Join the Canadian Food Inspection Agency
We’re making a difference in the health and safety of all Canadians. Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) programs and services impact people’s daily lives. Veterinarians at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) play a key role in food safety, forming the first line of defence against the spread of many diseases in Canada. We need you to be part of this important and exciting work. Ready to make a difference?
Currently hiring
Position Title: Veterinarian
Classification: VM-01
Branch/Division Name: Operations
Location: Hanover, Ontario
Tenure: Permanent
Salary / Rate of Pay: $91,027 to $109,909 per year
Selection Process Number: 25-ICA-ON-OE-IND-NE-032
The Government of Canada is hiring to fill the position of Veterinarian in Hanover, Ontario. The CFIA is a science-based organization with an emphasis on learning and development, and a high level of employee satisfaction. Join a workforce that’s as diverse as the people it serves.
This is a unique position, based out of a turkey establishment in Hanover, Ontario, but is also used to provide coverage to neighbouring existing establishments (Harriston and Mount Forest) and for the Animal Health business line out of the Walkerton District Office. This is an opportunity to work and gain experience with several species in our food and animal health business.
Who can apply
Persons residing in Canada.
Responsibilities include:
As a VM-01, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following duties when providing coverage at the slaughter establishments (Hanover, Harriston and Mount Forest):
1. Determining if carcasses will be condemned at ante-mortem (AM) or post-mortem (PM).
2. Reviewing and signing Export Health Certificates for multiple countries.
3. Participating in Humane Transportation non-compliance investigations by performing necropsies, interviews and completing reports of findings.
4. Investigating possible Foreign Animal Disease (FAD) issues at AM and PM.
5. Submitting animal samples to CFIA labs and completing lab submission reports.
6. Completing technical training courses, for example, Animal Welfare, Humane Transportation, Inspection Procedures, Export Requirements, FAD Investigations.
7. Having an excellent working level of basic computer skills including Microsoft products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
As a VM-01, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following duties when assisting at the Walkerton District office:
1. Verification and signing of Veterinary Health Certificates for Export for multiple countries.
2. Accreditation of private Veterinarians in the Walkerton District area and other areas, as needed. Comparative Cervical Tuberculin Test for any TB reactors reported by Accredited Veterinarian.
3. Import quarantine facility inspection for import horses, pet birds, commercial dogs, and other species on an as needed basis, report submission to Centre of Administration for import permit issuance.
4. Completion of CFIA laboratory submission forms.
5. Perform annual on-site inspections at commercial farms.
6. Participating in Humane Transportation and Animal Welfare investigations.
7. Investigating possible Foreign Animal Disease issues.
8. Inspection and collection of samples at multi-site aquatic breeding and rearing farms.
9. Cervid Movement Permit issuance.
10. Elk and deer farm herd testing for bovine tuberculosis and brucellosis.
11. Completing technical training courses, for example, Animal Welfare, Humane Transportation, Inspection Procedures, Export Requirements, FAD Investigations.
We are the CFIA
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) touches the lives of all Canadians in so many positive ways.
Each day, hard-working CFIA employees—including inspectors, veterinarians and scientists—inspect food for safety risks, protect plants from pests and invasive species, and respond to animal diseases that could threaten Canada's national herd and human health.
Guided by science-based decision-making and modern regulations, the Agency works tirelessly to ensure access to safe and healthy food in Canada, and support access to international markets for our high-quality agricultural products.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is a separate employer and is not subject to the Public Service Employment Act.
To learn more, visit canada.ca/CFIA-careers.
We offer:
· Structured work hours for flexible work/life balance
· Strong and active Diversity Networks
· Continuing education, development and advancement opportunities
· One of the best pension plans in Canada
· Disability and life insurance
· Excellent health, dental and benefit plans
· 3 weeks of paid vacation per year upon hiring
· 3 weeks of paid cumulative sick leave per year
· Other paid leave entitlements such as 1 week for family-related responsibilities and 2 days for personal reasons
· Assistance with relocation expenses, as applicable
· Paid overtime
At the CFIA, we don’t just accept diversity – we celebrate it
We proudly, passionately, and actively strive to make our workforce more reflective and inclusive of the society that we serve. We will only be able to deliver better, more accessible, and more inclusive programs and services if we harness diverse thoughts, experiences, and skills. We work hard to create an environment where different perspectives and lived experiences are valued. We are committed to helping diverse talent thrive.
We welcome all applicants regardless of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family status, genetic characteristics, disability, conviction for an offence for which a pardon has been granted or in respect of which a record of suspension has been ordered, and do not give preference to Canadian citizens. We encourage you to indicate if you belong to one of the designated employment equity groups when you apply.
A representative workforce is a core priority for the CFIA and may be applied as an organizational need at any time during this staffing process. If this criterion is used, first consideration for an appointment may be given to qualified candidates who self-declare as belonging to any of the four designated employment equity groups (women, Indigenous peoples, members of a visible minority, persons with disabilities.
Self-declaration is voluntary, but it’s to your advantage to self-declare if you belong to any of the designated employment equity groups when you apply, by:
· stating it on your cover letter or you resume
· mentioning it an email to andrea.manarang@inspection.gc.ca
Note that for self-declaration purposes, the CFIA has chosen to adopt the Accessible Canada Act (https://laws.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/A-0.6/page-1.html) definition of disability which include any physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive, learning, communication or sensory impairment – or a functional limitation – whether permanent, temporary or episodic in nature, evident or not, that, in interaction with a barrier, hinders a person’s full and equal participation in society.
More information on employment equity: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-service-commission/jobs/services/gc-jobs/employment-equity.html
We are committed ensuring that all employees have equal, barrier-free access to opportunities; that they can work to the best of their abilities and fully participate in work events. Recognizing where situations require accommodations, we have established several supports and services in the workplace which help to ensure a fair, timely and consistent approach to access.
Our commitment to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starts with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process, please email andrea.manarang@inspection.gc.ca. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.
canada.ca/assessment-accommodation
Mandatory requirements:
· You must have a legal status that allows you to accept employment in Canada for the entire period of employment. We accept Canadian citizenship, permanent resident status, or work permit.
· You must be able to obtain Government of Canada security clearance. We’ll help you with your application when the time comes.
Essential qualifications
(You must meet the following qualifications)
Official Language
English Essential
Education
Graduation from a recognized school of Veterinary Medicine, defined as:
· Graduation from a veterinary school accredited or approved by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA); or
· Graduation from another veterinary school and holding a Certificate of Qualification (Parts A, B & C) granted by the National Examining Board of the CVMA.
Please be prepared to provide proof of your education (copy of degree/diploma) at any time during the hiring process.
Occupational Certification
Eligibility for membership in a Canadian veterinary association, defined as:
· Current members of a Canadian veterinary association with a license recognized by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association; and
· Non-members of Canadian veterinary associations holding a Certificate of Qualification granted by the National Examining Board (NEB) of the CVMA.
Competencies/Abilities
· Analytical Thinking
· Effective Interpersonal Relationships
· Written Communication
· Oral Communication
Asset qualifications
(It would be great if you meet these qualifications, but they aren’t required)
Asset Experience:
· AE1: Experience in the meat industry or in a large animal practice.
· AE2: Experience in regulatory veterinary medicine.
Conditions of employment
The following conditions of employment are required for an appointment:
· Adherence to the CFIA Code of Conduct: https://inspection.canada.ca/en/about-cfia/job-opportunities/code-conduct
· Adherence to the CFIA Conflict of Interest and Post-Employment Policy
· Compliance with the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector: https://www.tbs-sct.canada.ca/pol/doc-eng.aspx?id=25049
Any of the following conditions of employment may be required for an appointment:
· Medical suitability: Pass a Pre-placement health evaluation and Periodic health evaluation
· To use in the prescribed circumstances and manner all prescribed safety materials, equipment, devices and clothing
· To have and maintain a valid driver’s license
· Willing and able to travel, as required
· Willing and able to work shifts
· Willing and able to work irregular hours (days, nights, weekends, statutory holidays)
· Willing and able to work overtime, as required
· Reliability Status security clearance
How to apply
Please submit a resume that clearly demonstrates how you meet the education and experience mentioned above. Only those selected for further considerations will be contacted. Ensure your resume contains your contact information, including your email address. You may submit your application in either English or French.
Other information
1. Personal information is obtained for the purpose of determining an individual’s competence and suitability for employment. If a staffing complaint questions this determination, please be advised that relevant personal information you will provide in the course of this staffing process may be disclosed to substantiate the staffing decision.
2. If you are selected for an interview or other type of assessment, you will have the option to be evaluated in the official language of your choice.
3. During the application or assessment process both cheating and plagiarism are considered forms of misconduct and are not permitted. Any person found cheating, including those who help others to cheat, may be subject to removal from the staffing process.
Deadline for Submissions: 11:59 pm (EST) Monday, August 25, 2025
We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further considerations will be contacted.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: $91,027.00-$109,909.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person