Veterinary Technical Supervisor 2, Live Animals | Auckland MPI Centre

Job Description

Veterinarian - Live Animals (VTS2)

Role Type: Permanent, full-time

Location: Auckland

Salary band & range: VTS Range 8: $105,041 - $131,302 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

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is Aotearoa New Zealand's largest employer of veterinarians. We have more than 300 vets working for us around the country and overseas.

As a Veterinarian within the Live Animals team, you'll play a critical role in ensuring the safe and compliant movement of animals into and out of New Zealand.

This is a highly varied, hands-on role where no two days are the same. You'll be working across animal welfare, biosecurity, and export certification—often in dynamic, time-sensitive environments.

In this role, you will:

• Verify animal quarantine and transitional facilities
• Inspect imported animals and review associated documentation
• Assess and verify export requirements for live animals and germplasm
• Issue export certification in line with international standards

You'll be based at the MPI office near Auckland Airport but will travel to a variety of locations in the area, with occasional travel to support work across the country.

The role includes participation in a shared, pre-planned after-hours roster.

MPI provides full training for the role, along with ongoing professional development.

About You - Mōu

This role would suit a veterinarian who:

• Is looking to move beyond clinical practice into a regulatory role
• Enjoys variety, autonomy, and decision-making responsibility
• Has an interest in biosecurity, trade, or public sector work
• Thrives in a practical, fast-paced environment with real-world impact

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Registration (or eligibility for registration) with the Veterinary Council of New Zealand
• Clinical veterinary experience and sound professional judgement
• Strong communication skills and confidence working with a range of stakeholders
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to make clear, evidence-based decisions
• A commitment to animal welfare and protecting New Zealand

You'll also be adaptable, resilient, and comfortable working both independently and as part of a team.

What we offer:

• A meaningful role contributing to New Zealand's biosecurity and international reputation
• A supportive team environment with experienced colleagues
• Structured training and ongoing professional development
• A varied role without the demands of traditional clinical practice
• Additional financial benefits including overtime, penal rates, and shift allowances

You must have a current full New Zealand driver licence (not temporary, learner, or provisional) 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

You'll be part of a supportive and experienced team of nine other veterinarians and three advisors, led by a knowledgeable Team Leader and Team Manager.

Our veterinarians are valued for their technical expertise, sound judgement, and integrity. You'll be joining a team that works collaboratively, supports each other, and takes pride in protecting New Zealand's reputation and biosecurity system.

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 under the application process, on pre-employment checks page.

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 Sunday 19^th July

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