Veterinary Technical Supervisor 2 (ME21) | Invercargill

Job Description

 Job Title:  Veterinary Technical Supervisor 2

Role type: Permanent, Full-time

Location Mataura (50kms north of Invercargill)

Salary range: VTS Salary Range 9: $99,634 to $124,542 depending on skills and experience

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

If you are you are a veterinarian looking for something new or the next step in your career, we have an opportunity for a Veterinary Technical Supervisor 2 (VTS2) based at ME21 Alliance Mataura.

Tucked along the banks of the Mataura River in Southland, Mataura is a place where natural beauty, community spirit, and authentic Kiwi living come together. With a population of around 1,740 residents, the town offers the perfect balance of peaceful rural charm and easy access to nearby hubs like Gore and Invercargill.

Life in Mataura moves at a gentler pace—imagine waking up to crisp Southland mornings, wandering down to the historic Mataura Falls, or enjoying the calm flow of the Mataura River, renowned for its brown trout.

Just a short drive north, Gore offers a vibrant blend of culture, recreation, and rural charm—perfect for weekend adventures or regular outings.

To the South, Invercargill; New Zealand's southernmost city has plenty of character and a warm, friendly heart. It's easy to launch into the beautiful landscapes of Southland. There's Rakirua, Stewart Island to discover, as well as the Catlins and Fiordland national parks!

This position is currently a 5 x 8 roster in which the VTS 2 usually works between both day and nights shifts with the occasional weekend work.  

ME21 is a large, busy plant that predominantly processes beef and boning.

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 VCNZ) 
• Hold a full New Zealand driver's licence (or be able to obtain a full NZ licence 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. 

About the Team  - Mō tō mātou Rōpū 

The role sits within the Establishment group of the Verification Services directorate. Reporting to the Veterinary Technical Supervisor 1 at ME21 and working with another Veterinary Technical Supervisor 2 (VTS2) reports, this role is suitable for veterinarians to build upon their knowledge in a plant processing setting, or those looking to put down roots in a rural town. 

 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 Monday 9th March 2026. 

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