Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer - Epidemiology and Risk

Agriculture Victoria; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 170,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) invites applications for Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer - Epidemiology and Risk. The role provides strategic and scientific leadership on animal biosecurity and welfare programs to reduce the impact of exotic and notifiable diseases, affecting Victoria's livestock, environment and community.

The successful candidate will lead collaboration with stakeholders to set surveillance standards, drive contingency planning, and ensure

Qualifications

• Tertiary degree in Veterinary Science registrable with Victoria’s Veterinary Practitioners Registration Board.
• Postgraduate qualification and recent experience in veterinary epidemiology or public health.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and scientific leadership on animal biosecurity and welfare programs at state and national levels.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to set surveillance, traceability, disease prevention, contingency planning, early response, welfare and management standards.
• Oversee laboratory diagnostic methodology and compliance activities within Victoria.
• Supervise staff and build capability, coaching and performance management.

Education

Veterinary Science degree (registerable)

Postgraduate qualification in veterinary epidemiology or public health

Job description

Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer - Epidemiology and Risk

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action

The Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer (Deputy CVO) supports the Chief Veterinary Officer in providing strategic and scientific leadership, at the state and national level, on animal biosecurity and welfare programs to reduce the impact of exotic and notifiable diseases, adverse welfare outcomes on the Victoria livestock sector, environment and community.

The role is responsible for proactively collaborating with key stakeholders to set standards for surveillance, traceability, disease prevention, contingency planning, early response, welfare and management, animal health legislation, laboratory diagnostic methodology, and compliance activities within Victoria.

The position currently supervises and line-manages three members of staff and a broader team of eleven. This responsibility includes building capability, coaching, employee engagement, performance management and building a positive culture.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• A tertiary degree in Veterinary Science registrable with the Veterinary Practitioners Registration Board of Victoria (Mandatory)
• Post graduate qualification and recent experience in veterinary epidemiology or public health.

This is an ongoing position. The work location for this position is flexible within Victoria 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.

Applications close 11.59pm on Wednesday, 11 November 2026.

All applications must be submitted through the online portal. We are unable to consider email or manual applications at this time.

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 ***************@deeca.vic.gov.au.

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.