The District Veterinary Officer (VO) works as a member of the Animal Health and Welfare Unit, to ensure the delivery of major animal health projects that include disease surveillance; livestock legislation and enforcement management; emergency preparedness and response; and traceability and product integrity. Veterinary Officers lead disease and animal welfare investigations in their district. By utilising their clinical experience in the prevention, investigation, diagnosis, control, eradication, and treatment of diseases of farmed livestock in Victoria, they will contribute to better veterinary outcomes in these investigations. The successful applicant will manage staff delivering services that contribute to protecting and improving market access, work effectively as a member of a team, enjoy flexible working arrangements, and undertake a wide variety of work across the division. As part of an integrated and flexible business model within the Biosecurity and Agriculture Services Branch, you may also provide support to other programs or other regions.Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications
- Experience liaising and negotiating with government departments, farmers, livestock agents and other industry representatives.
- Good understanding of the livestock industries in Victoria, and of the disease control, emergency management and chemical residue minimisation programs administered by DEECA.
- Significant experience in the use of firearms and captive bolt guns in the destruction of livestock and the ability to work in abattoir and knackery environments.
- An appropriate tertiary degree in Veterinary Science registrable with the Veterinary Practitioners Registration Board of Victoria.
- Detailed knowledge of and experience in the application and review of procedures used in the prevention, investigation, diagnosis, control, eradication and treatment of diseases of farmed livestock in Victoria.
- Demonstrated experience working with and handling farm livestock, including sheep, cattle, pigs and horses, and a practical knowledge of their husbandry.
- Leadership: identifies potential issues and setbacks and guides team to optimise outcomes and models the behaviour expected of others. High levels of personal resilience including maintaining composure and focus under pressure and adapting to change.
- Conflict Management: actively deals with conflict to achieve a timely and pragmatic solution and clarifies the problems and seeks options to resolve; clearly and confidently communicates and handles difficult and sensitive communications well.
- Well-developed written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to work with staff to deliver concise, authoritative, high-quality information and materials.
- Ability to anticipate potential problems and pre-empt required actions; continually liaises with key stakeholders to ensure full understanding of the issues and evaluates implemented courses of action and adjusts as required.