Ongoing Full Time, 35 hours per week
Willing to consider candidates across all NSW locations.
Salary from $149,739.00 to $152,730.00 per annum plus super and leave loading
Professional Officer Grade 5, commensurate with qualifications, skills and experience.

At DPIRD, we protect and support NSW’s primary industries, strengthen biosecurity and support regional growth. Our Animal Biosecurity Team plays a crucial role in protecting the NSW economy, environment and community from negative impacts of diseases and pests that affect animals, as well as improve animal welfare outcomes.

About the Role

The Senior Veterinary Policy & Project Officer position sits within the Animal Biosecurity Team within DPIRD. Your role will be to lead and manage high-impact animal biosecurity projects, shaping policy and ensuring effective biosecurity measures across NSW.

As a key advisor in animal biosecurity policy, you’ll:

Develop & implement cutting-edge biosecurity policies to mitigate animal health risks, including zoonotic diseases.

Provide expert veterinary and technical advice to senior leadership, government, and industry.

Represent DPIRD in national forums, shaping state and national biosecurity strategies.

Support emergency responses for animal disease outbreaks, ensuring swift and effective action.

Engage with stakeholders including Local Land Services, veterinarians, and academic institutions to advance biosecurity outcomes.

What We’re Looking For

Well developed understanding of Australia’s animal health framework. Previous experience in a similar role within industry or government would be beneficial but not essential. Experience working with ruminants would be highly regarded.

Strategic thinker with experience in developing and delivering policy solutions.

Strong communicator & collaborator who can build partnerships across government and industry.

Adaptable & proactive – able to work under pressure, managing multiple projects and tight timeframes.

Emergency-ready – willing to participate in on-call duty rotation for the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline and Emergency Animal Disease response should the need arise.

Essential Requirements

Tertiary qualifications in Veterinary Science, registerable in NSW
Current NSW Driver Licence
Adept at using Microsoft Office apps and electronic record keeping

What We Offer

We offer a variety of benefits, including:

An inclusive work culture
Flexible, autonomous work environment
Competitive pay and conditions
An opportunity to develop a career in DPIRD
Health & Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programs.

For further information please contact Rhys Powell at rhys.powell@dpird.nsw.gov.au or 0487 570 829

Alternatively, click here to download a copy of the role description

Applying is Easy!

Apply now and be part of a team making a real difference! We strongly encourage veterinarians with a passion for biosecurity and policy to apply.

All applications must be submitted online. Attach an up-to-date resume and a cover letter (max. 2 pages) that briefly outlines how you meet the requirements of the role description and why you’re our ideal candidate.

Applications Close: Thursday 25 September 2025, at 11:55pm AEST

Recruitment Process Adjustment

If you require adjustments in completing your application, interviewing, completing any pre- employment testing, require information in an alternative format, or otherwise participating in the recruitment process, please let us know so we can assist. Send an email to capability.talent@regional.nsw.gov.au or contact the hiring manager listed above for a confidential discussion.

About Us

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is the department dedicated to growing primary industries and supporting regional economic development to deliver long term benefits to the state. Our focus is to protect, support and develop our primary industries, mining sector, and regions.

The department brings together Agriculture & Biosecurity; Forestry & Fishing; Local Land Services; NSW Resources; Regional Development & Delivery; the Regional Growth NSW Development Corporation; NSW Public Works and Soil Conservation Service.

We have nearly 5,000 employees, with almost 80 per cent of us living and working in regional NSW.

Diversity and inclusion are core values of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is a workplace where everyone is able to contribute and participate to their full potential, and we are proud to have a team that reflects the richness and complexity of the regional NSW communities we serve.

Additional Information

The successful applicant in this role may be required to undergo a police check, health assessment and other assessments as required.

A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary roles of the same role or role type that may become available for filling over the next eighteen month.

The successful candidate will be required to register with the NSW Veterinary Practitioners Board.

NSW Agriculture and Biosecurity jobs

Senior Veterinary Policy & Project Officer

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