August 28, 2024

Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

Darwin

Veterinary Policy Officer

APS 6 (Veterinarian VO2) - $99,196 - $129,593 per annum plus superannuation
Biosecurity Plant and Science Services Division
Darwin, NT

Deliver and present animal health surveillance to a wide range of stakeholders across northern Australia.
Work in a motivated and professional team with a wide range of skill sets and backgrounds Regional-based location with flexible work options

Who we are
Science and Surveillance Group (SSG) is comprised of scientists, operations and support staff responsible for regulatory advice and training, technical input to biosecurity policy, regulation activity in the Torres Strait and diverse surveillance and diagnostic services around Australia, including animal and plant health surveillance measures under the Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy.

The Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy includes an integrated program of active surveillance (scientific surveys conducted by specialist staff) supported by a range of general surveillance measures focused on community and stakeholder reporting of unusual signs of pests and diseases. Core objectives of the program focus on early detection of targeted pests, weeds and diseases and contributions to Australia’s capacity to demonstrate absence of high-risk pests and diseases to support trade and market access.

The Job
Working for a dynamic, science-based, and results driven team, you’ll need to provide technical and policy support to the Technical Manager and Science Director.
You will be required to communicate across numerous levels of scientific literacy, quickly grasp the programs surveillance needs and how to improve its outcomes. The unique nature and challenges of performing and delivering surveillance across such a diverse area of northern Australia will need an enthusiastic individual that can improve current systems and innovate new approaches quickly and collaboratively.
The main duties include, but are not limited to:

Provide policy support to the NAQS Animal health team
Report surveillance outcomes to internal and external groups
Prepare correspondence, briefs and reports
Researching and analysing information for the preparation of high quality, timely and accurate project plans, correspondence, briefings, minutes, and other reports
Liaising with internal and external stakeholders
Work collaboratively with a range of science and data specialists to improve and deliver the NAQS surveillance objectives.

Please note that the merit pool established through this selection process, which is valid for a period of eighteen months from the date the vacancy was advertised in the Public Service Gazette, may also be used to fill future ongoing vacancies in the branch where the duties are of a similar nature.

What are we looking for
knowledge and experience

Knowledge of Australia’s biosecurity and animal health systems.
Experience in project management including project development, contracts, and procurement.
Experience in stakeholder engagement, including communication with stakeholders from a range of cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
Be able to manage competing priorities and deliver reporting needs in a timely fashion
A basic understanding of database function or geospatial information systems (GIS) would be very desirable

Skills and capabilities

An ability to work in field situations in environments with limited resources - inclusive of field postmortem skills and sample preparation
High-level administration skills including the ability to produce reports, internal briefs etc to a high standard
Organisational skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities, meet strict deadlines and manage time effectively
Attention to detail and ability to contextualise information accordingly
Ability to draw on experience and available information to make accurate and timely decisions
Well-developed oral and written communication skills
Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast paced, energetic environment and in a high performing team and be committed to act in accordance with the department’s Core 4 values
Flexibility, resilience, and works well under pressure,
Integrity, initiative, and a high level of personal responsibility
Ability to identify and analyse situations and issues, consider options and identify appropriate solutions
Ability to utilise Microsoft Excel to an intermediate level and understanding or experience in the use of budgeting/finance software.
A moderate foundation (or an area of interest) in veterinary epidemiology

Mandatory qualifications
To be considered for this position you must have a veterinary degree from an Australian university or equivalent veterinary qualification recognised in Australia. You must be fully registered, or eligible for full registration with the relevant Australian state/territory veterinary board and you must maintain this registration whilst employed by the department.