Principal Veterinary Officer - LEAD - Epidemiology

This position supports the Deputy and Chief Veterinary Officers, the Chief Veterinary Officer’s Branch team, and the wider Biosecurity Victoria team in the development and delivery of Biosecurity’s Animal Health Program by providing nationally recognised expert and timely epidemiological advice. You will be involved in developing and evaluating evidence-based policy, developing surveillance plans and activities, developing and managing biosecurity databases and related software, and the analysis and reporting of risks to Victoria from animal diseases. You will collaborate closely with biosecurity staff across the Department to share knowledge and build capability across all technical disciplines.

Biosecurity staff play a major role in supporting Victoria’s fire and flood emergency response activities, biosecurity incursions and compliance actions. You may be required to undertake activities to support an emergency response, necessitating a rapid change of work priorities.

The position currently supervises and line-manages five members of staff. This responsibility includes building capability, coaching, employee engagement, performance management and building a positive culture.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• A tertiary degree in veterinary science registerable with the Veterinary Practitioners Registration Board of Victoria is mandatory.
• A postgraduate qualification in Veterinary Epidemiology, with demonstrated currency of knowledge and practice.

Candidates must have these qualifications to be considered eligible and verification is required prior to appointment.

This is a fixed term position available for a period until 26 February 2027. 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.

How to Apply:

If you are a current DEECA employee, please apply via DEECA Careers.

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Applications close 11.59pm on Tuesday 19 May 2026.

All applications must be submitted through the online portal. We are unable to consider email or manual applications at this time.

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Other relevant information:

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

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. For more information visit applying for a role with us.