Department of Primary Industries and Regions
Job reference: 854496
Location: 5065 - GLENSIDE
Job status: Ongoing
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

The Opportunity

We have an opportunity for a Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer, Disease Surveillance & Diagnostic Services to be part of our Biosecurity Division within the Department of Primary Industries and Regions.

This is a unique opportunity to support the Chief Veterinary Officer in the planning and delivery of South Australia's Animal Biosecurity Program. You'll provide influential leadership across Disease Surveillance and Diagnostic Services, contribute to state and national animal biosecurity policies and strategies, and help safeguard South Australia's livestock industries, market access and biosecurity reputation.

How You'll Make a Difference

As the Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer, Disease Surveillance & Diagnostic Services, you will:

• Support the Chief Veterinary Officer in leading and strategically managing biosecurity surveillance, preparedness and response operations for animal health in collaboration with state and national stakeholders.
• Lead programs that support surveillance, disease management, emergency preparedness, response, traceability and legislative compliance, delivering positive animal health and welfare outcomes across South Australia.
• Provide expert scientific and policy advice on animal health policy issues and biosecurity strategies to support informed decision-making and program delivery.
• Support the development of animal health and welfare policy and strategy at state and national levels to help shape the future direction of South Australia's Animal Biosecurity programs.
• Develop and maintain strategic relationships across government, industry and the community, delivering high-level technical input that advances the management of biosecurity within South Australia.
• Undertake high level emergency management functions and lead responses to significant biosecurity incidents and incursions, ensuring coordinated and effective outcomes.

About You

You will bring:

• An appropriate veterinary qualification at a tertiary level that is registrable in South Australia.
• Recognised expertise particularly in the area of disease surveillance, emergency animal disease preparedness and response, endemic disease management, traceability and legislation.
• Experience providing high-level strategic and operational advice and influencing policy, programs and biosecurity outcomes.
• Demonstrated leadership capability, with experience leading specialist professionals and contributing to corporate governance objectives and cross agency initiatives.
• Strong relationship-building skills, with the ability to collaborate, influence and negotiate with key personnel in State and National agencies, industry leaders and stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to prepare and co-ordinate the preparation of high-quality submissions, reports, briefings and presentations and communicate complex information effectively.

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.
• Australian residency or current work permit is required (responsibility of applicant to provide evidence of a current work permit)
• Ongoing opportunity.
• Full-time, 37.5 hours per week.

Requirements

• A national police check will be required.
• Possession of a current driver’s license and willingness to drive.
• Considerable out of hours work and inter/intrastate travel will be required.
• You acknowledge your work, health and safety obligations and our expectations.
• 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.

Remuneration

PO5 - $136,746 min - $149,562 max per annum, plus superannuation

Enquiries

Skye Fruean
Chief Veterinary Officer
Phone: 08 8429 2506
Email: [email protected]

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, Relationship Building and Maintaining and Written Communication 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: 26/08/2026 11:45 PM

Attachments:
- Application Guidelines.pdf
- Pre-Employment-Declaration_240522.pdf
- Role Description - PO5 Deputy CVO, Disease Surveillance and Diagnostics Services.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.