fill other same/similar fixed term, permanent, vacancies that arise in DPIRD at locations listed in this advert. In addition to this, should the successful applicant decline or vacate the advertised position, the panel may select another suitable applicant from this selection process. Both of these options remain valid for a period of twelve (12) months from the approval of the initial recruitment decision.

The recruitment process may include online written assessments, psychometric, cognitive or other testing, job-related tasks, video or live stream interviews, documentation and reference checks or other assessment methodologies as required. We reserve the right to supplement the field of applicants via an executive search if required.

Please ensure you have plenty of time to submit your application to allow for unanticipated problems, as late and proforma applications will not be accepted. (Please note: Online lodgement is system generated. Any submissions on or after 4:00pm will not be accepted)

CLOSING DATE: Friday, 12 May 2023 at 4:00 PM WST