Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer

Northern Territory Government; Darwin; On-site; AUD 157,000 - 171,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

6 weeks annual leave

Relocation assistance

Training & onboarding

Superannuation 12%

Job summary

Northern Territory Government is seeking a Senior Professional Officer 2 in Darwin. This is a full-time, ongoing role in Livestock Biosecurity – Biosecurity and Animal Welfare, aimed at protecting livestock industries, strengthening market access and shaping national biosecurity policy.

The role emphasizes strategic leadership, regulatory oversight and stakeholder engagement with regular travel across the Territory and potentially interstate/international travel.

Qualifications

• Qualified veterinarian with government/regulatory or industry experience.
• Experience leading small specialist teams andStakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership in livestock biosecurity, regulatory oversight and policy development.
• Lead veterinary and biosecurity professionals and build cross‑sector relationships.
• Engage stakeholders across government, industry and international trade networks.
• Travel across the Territory, including overnight stays and some interstate/international travel.

Job description

Senior Professional Officer 2 - Remuneration Package Range $184,781 - $201,234

(including salary $157,334 - $171,482)

Livestock Biosecurity – Biosecurity and Animal Welfare

Darwin

One full time ongoing vacancy is available

Join the Northern Territory Government as Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer and play a pivotal role in protecting the Territory's livestock industries, strengthening market access and shaping national biosecurity policy. This is a unique opportunity to combine strategic leadership, stakeholder engagement and regulatory expertise while influencing outcomes across government, industry and international trade networks.

• Generous Leave: 6 weeks paid annual leave, plus 3 additional paid leave days over the Christmas period.
• Competitive Salary: $157,334-$171,482 base, plus 12% superannuation, with the potential for annual pay increases.
• Training & Support: Comprehensive onboarding, training and ongoing support to help you learn the landscape, build confidence and set yourself up for long‑term success.
• Relocation Assistance: Relocation support may be available for eligible candidates.

Our Ideal Candidate

You are a qualified veterinarian with experience in government, regulatory or industry environments and are looking for a strategic leadership role with broad influence across the livestock sector. You bring experience leading small specialist teams, building strong stakeholder relationships and navigating complex biosecurity, trade and market access issues.

Ideally, you will have:

• Experience working within government or a highly regulated environment.
• Strong knowledge of livestock industries, particularly the cattle sector.
• An understanding of live export, trade and market access frameworks.
• Proven capability leading veterinary and biosecurity professionals.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
• A generalist mindset, balancing policy, regulation, industry engagement and market access priorities.
• The ability to provide expert advice and influence decision‑making in complex environments.

This is primarily a strategic, office‑based role with a strong focus on leadership, policy, regulatory oversight and stakeholder engagement rather than hands‑on clinical veterinary work. Regular travel across the Territory, including occasional overnight stays, interstate and international travel, forms part of the role. Flexible work arrangements are supported to meet operational and industry needs.

For more information, please contact Sue Fitzpatrick Chief Veterinary Officer on [e-mail]

Quote vacancy number: 43603

For a copy of the Job Description or to view career opportunities in the Northern Territory Government please visit https://jobs.nt.gov.au/Home/Search