Job description
Agency Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Work unit Livestock Biosecurity - Biosecurity and
Animal Welfare
Job title Principal Veterinary Officer Designation Senior Professional 2
Job type Full time Duration Ongoing
Salary $152,751 - $166,487 Location Alice Springs, Katherine and Darwin
Position number 24503 RTF 349292 Closing 28/06/2026
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=349292
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 Principal Veterinary Officer manages the surveillance and planning component of the Emergency Animal Disease (EAD)
preparedness and response program, within Livestock Biosecurity. The program aims to prevent, prepare for and respond to
emergency animal diseases to maintain and enhance market access for livestock and livestock products going to both domestic
and export markets.
Content statement
The Principal Veterinary Officer (PVO) is responsible for overseeing the delivery of veterinary biosecurity services and projects for
the Northern Territory, and providing professional leadership, mentoring and support for other staff. The PVO is expected to
remain accessible, responsive and flexible to respond to urgent animal health events and service requests. In addition, the position
is required to manage the NT’s contribution to a number of animal health projects, especially as they relate to EADs, with
responsibility for achieving outcomes against relevant business plans.
Key duties and responsibilities
1. Function as the manager of veterinary staff in the Darwin, Katherine, and Alice Springs offices.
2. Coordinate the biosecurity projects within the Livestock Biosecurity business plan of the Biosecurity and Animal Welfare
division.
3. Be willing to act as the Chief Veterinary Officer and Chief Inspector of Livestock as required.
4. Represent the Northern Territory on national working groups and committees related to animal health and welfare.
5. Develop and maintain strong relationships with the local livestock industry and relevant organisations and provide advice to
government and industry on animal biosecurity, livestock health and welfare issues.
6. Provide leadership in the emergency response to pests and diseases of livestock, plants and aquatic animals.
Selection criteria
Essential
1. Relevant tertiary qualification in Veterinary Science and eligibility for registration in the Northern Territory.
2. Proven ability to lead small teams of professional and technical staff.
3. Demonstrated ability to represent the Northern Territory at national animal biosecurity technical meetings and workshops.
4. Demonstrated knowledge of disease surveillance and disease control in livestock and the ability to plan and implement
regulatory, research or extension projects.
5. Demonstrated experience in the livestock industries especially in pastoral zones in tropical and arid environments.
6. Proven ability to exercise statutory delegations and interpret legislation.
7. Highly developed written and oral communication and interpersonal skills to communicate and relate effectively with different
audiences.
8. Demonstrated initiative in the workplace.
Desirable
1. Relevant postgraduate qualification or emergency animal disease response competency.
2. Experience in the preparation of ministerial briefings and correspondence.
Further information
The successful applicant will be appointed as an Inspector of Livestock under the Northern Territory Livestock Act 2008 and other
relevant Acts, must have a driver’s licence and be willing and able to travel to interstate and intra-territory locations
