This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced veterinarian to join the Wildlife Health Australia team and lead our Sentinel Wildlife Disease Surveillance Program.

Who we are:

Wildlife Health Australia (WHA) is the coordinating body for wildlife health in Australia, and initially began as a national initiative of the Australian Government in 2002[1]. Our mission is to lead national action on wildlife health to protect and enhance the natural environment, biodiversity, economy and animal and human health through strong partnerships.

WHA works with a network of government and private stakeholders across Australia to develop strong partnerships in order to better manage the adverse effects of wildlife diseases on Australia’s biodiversity, animal health, human health, trade and tourism. WHA participates in surveillance, investigation, monitoring, and management of wildlife health events.

About the role:

We are seeking a motivated Senior Project Officer to join our Surveillance Program in a fulltime role (38 hours per week) on a fixed term contract, beginning June 2025. Applications are also invited from individuals interested in a secondment arrangement, subject to agreement with their current employer.

The WHA Surveillance Program is a national initiative that monitors and investigates wildlife health to protect Australia’s biodiversity, domestic animals, and public health. Working with over 45 government and non-government partners, the Program collects and analyses data through the electronic Wildlife Health Information System (eWHIS), helping to monitor wildlife health, identify significant events and track emerging diseases.

This role involves a range of activities within the Surveillance Program, including leading WHA’s Sentinel Surveillance Program, working with a network of veterinary professionals across veterinary clinics, zoos and universities. Key to this role are outstanding communication and organisation skills, experience in managing projects, and the ability to work with a diverse stakeholder network. Experience with Australia’s wildlife disease surveillance system, and clinical or field wildlife health experience are an advantage.

An ideal candidate will possess the following, specific to the Senior Project Officer role. We appreciate it can be challenging to strictly meet all selection criteria and encourage candidates who predominantly do, to consider applying.

Selection Criteria

High level knowledge and interest in wildlife health, disease surveillance and management.

High level skills in project management and an understanding of complex stakeholder engagement.

Experience in building and maintaining genuine, respectful working relationships and collaborative partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.

Understanding of government processes and functions relating to animal health issues.

High level experience in and commitment to accurate record keeping, fact finding, data collection, analysis and interpretation.

Demonstrated excellence in oral and written communications.

Demonstrated excellence in computer skills including experience with databases.

Demonstrated general administrative skills, including committee chairperson duties and support.

Common Criteria (WHA)

Ability to work as part of a team.

Understanding of and commitment to conservation and environmental sustainability.

Values and a commitment to a safe, secure and diverse workplace.

Suitable home office setup.

Qualifications & Licences

A veterinary science degree is required.

It is desirable, but not mandatory that the degree is registrable in one of Australia’s states or territories.

A current Australian Drivers’ License is desirable.

Salary for this position is $108,749 per annum plus superannuation.

WHA is an equal opportunity employer and Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally & linguistically diverse backgrounds, sex, sexuality and gender diverse (LGBTQIA+) community members, and people living with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We invite applicants to tell us if they require any adjustments during the recruitment and selection process if they choose to.

WHA operates a virtual office and offers the flexibility of remote working arrangements.

Applicants must have the right to live and work in Australia.

Before applying, please obtain a copy of the full position description and application guidelines by contacting Trish Hennessy-Hawks, Head of Administration, People & Culture via email: [email protected]. Please direct any specific queries regarding the position to Keren Cox-Witton on 02 9960 5222 or [email protected].

You can find out more about Wildlife Health Australia by visiting our website: www.wildlifehealthaustralia.com.au.

The closing date for applications is 9am AEST on Wednesday 30th April 2025.

[1] Established as the Australian Wildlife Health Network in 2002, subsequently incorporated and commenced trading as Wildlife Health Australia in 2013.