Description

Veterinary Officer (709937)

About the role

• As Veterinary Officer in Biosecurity Tasmania, you’ll liaise with stakeholders, such as importers, exporters, testing laboratories, competent authorities and many more to ensure the integrity of Tasmania’s biosecurity.
• Support and enhance trade and market access for animals and animal products.
• Participate in the development of strategies and programs to mitigate disease risks.
• Assist in emergency response and preparedness in the event of a biosecurity emergency.
• Coordinate specific disease control, surveillance, and accreditation programs at the State level.
• Located in Hobart or Launceston (to be negotiated)
• This position is focused on applying your knowledge and skills to inform decision making and set policy agendas and regulations for government. This role requires little clinical components, but some field work may be required.

Our ideal candidate has

• A degree in Veterinary Science or an equivalent qualification and vet registration.
• Good written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to research compile, analyse, and evaluate complex information.
• Demonstrated interest in advancing epidemiological skills.

We offer

• Fixed-term 12-month position located in Hobart or Launceston (to be negotiated).
• Competitive salary, 11.5% superannuation contribution, and salary sacrificing options.
• 20 days annual leave a year (plus paid shutdown between Christmas and New Year).
• Special staff benefits from nominated Health Funds and AVIS.
• Access to a syndicate of gyms and fitness centres across Tasmania.

About us

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE Tas) is committed to our vision of “delivering a sustainable Tasmania” where our natural resources, cultural values and environment are recognised and used sustainably to support our future prosperity. We take pride in fostering a workplace where diversity is celebrated, inclusivity is embraced and safety is paramount. We strive to create an environment where every individual feels respected, valued and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. 

We understand that work-life balance is essential for personal and professional success. That’s why we offer flexible work options and are dedicated to making workplace adjustments that empower individuals to fully engage and excel in their roles. If you require any reasonable adjustments during your recruitment process, please let us know.

How to apply

• Review the Statement of Duties below.
• Click the "Apply" button. Alternatively, you can apply via jobs.tas.gov.au.
• Complete the application form.
• Upload your Short Form Application which is a 1-2 page covering letter outlining your experience, skills and knowledge as they relate to the Statement of Duties.
• Attach a copy of your current Resumé/CV.
• Refer to the Advice to Applicants document for further information.

If you are unable to submit your application online, please contact Recruitment via recruitment@nre.tas.gov.au.

If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

Closing date

Applications close on 7 January 2025 at 10.55pm (AEST).

For more information please contact:

Deborah McSweyn
Veterinary Officer
Email: deborah.mcsweyn@nre.tas.gov.au 
Phone: 0473 613 667

Requirements

Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania

Statement of Duties

• Position title - Veterinary Officer
• Position number - 709937
• Division/Business Unit/Branch - Primary Industries and Water/ Biosecurity Tasmania/ Animal Biosecurity & Welfare
• Award/Agreement - Tasmanian State Service Award
• Classification - Professional Stream, Band 2
• Position Status - Fixed Term
• Full Time Equivalent (FTE) - 1.0 FTE (minimum 0.80 FTE, by negotiation)
• Ordinary hours per week - 36.75 hours (minimum 29.40 hours, by negotiation)
• Location - Hobart or Launceston
• Reports to - Veterinary Staff Manager

Position Purpose

The purpose of the role is to deliver professional veterinary components of government aquatic animal biosecurity and animal welfare and to support terrestrial animal biosecurity and welfare as required.

Major Duties

• Conduct field aspects of animal biosecurity (terrestrial and aquatic) and welfare programs, including liaison with industry, private veterinary practitioners and other government services to deliver effective advice to stakeholders.
• Maintain effective liaison with industry and private veterinary practitioners to collect surveillance data and provide assistance with aspects of field investigations.
• Coordinate information from laboratory, industry and practitioner surveillance and other sources to identify developing or ongoing aquatic animal disease issues.
• Coordinate specific disease control, surveillance and accreditation programs at the State level, and provide reports at regular intervals.
• Participate in the development of strategies and programs to mitigate disease risks and enhance biosecurity in livestock and aquaculture industries.
• Develop and maintain personal emergency preparedness, assist in the development of associated procedures and systems and, in the event of a biosecurity emergency, fulfil a role in staffing the emergency response structure.
• Provide professional advice and support to barrier programs.

Responsibility, Decision Making and Direction

Band 1 –

The occupant of the position is responsible for:

• maintaining professional practices, methods and standards and their modification as appropriate to provide satisfactory solutions for complex operational issues;
• maintaining quality control of outcomes;
• with experience, for ensuring less qualified or experienced associates receive appropriate instruction, guidance and performance feedback;
• with experience, for ensuring operational guidelines, systems and processes are applied appropriately to integrate related activities to meet specified objectives; and
• for ensuring a safe working environment by complying with relevant Work Health and Safety (WHS) legislation, codes of practice and policies, procedures and guidelines issued under the Department’s WHS Management System. 

The decision making and direction received in relation to the role are that:

• initially, general instructions are provided.  More complex and unusual requirements which do not have clear guidelines or precedents may require more detailed instructions. With experience, general direction is provided to achieve the required outcomes as guidelines, systems and processes are well understood.  Policies, rules and regulations provide a framework for decision making in undertaking and integrating the activities of the work area; and
• flexibility, innovation and initiative are expected in providing alternative solutions to complex operational issues within the area of activity to resolve issues and satisfy client and stakeholder requirements. 

Band 2 –

The occupant of the position is responsible for:

• ensuring professional expertise is effectively applied to provide program and service delivery outcomes consistent with the operational framework.
• providing leadership, instruction and guidance to less qualified or experienced associates in the specific discipline or area of expertise.
• ensuring a safe working environment by complying with relevant Work Health and Safety (WHS) legislation, codes of practice and policies, procedures and guidelines issued under the Department’s WHS Management System. 

The decision making and direction received in relation to the role are that:

• work is undertaken within established operational guidelines, systems and processes with limited guidance required in applying highly developed expertise to complex and challenging program activities; and
• guidance and instruction may be received on the implementation of modifications consistent with policy, regulatory and/or technological requirements and developments.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience (Selection Criteria)

1.    Knowledge and expertise in the diagnosis, epidemiology and control of diseases of aquatic animals and experience in animal disease investigations and animal disease control programs which will also contribute to preliminary risk assessment, design and administration of programs and policies in livestock or aquaculture industries, consistent with qualifications from a recognised tertiary institution.  

2.    Demonstrated understanding of issues and the regulatory framework relevant to animal biosecurity, welfare and health assurance. 

3.    The capacity to provide supervision/leadership, instruction and guidance to less qualified or experienced associates and the ability to work as a member of a team.

4.    Good written communication skills well developed interpersonal, liaison and oral communication skills.

5.    The ability to exercise independent judgement in applying organisational rules and regulations to professional methods, systems and processes.  The ability to research compile, analyse and evaluate complex and unrelated information and to prepare meaningful and accurate reports that are understandable to non-specialists.

6.    Good organisation and project management skills with the ability to coordinate and manage a variety of tasks at the same time and plan for the accurate completion within pre-determined time frames.

Position Requirements

Essential Requirements

- A degree in Veterinary Science or an equivalent qualification from a recognised tertiary institution enabling eligibility for registration under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1987. 

Desirable Requirements

Band 1:

          Demonstrated interest in advancing epidemiological skills. 

          A current motor vehicle driver’s licence.

Band 2

          At least five years post-graduate professional experience servicing livestock industries.

          Demonstrated interest in advancing epidemiological skills. 

          A current motor vehicle driver’s licence. 

About Us 

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE Tas) is responsible for the sustainable management and protection of Tasmania’s natural and cultural assets for the benefit of Tasmanian communities and the economy. The Department’s activities guide and support the use and management of Tasmania’s land and water resources and protect its natural and cultural environment. The Department is also responsible for delivering the services that support primary industry development and the protection of the State’s relative disease and pest-free status.

Under Tasmania’s emergency management arrangements NRE Tas is the management authority (lead agency) for various aspects of the management of biosecurity emergencies (includes exotic animal, plant and marine disease and pest emergencies), fire in national parks and other reserves, and sea inundation from storm surge.  In regard to those types of emergency prevention, preparedness and response activities are core business of this agency and potentially may involve all staff in some way.

The Department’s website at www.nre.tas.gov.au provides more information.

Working Environment

Employees work within an environment that supports safe work practices, diversity and equity with employment opportunities and ongoing learning and development. We are committed to valuing and respecting each other as colleagues and peers. We value the diverse backgrounds, skills and contributions of all employees and treat each other and our customers with respect. We do not tolerate discrimination, harassment or bullying in the workplace.

NRE Tas has a culture of zero tolerance towards violence, including any form of family violence. We will take an active role to support employees and their families by providing a workplace environment that promotes their safety and provides the flexibility to support employees to live free from violence.

There is a strong emphasis on building leadership capacity throughout NRE Tas.

The expected behaviours and performance of the Department’s employees and managers are enshrined in the State Service Act 2000 through the State Service Principles and Code of Conduct. These can be located at www.dpac.tas.gov.au/divisions/ssmo.

Special Employment Conditions

• Appointed as Inspector under section 8 Animal Health Act 1995 / Biosecurity Act 2019,
• Appointed as Officer under section 13 Animal Welfare Act 1993.
• Required to be trained and take part in biosecurity emergency response
• Some intrastate and interstate travel may be required.
• Some marine field work may be required.