The Chief Veterinary Officer’s Branch is recruiting for a Principal Veterinary Officer – Emergency Animal Disease, commencing from the week of 2nd February 2026 until 23rd December 2026.

This is a great opportunity for individuals to contribute to core CVO unit programs and participate in national emergency preparedness planning, whilst also gaining valuable career experience.

This is a Science D position that supports the Principal Veterinary Officer Lead – Emergency Animal Diseases, the Deputy CVO Epidemiology and Risk, and Chief Veterinary Officer’s Branch by providing technical and policy advice on a range of emergency animal disease issues and response doctrine.

Key activities of the role include:

Support development of emergency preparedness and response programs, with a current focus on avian influenza.
Contribute to emergency animal disease preparedness and planning, including AusVetPlan development.
Management and delivery of projects, including the EpiReady 2 project - a learning and development initiative to support training in the use of the MAX case management system.

To be successful in this role you will need experience in livestock biosecurity and disease management, have highly developed written and verbal communication skills and a thorough understanding of MAX.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

Mandatory Qualification

A degree in Veterinary Science and registration with the Veterinary Practitioners Registration Board of Victoria.

Desired Experience/Qualifications

Current gazettal as an authorised officer under the Livestock Disease Control Act or an equivalent legislation is desirable but not essential.

This is a fixed term position available for a period from 2 February 2026 until 23 December 2026. 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.

Applications close 11.59pm on Sunday, 14th December 2025.

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.

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