Veterinary Technical Supervisor 2, Live Animals

Role overview

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is seeking a veterinarian to join its Live Animals team in Auckland. This is a permanent, full-time position focused on regulating the movement of live animals into and out of New Zealand, with responsibilities spanning animal welfare, biosecurity controls, and export certification. The work is varied, practical, and often time-sensitive, with opportunities to make decisions that directly support New Zealand’s biosecurity system and international reputation.

Employment details

This is a permanent, full-time role based in Auckland, near Auckland Airport. The salary sits within VTS Range 9 at $101,627 to $127,033, with the final starting salary determined by the successful candidate’s skills and experience. In addition to base pay, the role attracts overtime, penal time, and shift allowances.

Key duties

You will carry out regulatory veterinary work involving live animals and germplasm, and you may travel to different locations across the Auckland area, with occasional travel elsewhere in the country. The role also includes a shared, pre-planned after-hours roster. MPI provides full role-specific training and ongoing professional development.

• Check quarantine and transitional animal facilities for compliance
• Inspect imported animals and assess supporting paperwork
• Review and confirm export requirements for live animals and germplasm
• Prepare and issue export certification to international standards

What the role suits

This position is well suited to a veterinarian who wants to move from clinical work into a regulatory environment. It will appeal to someone who values variety, independence, and responsibility, and who is interested in biosecurity, trade, and public-sector work. The role suits a person who performs well in a fast-moving, hands-on setting where the work has visible impact.

Candidate profile

To succeed, you will need professional veterinary judgement, strong communication skills, and the confidence to work with a broad range of stakeholders. You should be thorough, able to make evidence-based decisions, and committed to animal welfare and the protection of New Zealand. Adaptability, resilience, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively are also important.

Additional requirements

You must hold a current full New Zealand driver licence, or an equivalent full overseas licence, together with any endorsements needed for the driving required in the role.

Team and support

You will join a knowledgeable and supportive group made up of nine other veterinarians and three advisors, led by a Team Leader and Team Manager. The team values technical skill, good judgement, integrity, and collaboration.

Pre-employment checks

This is a safety-sensitive position. The preferred candidate or candidates will need to complete a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening test.

Values and application information

MPI is committed to working in partnership under Te Tiriti o Waitangi and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and identities. In your cover letter, the employer would like to learn about your values, your interest in the position, the strengths and perspectives you would bring, and any relevant experience gained outside the workforce. Applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand or be eligible to obtain it.

Application deadline

Applications close at 11:59pm on Sunday 19 July.