Animal Health Officer

Department-of-Energy,-Environment-and-Climate-Action; Ballarat; Hybrid; AUD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) in Ballarat is seeking an Animal Health Officer to deliver major animal health projects, including disease surveillance, livestock legislation and enforcement management, and emergency preparedness and response.

You will work as part of the Animal Health and Welfare Unit, liaising with various stakeholders to maintain market access and mitigate impacts of disease and residue incidents in Victoria.

Qualifications

• A tertiary degree in Science, Agricultural Science, Natural Resource Management or related science degrees are required.
• Experience liaising and negotiating with government departments, farmers, livestock agents and other industry representatives.

Responsibilities

• Manage animal welfare risks and ensure compliance with surveillance activities.
• Conduct disease surveillance and participate in auditing and reporting.
• Oversee Domestic and Export certification processes.
• Audit National Livestock Identification System records and systems.
• Prepare for and respond to animal disease outbreaks and welfare issues as needed.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders including police, CFA, saleyard managers and livestock agents.

Skills

Liaising with government departments

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Science / Agricultural Science / Natural Resource Management degree

Job description

Occupation: Agriculture and primary industries

Reference: 1754

As an Animal Health Officer you 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 auditing.

Animal Health Officers are required to fulfil surveillance and auditing roles which provide knowledge of the disease and residue status of Victoria’s livestock industries. This information is a key component in maintaining access to markets for Victorian livestock and livestock products, and in mitigating the economic and social effects of disease and residue incidents in Victoria.

The successful applicant will 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

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.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• A tertiary degree in Science, Agricultural Science, Natural Resource Management is required for this position. Other related Science Degrees may be considered.
• Experience liaising and negotiating with government departments, farmers, livestock agents and other industry representatives.

This is a fixed term position available for a period of 18 Months. The work location for this position is Ballarat with hybrid work arrangements available.

To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) summarising their skills and relevant experience.

Please refer to the Key Selection Criteria provided in the Position Description, including the mandatory requirements.

Other relevant information:

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing position is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.

An inclusive, culturally safe and flexible workplace

DEECA fosters an inclusive workplace culture and is committed to a fair, accessible, and equitable recruitment process.

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander people to apply. We recognise the strengths, knowledge and perspectives First Nations people bring and DEECA is committed to a culturally safe and respectful workplace. If you need support to participate, please contact [e-mail] .

We support flexible working arrangements, including hybrid work, varied hours, part-time work and job sharing. For more information about our recruitment processes, visit applying for a role with us .