Veterinary Officer

Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry – Canberra ACT Why you are important to us and what impact you will have on the Exports & Veterinary Services Division and the department’s goal The Exports and Veterinary Services Division manages export inspection, audit and certification services for food, non-food commodities and live animal operations. We negotiate technical market access for food and non-food commodities expanding Australia’s trade. We manage agricultural quotas negotiated under FTAs and we lead Australia’s positions at the Codex Alimentarius Commission for international food standards. The division also delivers the National Residue Survey for Australian primary industries. The Export Standards Branch (ESB) collaborates with Australian exporters to lead technical market access negotiations and engagement with Australia’s key trading partners for a range of exported agricultural and food commodities. ESB also pursues Australia’s interests internationally in multilateral food safety and trade related forums and leads technical trade modernisation initiatives, such as electronic certification, and other collaborative projects to grow closer ties in markets. As a Veterinary Officer, you will: work on topical issues, critical for the future exports of Australian animal products. provide technical veterinary advice and guidance on matters relating to animal health, biosecurity and food safety. contribute to strategic advice to safeguard Australia’s reputation as a trusted exporter and help maintain access to billions of dollars in global trade. The key duties of the position include: providing technical veterinary advice on animal health, biosecurity and food safety matters. addressing topical issues critical to the future export of Australian meat and meat products. liaising and negotiating with government agencies, industry bodies and stakeholders to support technical market access. conducting research and preparing technical submissions and briefings for market access negotiations. representing the department in engagements with international trading partners and Australian industry. contributing to high-level advice for senior executives and the Minister on animal health-related matters. providing input into the development of international food trade standards. investigating and responding to trade disruptions through targeted research and negotiation. Recruitment Process Please note that this recruitment process will initially be used to fill several ongoing vacancies in the branch. 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 be used to fill future ongoing vacancies in the branch where the duties are of a similar nature. Eligibility strong understanding of Australia’s food safety and/or animal health systems. experience in agricultural trade or trade management. knowledge of export legislation and its application to agricultural industries. familiarity with legislative frameworks and government decision-making processes. ability to present complex information clearly and be a strategic thinker. effective time and team management skills with a focus on quality and deadlines. proven ability to manage competing priorities under pressure. skills in building and maintaining stakeholder relationships. results‑driven mindset and be a proactive problem‑solver. excellent written and verbal communication skills together with the ability to brief senior stakeholders. ability to research, analyse and prepare accurate, science‑based technical reports. Notes Flexible working arrangements: We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements. To seek further information please speak with the contact officer prior to submitting your application. #J-18808-Ljbffr