Principal Veterinary Officer - Pigs

This position is within the Non-Ruminant Livestock Health team of the Veterinary Science Unit, part of Agriculture Victoria’s Chief Veterinary Officer’s Branch. It supports the Principal Veterinary Officer – Lead, Non-Ruminant Livestock Health and the Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer – Veterinary Science through the provision of intelligence and technical, policy and strategic advice on a broad range of animal health, biosecurity and welfare issues, particularly in relation to the pig industry. The successful applicant will have a high level of technical knowledge of the animal health, biosecurity and welfare issues of pigs and also be capable of operating across other animal species in the event of emergency responses and other work requirements.

The position will influence and provide leadership and technical direction on livestock health and welfare issues at both state and national levels of government. The position will also contribute to emergency preparedness and response activities.

The successful applicant will ideally have experience in the provision of technical and policy advice on complex animal health, biosecurity and welfare issues at state and/or national government levels and have well developed written and verbal skills. Attention to detail and the ability to produce high quality work outputs, frequently within short timelines and sometimes under the pressure of emergency response conditions, are considered essential for this position. An ability to work with minimal supervision is also important. 

It will be important for the successful applicant to be able to work as part of a team, and there may be opportunities to step up as the deputy to, and/or in the role of, Principal Veterinary Officer – Lead, Non-Ruminant Livestock Health. 

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• A tertiary degree in veterinary science registerable with the Veterinary Practitioners Registration Board of Victoria is mandatory.
• Candidates must have this qualification to be considered eligible and verification is required prior to appointment.

The below experience and qualifications are considered desirable for this role:

• Post-graduate veterinary qualifications in a relevant area.
• Experience in the provision of high-level technical, policy and strategic animal health and welfare advice at state and/or national government levels.
• Experience working in and/or with a relevant industry sector(s).
• Experience working in emergency responses.

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.

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, 21st April 2026.

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

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.

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