Description

The Federal Government Department of Agriculture, Water & the Environment is looking to recruit an APS6 Veterinary Officer for a 12 month capacity in Canberra, ACT. 

Environment

The Biosecurity Animal Division works to maintain and enhance trade and market access for animals and animal products. The division undertakes risk analyses for animals and animal products (terrestrial, avian and aquatic) and assesses applications for the import of live animals, biological materials and animal genetic material. The division also provides policy and technical advice on marine pest biosecurity, and works collaboratively with Australian industries, governments and the community to strengthen Australia's animal disease prevention, preparedness and response capabilities. Working closely with stakeholders, the division works to maintain and enhance the health and sustainability of Australia's animal and animal product sectors and the environment, and support human health in Australia. The division also provides leadership and strategic direction on domestic and international animal health issues and facilitates the export of live animals and animal genetic material by negotiating animal health protocols and animal health certification with overseas authorities.

The Job

Veterinary Officers fulfil a broad range of duties within the Division. This could include providing veterinary and technical analysis and advice, managing or contributing to the management of complex projects and/or issues relevant to animal health, public health and biosecurity. The role may include supervision and management of other staff and contractors preparing scientific and technical advice.

Typical duties of a Veterinary Officer could include:

• researching, analysing and interpreting complex scientific information to develop and review policy in line with biosecurity legislation and international standards, and resolve technical market access issues for animals and animal products
• contributing to projects to improve Australia’s preparedness for and capacity to detect and respond to outbreaks of emerging and emergency animal diseases

• undertaking biosecurity regulatory functions including exercising delegations under the Biosecurity Act 2015 to grant, refuse, suspend and revoke import permits
• reviewing and updating of technical work instructions for operational staff within the department undertaking frontline biosecurity related functions
• preparing changes to the department’s import conditions database (BICON) and other online material

• displaying sound communication skills, including the ability to effectively liaise with staff at all levels, federal and state authorities, industry representatives and the general public. Ability to prepare accurate, coherent and concise briefing, correspondence and reports on technical animal biosecurity and One Health issues
• undertaking internal and external auditing activities.

Please note that duties will be dependent upon the exact role being filled, and that the above list covers multiple roles with differing duties.

Requirements

Knowledge and experience

• Knowledge or understanding of animal pests and diseases affecting Australia’s animal and animal product import and export trades.
• Knowledge or understanding of Australia’s animal biosecurity system.
• Experience and commitment to supporting a collaborative team environment.

Skills and capabilities

• Effective interpersonal skills to engage with stakeholders and build strong working relationships.
• Ability to undertake analysis of a veterinary, scientific and technical nature, and use this analysis to develop solutions to complex problems.
• Well-developed written and verbal communication skills with the capacity to convey complex technical information in a clear, concise and articulate manner.
• A working knowledge of legislative frameworks, government decision-making and regulation.

• The ability to research, analyse and prepare accurate, complex reports in a government context

• Ability to be flexible and exercise sound judgement to manage competing priorities and deliver work under tight timeframes.

Mandatory Qualifications

Applicants must possess a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (or registrable equivalent) and must be currently registered, or be willing and able to register, and maintain full registration with, a relevant Australian Veterinary Board during employment in the position.

Statement of claims

Applicants are required to submit a current CV/resume and a statement of claims (500 words maximum) outlining why you are interested in this position and why you believe that you have the skills, knowledge and experience to be considered for this role. Please provide examples which demonstrate your ability to perform the duties of the position.

The key areas, or points, listed above describe the particular skills, abilities, knowledge and qualifications required to achieve the desired outcomes for the role and your statement of claims against these is an essential part of the shortlisting process. If shortlisted, applicants will be asked at interview to provide further examples against these key areas/points to demonstrate their ability to perform the duties of the position.

Applicants must demonstrate the ways in which they will be of value for the job and the organisation. You must make sure that you adequately address each key area or point and cite evidence of your suitability. Do not simply state that you meet the requirements - it is essential that you provide examples from your current or past role(s) which demonstrates how you meet each of the key areas or points. You should focus on how your experience, achievements and capabilities will enable you to successfully undertake the responsibilities of the role(s). The Australian Public Service Commission has produced an excellent guide to applying for jobs in the Australian Public Service. You can access this information at: https://www.apsc.gov.au/cracking-code. Part 3 covers the preferred format for providing examples on how you meet the requirements, referred to as the STAR (Situation Task Actions Results) model.   

If interested, please contact Georgia Coppen on (02) 6112 7690 for further details. 

Georgia Coppen

Recruitment Consultant
Recruiting experts in Policy & Strategy
HAYS Recruiting experts worldwide

11/60 Marcus Clarke St
Canberra City ACT 2601

T: +61 (02) 6112 7690
F: +61 (02) 6257 6377

E: georgia.coppen@hays.com.au

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