Veterinary Diagnostician

  • Agency: Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade
  • Work Unit: Berrimah Veterinary Laboratory - Biosecurity and Animal Welfare
  • Location: Darwin
  • Salary: $106,568 - $119,351 
  • Full time position

Primary objective

To participate in the delivery of accredited veterinary laboratory services and provision of professional advice to support disease diagnosis, surveillance, control and research in Northern Territory animals, including livestock, aquaculture species, companion animals and wildlife. This position includes management of the laboratory component of NT surveillance activities for the National Arbovirus Monitoring Program (NAMP) and supervision of serological testing.  

Context statement

The activities of Berrimah Veterinary Laboratories (BVL) are required to maintain local, interstate and international livestock market access, investigate animal disease outbreaks, shape disease surveillance programs, detect disease incursion events, prepare for exotic or emergency diseases and support human health programs which relate to diseases which can affect both humans and animals. BVL performs veterinary testing in the fields of pathology, serology, virology, bacteriology and molecular diagnostics, and is accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 under the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA).

Key duties and responsibilities

  1. In the role of Duty Veterinarian, assign tests, interpret results, deliver diagnoses and provide advice to internal and external clients pertaining to all aspects of veterinary diagnostic laboratory testing performed at BVL.
  2. Facilitate and maintain the laboratory component of NT participation in national disease surveillance programs such as the National Arbovirus Monitoring Program (NAMP), including supervision of associated serological testing and representing BVL on advisory committees and technical working groups as required.
  3. Conduct veterinary pathology testing (under supervision if necessary), including necropsy, cytology and histopathology examination, and interpretation of clinical pathology testing (including haematology, clinical chemistry and parasitology).  
  4. Maintain a high rate of professional development in order to contribute to the quality management system and, if not already qualified, as soon as practicable, achieve a qualification in a relevant discipline (such as pathology, immunodiagnostics or virology) to allow recognition as a Supervising Veterinarian under NATA.
  5. Support emergency disease and pest animal and plant responses in the Northern Territory.

Selection criteria

Essential

  1. Bachelor of Veterinary Science or equivalent eligible for registration as a veterinarian in the Northern Territory.
  2. Extensive knowledge of techniques and tests related to veterinary laboratory diagnostic services, including pathology, serology, microbiology and molecular testing.
  3. Project management experience, especially relating to animal health programs or initiatives.
  4. Proven ability to supervise technical staff and provide advice and guidance.
  5. Strong interpersonal and communication skills necessary for working in a multidisciplinary laboratory environment as part of a team with an expectation to deliver results to clients or stakeholders.

Desirable

  1. Post-graduate qualification (MSc or PhD or equivalent) in a relevant discipline, or Membership in the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists, or equivalent, in Pathobiology (or related discipline).
  2. At least five years of experience in a veterinary diagnostic laboratory.

Further information

The successful applicant will require current vaccination or willingness to undergo vaccination for rabies and Japanese encephalitis virus and a current driver’s licence.

Information for applicants – inclusion and diversity and Special Measures recruitment plans

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.

Under the agency’s Special Measures recruitment plan, eligible Aboriginal applicants will be granted priority consideration for this vacancy. For more information on Special Measures plans, go to the OCPE website.

Applications must be limited to a one-page summary sheet and detailed resume. 

Contact Officer: Dr Cathy Shilton on 08 8999 2122 or cathy.shilton@nt.gov.au

About the agency - www.industry.nt.gov.au

Please click here to apply now.

Applications close 28/03/2023.

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