Job description
Agency Department of Agriculture and Work unit Berrimah Veterinary Laboratory –
Fisheries Biosecurity and Animal Welfare
Job title Director Berrimah Veterinary Designation Senior Professional Officer 2
Laboratory
Job type Full time Duration Ongoing
Salary $152,472 - $166,487 Location Darwin
Position number 12632 RTF 352148 Closing 16/08/2026
Contact officer Sue Fitzpatrick on 08 8999 2054 or [email protected]
About the agency https://daf.nt.gov.au
Apply online https://jobs.nt.gov.au/Home/JobDetails?rtfId=352148
APPLICATIONS MUST INCLUDE A ONE-PAGE SUMMARY ABOUT YOU, A DETAILED RESUME AND COPIES OF YOUR
TERTIARY QUALIFICATIONS.
Information for applicants – inclusion and diversity
The NTPS values diversity. The NTPS encourages people from all diversity groups to apply for vacancies and accommodates
people with disability by making reasonable workplace adjustments. If you require an adjustment for the recruitment
process or job, please discuss this with the contact officer. For more information about applying for this position and the
merit process, go to the OCPE website.
Primary objective
The Director Berrimah Veterinary Laboratory provides expert and authoritive advice in veterinary laboratory diagnostics and
ensures the provision of an efficient and accurate laboratory service supporting diagnostic regulatory, surveillance,
production animal, aquaculture and research programs.
Context statement
This position leads a diverse team of professional specialists, technical and administrative support staff to manage the
northern Australian government veterinary laboratory facility providing diagnostic laboratory services to detect and respond
to notifiable terrestrial animal and reportable aquatic diseases. Early detection and rapid response are critical to maintaining
market access for the Northern Territory agriculture and aquaculture industries.
Key duties and responsibilities
1. Manage Berrimah Veterinary Laboratory diagnostic, health certification and research services to ensure high-level
quality management to meet accreditation standards and high-level laboratory service to meet client needs.
2. Provide expert advice to the Minister, Executive Management and the Chief Veterinary Officer on veterinary laboratory
issues related to Government strategies and policies.
3. Represent the NT on national and international panels involving laboratory disciplines and ensure active participation in
the national laboratory network to provide leading diagnostic technology for biosecurity emergency response in NT.
4. Provide scientific leadership to staff and facilitate collaborative stakeholder relationships to achieve innovative
veterinary diagnostic solutions for biosecurity and industry development.
5. Plan, implement, monitor and evaluate research projects including liaison with other government, industry and
international organisations to coordinate research programs of national and international importance.
6. Oversee strategic planning for the operational performance of the veterinary laboratory and management of the budget
to ensure compliance with procurement requirements.
7. Participate in biosecurity emergency responses.
Selection criteria
Essential
1. A degree in veterinary science registrable in the NT or equivalent qualification recognised in Australia plus a
postgraduate degree in an appropriate laboratory discipline with extensive experience in a veterinary diagnostic
laboratory.
2. Proven experience in leading, managing and motivating a multidisciplinary team to achieve desired outcomes.
3. Demonstrated specialist knowledge of veterinary diagnostics, preferably with a sound knowledge of and experience
with diagnostics of tropical animal diseases and experience in diagnostics in the requirements to support domestic and
international trade protocols for terrestrial and aquatic animals.
4. Demonstrated ability to manage collaborative research projects with a diverse range of stakeholders including
negotiation of procurement contracts.
5. Extensive knowledge and experience in laboratory quality management and quality assurance including that National
Association of Testing Authorities (NATA).
Desirable
1. Demonstrated specialist knowledge in an appropriate discipline.
2. Experience in Public Sector Management
