Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer - Epidemiology and Risk

The Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer (Deputy CVO) supports the Chief Veterinary Officer in providing strategic and scientific leadership, at the state and national level, on animal biosecurity and welfare programs to reduce the impact of exotic and notifiable diseases, adverse welfare outcomes on the Victoria livestock sector, environment and community.

The role is responsible for proactively collaborating with key stakeholders to set standards for surveillance, traceability, disease prevention, contingency planning, early response, welfare and management, animal health legislation, laboratory diagnostic methodology, and compliance activities within Victoria.

The position currently supervises and line-manages three members of staff and a broader team of eleven. This responsibility includes building capability, coaching, employee engagement, performance management and building a positive culture.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• A tertiary degree in Veterinary Science registrable with the Veterinary Practitioners Registration Board of Victoria (Mandatory)
• Post graduate qualification and recent experience in veterinary epidemiology or public health.

This is an ongoing position. The work location for this position is flexible within Victoria with hybrid work arrangements available.

To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) summarising their skills and relevant experience.

Please refer to the Key Selection Criteria provided in the Position Description, including the mandatory requirements.

How to Apply:

If you are a current DEECA employee, please apply via DEECA Careers.

Click the ‘Apply’ button and you'll be redirected to a new platform and create an account.

Applications close 11.59pm on Wednesday, 11 November 2026.

All applications must be submitted through the online portal. We are unable to consider email or manual applications at this time.

Other relevant information:

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing position is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.

An inclusive, culturally safe and flexible workplace

DEECA fosters an inclusive workplace culture and is committed to a fair, accessible, and equitable recruitment process.

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander people to apply. We recognise the strengths, knowledge and perspectives First Nations people bring and DEECA is committed to a culturally safe and respectful workplace. If you need support to participate, please contact aboriginal.employment@deeca.vic.gov.au.

We support flexible working arrangements, including hybrid work, varied hours, part-time work and job sharing. For more information about our recruitment processes, visit applying for a role with us.