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Veterinarians

NZFSA VA employs 280 people of which 200 are veterinarians who operate in various locations throughout New Zealand.

The role of the veterinarian includes providing ante mortem inspection, and an overview of post mortem inspection, auditing of food safety programmes at premises, monitoring animal welfare, providing export certification, liaising with company technical staff on technical issues and the implementation of programmes, and meeting with company management on a regular basis.

Full training for the position is given. There are four block training courses for new veterinarians throughout the year.

A successful applicant will receive eight to ten weeks of full time technical training prior to being warranted under the relevant legislation. They will then be provided with ongoing mentoring and technical support as they commence their duties. The NZFSA VA offers veterinarians the opportunity to further develop technical and management skills with a comprehensive in-service training programme which includes training in interpersonal and communication skills which are critical aspects of the position.

A successful applicant will be selected on the basis of attitude and aptitude for the role.

A successful applicant will have:

• A commitment to ensuring animal welfare protocols are adhered to.
• Computer literacy and familiarity with Microsoft software packages
• Display a positive attitude
• Flexible approach to new challenges and ideas.
• Good interpersonal skills and an ability to value differences and to respect alternative views.
• Demonstrate sound communication skills, both written and oral.
• Able to work and make decisions independently.
• Committed to strengthening the team orientated approach

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and NZFSA VA is committed to equal employment opportunities.

A typical day

The typical day for the Veterinarian starts with ante mortem (and this can be ongoing at various times throughout the day), he/she will then go about the verification duties ie: regulated mandatory visits over several work areas on the site. This will give indicators and information for the respective audit regime that the site is on. At some period of the day certification is required for products which are destined for overseas clients.

Recruitment

Further information on working for the NZFSA Verification Agency can be obtained by contacting...

Martin Birrell (Recruitment Manager)
Phone: 06 870 6773
Fax: 06 873 4279
Mobile: 0274 800 250
Email: martin.birrell@nzfsa.govt.nz

Postal address:
Private Bag 9007,
Hastings,
New Zealand.

You can also meet Martin at the Opportunities NZ Expo in the UK, details of the expo can be found at www.expo-newzealand.com