• Ongoing Full Time
• 35 hours per week
• Location: Willing to consider candidates across all NSW locations.
• Professional Officer Grade 6 - Salary from $157,430 to $162,296 pa + superannuation + leave loading

About us – together, we are DPIRD  

The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) protects, supports and develops primary industries and regional economies.  

Collectively we support strong and sustainable agriculture, forestry, fishing and mining industries, and regional economies. We actively manage our natural assets: our lands and soils, minerals, waterways and oceans, vegetation and forests.  

The department brings together:  

• Local Land Services  
• NSW Resources  
• Agriculture and Biosecurity  
• Fisheries and Forestry  
• Regional Development and Delivery.  

We have skilled and dedicated teams working in 200 locations across regional NSW. With nearly 5,000 employees, and 75 per cent of the DPIRD team living and working in regional NSW, we are embedded in the regions we serve.  

Learn more about the benefits of joining our diverse and talented DPIRD team.  

Why This Role Matters

As the Animal Welfare Policy and Program Leader within the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), you will lead critical livestock welfare functions across NSW—providing expert advice, guiding regulatory practice, building capability, collaborating with industry and contributing to national Standards & Guidelines.

You will influence policy at state and national levels, represent NSW in high-level committees and ensure our advice, programs and decisions are contemporary, evidence driven and practical.

This role directly supports the Chief Animal Welfare Officer (CAWO) and drives key livestock welfare priorities for NSW.

What You’ll Be Doing

Provide expert livestock welfare leadership

• Deliver high-level livestock welfare advice across DPIRD, Agriculture and Local Land Services.
• Provide technical advice supporting POCTA legislation and state-based Standards and Guidelines.
• Participate in state industry consultative committees (meat, eggs, dairy).
• Lead the Stock Welfare Panel process

Shape national welfare frameworks

• Support the CAWO at the Animal Welfare Task Group (AWTG).
• Contribute to national Standards & Guidelines including Land Transport, Processing Facilities, Sheep, Pigs, Horse S&Gs etc.
• Engage nationally as a member of Live Export Animal Welfare Advisory Group.

Build capability across NSW

• Lead the Tocal Livestock Welfare Training Course.
• Work collaboratively with NSW Police, RSPCA, AWL, LLS, RFCS, RAMHP and others to strengthen welfare responses across saleyards, during transport, in drought and more.

Deliver evidence-based policy

• Lead literature reviews and research to provide evidence to underpin policy decisions.
• Develop and maintain website and communication assets as needed.

About You

You are an experienced livestock welfare or veterinary professional with strong technical knowledge, sound judgement, and a passion for building practical and defensible welfare outcomes.

You bring:

• Deep understanding of livestock industries, welfare science and regulatory frameworks.
• Experience providing authoritative advice on complex or sensitive welfare issues.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to collaborate, negotiate and influence across government, industry and community groups.
• Proven leadership experience—you support, guide and mentor teams to deliver high-quality outcomes.
• The ability to balance scientific evidence, operational realities and policy priorities to shape practical and defensible welfare outcomes.

Essential Requirements

• Degree in Veterinary Science, Animal Science or equivalent degree from a recognised tertiary Institution
• Extensive experience in risk identification and management, problem solving and policy solution development

Why Join Us?

• Lead meaningful, high-impact work with real outcomes for animals, industry and the community.
• Shape livestock welfare policy and regulatory practice at both state and national levels.
• Work in a collaborative, supportive and expert team within a flexible NSW Government environment.
• Enjoy competitive salary and conditions.

💬 For a confidential discussion about this vacancy please contact:

Kim Filmer, Chief Animal Welfare Officer on 0418 417 048 or kim.filmer@dpird.nsw.gov.au

 Click here to view the full role description

👉 Applying is easy!
Please apply via our online portal.  Submit your current resume/CV and a cover letter (max. 2 pages) outlining your relevant skills and experience, and why you’re our ideal candidate.

📅 Applications Close: 15 January 2025, at 11:55pm AEDT

Please note that DPIRD will be closed during the period 25 December 2025 to 11 January 2026 (inclusive). Recruitment process will recommence in January 2026. 

If you require adjustments in completing your application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, require information in an alternative format, or otherwise participating in the recruitment process, please let us know so we can assist. Send an email to talent.advisory@dpird.nsw.gov.au or contact the hiring manager listed above for a confidential discussion. 

What to Expect Next  

After applying:  

• You’ll receive a confirmation email  
• We’ll review all applications once the ad closes  
• If shortlisted, you may be invited to interview (in person or Microsoft Teams video)  
• Further assessments will follow (e.g. writing task, skills test, psychometric test)  
• Reference checks will be completed for final candidates   

Additional Information

• The preferred candidate for this role may be required to undergo reference checks, a national police check, bankruptcy check, health assessment and/or other assessments as required. 
• A talent pool may be created for ongoing and temporary roles of the same type that may arise within the next 18 months.  

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion  

At DPIRD, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds – including, but not limited to, gender, age, ethnicity, cultural heritage, disability, religion and sexual orientation.  

DPIRD is a proud Disability Confident Recruiter, Family Inclusive Employer and Carer Friendly Employer