Who we are

We are looking for passionate individuals from both APS and non-APS backgrounds to join our teams and help us maintain high standards in service delivery and compliance. If you're ready to make a difference, we'd love to hear from you! Exports and Veterinary Services Division, this is who we are:

• We are people of diverse skills and backgrounds, forming a critical part of Australia’s agricultural trade regulation.
• We safeguard Australia’s animal health status to maintain overseas markets and protect the economy and environment from the impact of exotic diseases through regulatory inspection and certification.
• We provide a flexible, stable and rewarding workplace where cooperation and communication are at the forefront of everything we do.
• We are an inclusive, respectful workplace with a culture that encourages connections with colleagues and work-life balance.

What we do: At the divisional level, we regulate the export of animal products and import of food products through the delivery of inspection and certification services including those related to live animal operations for both import and export.

At the branch level we undertake regulatory functions by providing inspection and certification for the export of meat, meat products and the import and export of live animals and reproductive material to meet importing country requirements and Australian legislative requirements.

Within the branch we have the below Sections where you will play an important role.

Strategy and Governance Team:

• Provides operational regulatory support across the branch.
• Develops and coordinates governance and reporting, technical training, workforce management, and organisational requests.
• Monitors and advises on branch performance to ensure consistent service delivery including performance reporting, financial management, workforce and workload management, training, and liaises with corporate services.

Workforce Planning and Regulatory Culture:

• Drive a strong regulatory culture and mature practice with internal and external stakeholders.
• Align work with the department’s Regulatory Practice Statement and build regulatory capability and professionalism across the workforce.
• Empower staff to identify and implement improved regulatory practices.

Live Animal Team:

• Provides veterinary and technical assessments, inspections, and certifications for importing and exporting live animals and genetic material.
• Ensures compliance with Australian and international regulations under the Export Control Act 2020 and Biosecurity Act 2015.

Export Meat Team:

• Delivers inspection and verification services at export-registered meat establishments across Australia.
• Ensures compliance with Australian export standards and overseas market requirements.
• Administers export legislation and conducts inspections at over 87 abattoirs and other registered premises.

The Job

The main duties of the Assistant Director role include, but are not limited to:

• Lead Strategically: Align branch operations with divisional priorities, engaging staff and stakeholders.
• Collaborate: Work with leadership groups to achieve organizational outcomes and shared goals.
• Manage Teams: Oversee geographically dispersed teams to ensure compliance with governance and financial policies.
• Champion Change: Drive and manage change initiatives to achieve desired outcomes.
• Innovate: Develop and implement strategies to address operational needs in consultation with senior leaders.
• Plan Workforce: Ensure workforce planning strategies support seamless service delivery and continuity.
• Oversee Operations: Conduct operational reviews and projects to enhance governance and biosecurity service integrity.
• Promote Safety: Ensure workplace health, safety, and rehabilitation, assessing and controlling risks.
• Coordinate Support: Provide secretariat support for committees, meetings, and business continuity activities.
• Develop Projects: Create project plans for key deliverables, support policy development, drive reform initiatives, and plan for new policy implementation.

Please note: This process will be used initially to fill vacancies in QLD and SA. These roles may be able to be performed, subject to negotiation, from any location in the respective state.

Please note that the merit pool established through this selection process, which is valid for a period of eighteen months from the date the vacancy was advertised in the Public Service Gazette, may also be used to fill future ongoing vacancies in the branch where the duties are of a similar nature.

What are we looking for

Knowledge and experience

• Proven experience in leading, managing, and supporting staff in a fast-paced, complex environment.
• Understanding and experience in a service delivery setting.
• Familiarity with legislative frameworks, regulations, and government decision-making.
• Experience in building and maintaining stakeholder relationships.

The successful applicant must:

• Hold and maintain a valid Australian motor vehicle drivers licence.