Department of Primary Industries and Regions
Job reference: 845659
Location: 5453 - CLARE
Job status: Short Term Contract
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

The Opportunity

We have an opportunity for a Senior Veterinary Officer, Field Operations to be part of our Biosecurity Division within the Department of Primary Industries and Regions.

The primary purpose of the role is to deliver animal biosecurity programs involving disease monitoring and surveillance, prevention and control, and education and awareness.

The role contributes to delivering the agency’s priorities including increasing productivity of our livestock industries and agribusinesses, securing production through biosecurity and efficient and sustainable use of resources and maintaining market access by working with livestock industries to respond to evolving requirements of domestic and global markets and consumers.

The role contributes to the management of the risks to South Australia posed by animal pests and diseases, food borne illnesses, and misuse of rural chemicals.

Key Accountabilities

• Relate to the needs of rural communities and possess a capacity to work collaboratively with veterinary practitioners, livestock producers, industry groups, SA Health and other relevant stakeholders.
• Coordinate the delivery of strategic outcomes for Animal Biosecurity.
• Develop, manage and deliver specific projects as part of Animal Biosecurity.
• Provide veterinary inputs to Animal Biosecurity’s preparedness, surveillance and control activities.
• Maintain a high level of emergency animal disease and disaster preparedness and response capability.

About You

You are a qualified Veterinary professional with expertise in animal biosecurity programs involving disease monitoring and surveillance, prevention and control, and a strong understanding of epidemiology and data integrity. You bring the ability to work collaboratively with producers, livestock industries, industry groups and government agencies, building effective relationships and delivering high-quality outcomes. You are adaptable and capable of responding to emerging risks, including emergency animal disease and disaster preparedness and response, and are confident in providing expert advice to a range of external stakeholders while demonstrating a strong commitment to animal health and welfare related projects, initiatives and programs.

About Us

South Australia is internationally recognised for the quality of its agriculture, food, and wine. Our regions are the backbone of our state and the economic powerhouse that drives prosperity for all South Australians.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) is a key economic development agency working in partnership with our primary industries, regional stakeholders and across all levels of government to advance the prosperity and sustainability of South Australia’s primary industries and regional communities.

We are a passionate team of around 800 people working across metropolitan and regional South Australia to develop and protect our state’s regions and food, wine, aquaculture, fisheries, forestry, grains, livestock, dairy and horticulture industries.

It's no wonder there are so many exciting and diverse career opportunities in our organisation. If you’re ready to join us, apply now!

Benefits

At the Department of Primary Industries and Regions, we offer our employees challenging and rewarding work with opportunities for career progression, learning and development and flexibility.

Our Commitment to Diversity

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace.  We embrace diversity and welcome applications from all people, irrespective of culture, faith, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or age.

Special Conditions

• Successful applicant will be required to satisfactorily complete a National Police Check (NPC) prior to being made an offer of employment.
• Fulltime Opportunity up to May 2027

Requirements

• Possession of a current driver’s licence and willingness to drive.
• Out of hours work and inter / intrastate travel may be required.
• Australian residency or current works permit is required (responsibility of applicant to provide evidence of a current work permit).
• You acknowledge your work, health and safety obligations and our expectations when applying for a role.
• The incumbent will be required to undertake emergency management training and must be willing to participate in emergency preparedness, response and recovery activities required by government agencies.
• The role requires a level of physical capability and fitness due to the requirements to restrain and inspect livestock, and work with machinery which assist in the inspection and taking samples from livestock.
• As authorised officers under the Animal Welfare Act 1985, and in accordance with PIRSA Emergency Response Plans, staff will on occasion be required to euthanise livestock using firearms or captive bolt guns. These circumstances may include emergency animal disease outbreak, vehicle incidents such as truck rollovers, and natural disasters such as floods and bushfire. As such, the incumbent will be required to participate in firearms training and be prepared to euthanise livestock.
• The incumbent will be appointed, after a period of training, as an Inspector of Stock under the Livestock Act 1997.
• The incumbent must be or be prepared to be vaccinated against Q fever and other zoonotic diseases as required.
• The incumbent will be required to participate on the shared Emergency Animal Disease Hotline roster which includes 1 week of on-call biannually

Qualifications

• Essential: Degree in Veterinary Science registrable with the Veterinary Surgeons Board of SA.
• Desirable: Post graduate qualification in veterinary public health, epidemiology or related field.

Remuneration

PO3 - $108,087 min - $115,936 max per annum, plus superannuation

Enquiries

Rachel van Dissel

Team Leader North
Phone: 0428283073
Email: rachel.van-dissel@sa.gov.au

Website: www.pir.sa.gov.au

Application Instructions

All applications must be submitted online.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please see the attached applicant instructions, and outline your skills and experience in relation to the Professional and Technical Knowledge, Leading and motivating others and Initiative capabilities of the attached role description.

Applicants must include the contact information of at least 2 referees with 1 being your immediate supervisor/manager and a completed “Pre-Employment Declaration in the SA Public Sector” form.

Applications close: 20/06/2026 11:45 PM

Attachments:
- Application Guidelines.pdf
- Pre-Employment-Declaration_240522.pdf
- Role Description - PO3 Senior Veterinary Officer (Field Operations).pdf

Flexibility Statement
The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.