Veterinary Technical Supervisor 2, Hastings (ME52) | Hastings

Job Description

Job Title: Veterinarian (Veterinarian Technical Supervisor 2)

Role type: Permanent, full time

Location: Hastings, Hawkes Bay

Salary range & band: VTS Range 9: $101,627 – $127,033 depending on skills and experience

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

About the Role - Kōrero mō te Tūranga  

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 a meat exporting plant located in Hastings. Furthermore, to support the meat industry and New Zealand's reputation in the world red meat market for the product produced and to ensure food safety and export standards are being followed by the plant. 

We have an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys problem solving and enhancing their relationships with others with effective communication.

Silver Fern Farms Pacific is a bovine slaughter and boning operation which runs day and night shifts for most of the year from Monday to Friday, with occasional weekend work. The Verification team on site consists of two veterinarians who operate on day and night shifts. The Supervising Veterinarian (VTS1) will cover the majority of dayshift  with the the VTS2 rostered on night shift, rotation between the shifts will occur frequently. Any overtime is compensated and early starts, or late finishes are recognised with penal time payments, as well as shift leave accumulation.

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

• Collaborate well with internal and external stakeholders, such as meat works personnel, Veterinary colleagues/VS team.
• 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
• Maintain knowledge within the farming communities and be involved in on farm verification
• Ensure animal welfare is being maintained

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

Hawke's Bay is a region on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island and is best known for its beaches and wineries. Locals and visitors alike love getting outdoors in Hawke's Bay. Whether it be a walk-up Te Mata Peak, an adrenaline-filled rafting trip down the Mohaka River, or perhaps a lazy day at Waimarama Beach, the diversity of our outdoor experiences means there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Watch the team answer some questions about their roles: 

About MPI - Mō te Manatū Ahu Matua

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) partners with New Zealand's food and fibre sector to be the world's most trusted provider of high-value food and primary products.

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
• Wellness benefit for employees
• Reduced premiums for Group Healthcare Schemes

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 FOR THIS JOB” 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 Friday 13^th November 2026

If you have any questions about the role, please contact our Talent Acquisition team by emailing George.Mitrakas@mpi.govt.nz 

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