Veterinary Technical Supervisor 2, Live Animals

New Zealand Government; Auckland; On-site; NZD 105,000 - 131,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Overtime allowances

Shift allowances

Predictable leave

Job summary

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) in Auckland is seeking a Veterinarian to join the Live Animals team. This permanent, full‑time role focuses on the safe movement of animals, welfare, and biosecurity, with opportunities to work across species and export certification.

You will inspect imports, audit quarantine facilities, assess export and welfare requirements, and issue export certifications in line with international standards.

Qualifications

• Registration (or eligibility for registration) with the Veterinary Council of New Zealand.
• Clinical veterinary experience and sound professional judgement.
• Strong communication skills and confidence working with a range of stakeholders.
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to make clear, evidence-based decisions.
• A current full New Zealand driver licence (or equivalent foreign licence) and endorsements as required for driving.
• Drug and Alcohol Screening - pre-employment screening may be required.

Responsibilities

• Inspect imported animals and review associated documentation.
• Audit animal quarantine facilities.
• Assess and verify export and welfare requirements for live animals and germplasm.
• Issue export certification in line with international standards.
• Participate in a shared after-hours roster.

Skills

Clinical experience

Registration

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Driver licence

Drug screening

Job description

Veterinarian - Live Animals (VTS2)

Role Type: Permanent, full-time

Location: Auckland

Salary band & range: VTS Range 8: $105,041 - $131,302

Starting salary will be dependent on skills and experience of the successful applicant. In addition to salary, we offer overtime, penal time and shift allowances.

Make a real impact - beyond the clinic.Looking to use your veterinary career beyond the clinic? Join MPI's Live Animals team and play a pivotal role in protecting New Zealand's biosecurity, supporting animal welfare, and facilitating the safe international movement of animals. This is a unique opportunity to work with a diverse range of species, enjoy a better work-life balance, and make decisions that have national and international impact.

About the Role - Kōreromō te tūranga

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is Aotearoa New Zealand's largest employer of veterinarians. We have more than 300 veterinarians working for us around New Zealand and overseas. As a Veterinarian within the Live Animals team, you'll play a critical role in ensuring the safe and compliant movement of animals into and out of New Zealand. This is a highly varied, hands‑on role that offers genuine variety and challenge, where no two days are the same. You'll be working with a wide range of species across animal welfare, biosecurity, and export certification, often in dynamic, time-sensitive environments. This role offers a high degree of autonomy, allowing you to apply your professional judgement and make evidence‑based decisions that support animal welfare, biosecurity, and international trade. Based at the MPI offices near Auckland Airport, you'll work at the hub of New Zealand's international animal movements, with regular opportunities to visit quarantine facilities, airports and other locations across the region. Unlike many clinical roles, this position offers predictable leave, no routine emergency callouts, and the opportunity to maintain a healthy work‑life balance while continuing to use your veterinary expertise every day. MPI provides comprehensive training in certification, regulatory decision‑making, biosecurity systems, and animal welfare requirements, making this an excellent opportunity to broaden your professional skills and develop a unique veterinary career pathway.

Responsibilities & Duties

• Inspect imported animals and review associated documentation
• Audit animal quarantine facilities
• Assess and verify export and welfare requirements for live animals and germplasm
• Issue export certification in line with international standards

The role includes participation in a shared, pre‑planned after‑hours roster, allowing for advance planning and work‑life balance.

About the Team - Mō tō mātou Rōpū

You’ll be part of a supportive and experienced team of ten veterinarians and three advisors, led by a knowledgeable Team Leader and Team Manager. Our veterinarians are valued for their technical expertise, sound judgement and integrity. You'll join a respected professional network that works collaboratively to protect New Zealand's biosecurity system, animal welfare standards and international reputation, while providing opportunities to broaden your expertise and build a rewarding long‑term career.

Why join MPI?

• A unique and rewarding veterinary career outside traditional clinical practice
• Meaningful work that directly contributes to New Zealand's biosecurity, economy, environment, animal welfare and international reputation
• Comprehensive training and mentoring from experienced MPI veterinarians
• Ongoing professional development
• Exposure to a diverse range of animal species and industries
• A supportive and collaborative team of experienced veterinarians and advisors
• Competitive remuneration, including overtime, penal rates and shift allowances
• The opportunity to join New Zealand's largest veterinary employer and build a unique long‑term career in veterinary public service.

About You - Mōu

• Is looking to move beyond clinical practice into a regulatory role
• Enjoys variety, autonomy, and decision‑making responsibility
• Has an interest in biosecurity, trade, or public sector work
• Is confident exercising professional judgement and making evidence‑based decisions
• Thrives in a practical, fast‑paced environment with real‑world impact

Requirements

• Registration (or eligibility for registration) with the Veterinary Council of New Zealand
• Clinical veterinary experience and sound professional judgement
• Strong communication skills and confidence working with a range of stakeholders
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to make clear, evidence‑based decisions
• A commitment to animal welfare and protecting New Zealand
• You must have a current full New Zealand driver licence (not temporary, learner, or provisional) or equivalent full foreign drivers' licence, and any endorsements required for the type of driving you'll be doing.
• Drug and Alcohol Screening - Whakamātau Whakapōauau me te Waipiro Please note, given this position is safety sensitive the preferred applicant/s for the position will be required to undergo a drug and alcohol pre‑employment screening test. Further information on this process can be found on our careers site under the application process, on pre‑employment checks page.

We are committed to being a good partner under Te Tiriti o Waitangi, which includes working closely with iwi, hapū, whānau and hāpori. We aspire to reflect the diverse communities we serve, so we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, and identities. As an organisation, we are committed to making Manatū Ahu Matua Ministry for Primary Industries a great place to work for all.

Applications close at 11:59pm on Sunday 11th October 2026