The Senior Officer- Animal Emergency Preparedness provides technical and operational advice to the Principal Veterinary Officer Lead - Emergency Animal Disease, Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer - Epidemiology and Risk, Chief Veterinary Officer, and Director Animal Health and Welfare, to support strategic and operational planning for animal disease emergencies. This role requires close collaboration with key animal health experts across the Chief Veterinary Officers Branch, biosecurity operational staff across DEECA and a range of external stakeholders.

The role will also be expected to support improved preparedness for managing biosecurity emergencies in accordance with the Victorian Emergency Management Act 2013 and national biosecurity arrangements, in partnership with DEECA emergency preparedness staff, and other key counterparts across government. You will implement risk-based approaches to emergency planning for priority risks and develop comprehensive strategies to manage identified risks in consultation with internal and external stakeholders across biosecurity.

The role will participate and represent the Chief Veterinary Officers Branch on DEECA, state and industry committees and working groups to ensure that issued relating to animal disease emergencies considered and accommodated in state emergency arrangements.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• A tertiary degree in Science, Agricultural Science, or Veterinary Science is required for this position.
• Substantial relevant operational experience in the prevention, detection, and response to emergency animal diseases would be well regarded.
• Demonstrated technical knowledge of livestock disease, particularly in the context of emergency animal diseases relevant for Victoria.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Victoria's livestock industries and their traceability and marketing systems and of relevant legislation administered by DEECA.

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 at midnight on Thursday, 31^st July 2025.  

Other relevant information:

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a National Police 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. 

A Diverse, Inclusive and Flexible Workplace

DEECA welcomes applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds and we focus on the essential requirements of the job and being consistent and fair in our treatment of all applicants. We also understand that a balanced life is important to our employees. Talk to us about our flexible options such as working some days from home, starting early or late, working part time, job sharing or accessing paid or unpaid leave.