Veterinary Technical Supervisor 2 (ME134) | Palmerston North

Job Description

Veterinarian (Veterinary Technical Supervisor 2)

Role type: Permanent, Fulltime

Location: Dannevirke (50kms North of Palmerston North)

Salary band & range: VTS Salary Range 9: $99,634 to $124,542

Starting salary will be dependent on skills and experience of the successful applicant.

In addition to salary, we offer overtime, penal time and shift allowances.

About the Role - Kōrero mō te Tūranga

Are you looking for a new adventure? Become a Veterinarian Technical Supervisor 2 in the breathtaking Manawatū-Whanganui region at Dannevirke! 

Dannevirke is a hidden gem that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and historical charm. Whether you're exploring scenic landscapes, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in local culture, Dannevirke provides a unique and enriching experience

Manawatū means “heart standing still', and it's easy to see why with its vast scenic landscapes, famous gorge where the river carves its own path. Like the river, you too can carve your own path in this autonomous working opportunity.   

Manawatū  is famous for its effortless blend of city and rural living; here you can choose your ideal lifestyle, from peaceful rural villages, to bustling townships, or city life. The region includes the charming towns of Feilding, Kimbolton, Apiti, Himatangi Beach, Linton and Ashhurst to name a few, and at the centre of it all is the city of Palmerston North. It is less than two hours from New Zealand's capital city Wellington and one hour from Whanganui. It is also an easy drive to North Island ski fields, Hawke's Bay wineries and Mount Taranaki. 

Don't believe us? have a look for yourself!  

The purpose of this role within New Zealand Food Safety, Verification Services is to provide a range of food safety, animal welfare, and biosecurity verification and certification services based at Alliance Dannevirke. You will support the meat industry and New Zealand's reputation in the world red meat market for the product produced and ensure food safety and export standards are being followed by the plant. 

Alliance Dannevirke is a single chain and processes sheep and lambs on a 5 x 8hrs double shift for most of the year. A small number of bobby calves are processed in the spring. The main markets supplied are Europe, USA and China

The role is varied, and you will be expected to do the following:

• Undertake verification activities in line with current legislation and organisational requirements, thereby permitting the issue of official assurances
• Verify that requirements and procedures are being followed
• Provide certification for animal meat exports
• Complete ante mortem inspections and occasionally provide judgement on post-mortem inspection
• Ensure animal welfare is being maintained
• Maintain knowledge within the farming communities and be involved in on farm verification
• Collaborate well with internal and external stakeholders, such as meat works personnel, Veterinary colleagues/VS team.

You will receive full-time technical training prior to being warranted under the relevant legislation. We have ongoing, on-site training, mentoring and technical support for you in your new role. 

About You - Mōu

The successful candidate will:

• Be a New Zealand registered Veterinarian (Or be able to obtain registration with NZVC)
• Hold a full New Zealand driver's licence (or be able to obtain by converting a current overseas driver's licence)
• Have verbal and written skills, and analytical reasoning skills
• Demonstrate integrity and trust, ethics and values, resilience, adaptability, and openness
• Have experience persuading and influencing, teamwork, planning and organising
• Have computer literacy – can operate standard and customised software to an acceptable standard including word-processing, excel, internet, email
• It is advantageous if you have knowledge of HACCP/Quality Assurance in Food Safety however, this is included in your training.

You must have a current full New Zealand driver licence (not temporary, learner, or restricted) or equivalent full foreign drivers licence, and any endorsements required for the type of driving you'll be doing.

About the Team - Mō tō mātou Rōpū

Reporting to the Team Manager Establishment Manawatu, the role sits within the Establishment group of the Verification Services directorate. MPI Verification Services (MPI VS) provides a range of food safety and biosecurity verification and certification services to support market access strategies and setting standards.

About MPI - Mō te Manatū Ahu Matua

Our role includes seizing export opportunities for our food and fibre sector, improving sector productivity, ensuring the food we produce is safe, increasing sustainable resource use, and protecting New Zealand from biological risk.

To find out more about the Ministry and what we do please click here.

Benefits of working at MPI - Ngā hua o te mahi i te Manatū Ahu Matua

• Professional membership and annual practicing certificate reimbursement
• Annual Wellness payment
• Additional MPI leave days

Drug and Alcohol Screening - Whakamātau Whakapōauau me te Waipiro

Please note, given this position is safety sensitive the preferred applicant/s for the position will be required to undergo a drug and alcohol pre-employment screening test. Further information on this process can be found on our careers site, here.

Are you ready to make a difference? - Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi whaitake?

We are committed to being a good partner under Te Tiriti o Waitangi which includes working closely with iwi, hapū, whānau and hāpori.

We aspire to reflect the diverse communities we serve, so we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, and identities. As an organisation, we are committed to making Manatū Ahu Matua Ministry for Primary Industries a great place to work for all.

In your cover letter we'd like to know about you, your values; your interest and motivations for this role; the abilities, strengths, personal attributes and diverse perspectives you will bring to the role and this organisation, which may have also been gained outside of the workforce.

To view the position description and/or apply online, please click “Apply” or visit the MPI Careers Site. To apply, you must hold the right to work in New Zealand or be eligible to obtain it – click here to find out more about work visa eligibility and options. 

Applications close at 11:59pm on Wednesday 7^th January 2026.

However suitable applicants will be considered and progressed with before this date.

If you have any questions about the role, please email Luke.Farrell@mpi.govt.nz