2026 Graduate Development Program – Veterinary Stream

Work Type: Full Time
Salary Type: Annual salary
Salary Range: $ 77,728
Salary Description: APS 4 (Training Broadband pay point 10) - $77,728

The Program

The Graduate Development Program is a 12-month program. Our graduates come from a broad range of backgrounds, study areas and work and life experiences. We are interested in all high achieving and motivated graduates.

We are one of Australia's largest employers of veterinarians. Our veterinary stream within the Graduate Development Program aims to build your skills and career. In this program, you will support and contribute to our national and international functions and responsibilities in areas such as:

• Policy development and establishing procedures related to animal health, diseases, pests, marine pests and environmental health.
• Developing science-based standards, legislation, policy and instructional material to support the import and export of live animals, animal products and export meat.
• Contribute to surveillance and response planning for existing and emerging threats to Australia's domestic animal populations, such as emergency animal diseases and antimicrobial resistance.
• Developing and implementing animal welfare strategies and regulations for domestic and exported Australian livestock.

You will get to take advantage of the diverse work of the department through a variety of workplace rotations and structured learning. Through your rotations, you may get work in areas such as:

• Veterinary Export and Meat Branch – which regulates imports and exports of live animals to ensure compliance with Australian and international standards.
• Live Animal Export Branch – which regulates live animal exports in accordance with legislation and associated standards.
• Animal Biosecurity Branch – which provides scientific and technical advice to develop policy for safe import of animals and animal products.
• Animal and Biological Imports Branch – which is responsible for operational aspects of live animal, biological and genetic imports.
• The Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer – which supports the Australian Chief Veterinary Officer to respond to emerging animal health issues and to engage
  with international counterparts.
• Animal Welfare Branch – which sets standards for exported livestock by focusing on improving animal welfare outcomes in livestock export supply chains.
• Export Standards Branch – which develops and maintains export systems that maximise opportunities for animal product exports, supporting profitable and resilient export businesses.
• Northern Australian Quarantine Strategy – which performs surveillance focused on Australia's northern border to identify and manage existing and emerging biosecurity risks.
• Animal Health Surveillance Team – which evaluates potential pathways for exotic pests and diseases entering and establishing in Northern Australia.
• Animal Health Policy – which lead, influence and coordinates animal health and marine pest policies.
• Meat Exports Branch – works with industry and international stakeholders to deliver and maintain a national regulatory inspection, verification and certification framework and associated regulatory services.

The program provides several benefits to graduates including:

• a competitive remuneration package with salary/level advancement during, and on successful completion of, the program
• access to a network of people including a dedicated Entry Programs Team who will provide guidance and support
• a formal course through the Australian Public Service Commission Academy. This course provides development activities, brings graduates together from across the APS to build understanding, networks and cross-agency collaboration.
• three workplace rotations within the veterinary stream. Graduates will also have an opportunity to use one rotation for another area of the department to provide a broader experience. 
• attending Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) graduate events
• inclusion in our graduate network, access to a buddy and engagement with the executive
• relocation assistance if moving from interstate or from a remote location to a regional location.
• flexible work arrangements.

Please note that Graduates commence at the APS 4 level and receive a salary at Training Broadband pay point 10 ($77, 728 per annum plus superannuation; equivalent to APS 4.1). Graduates may progress to Training Broadband pay point 11-part way through the program following an assessment of their work performance. On successful completion of the program, Graduates advance to the APS 5 level (or equivalent Veterinary Stream pay point).

What we are looking for

Skills and capabilities

We are seeking graduates that will help us achieve our goals and foster our positive
workplace culture. We encourage you to apply if you:

• like to tackle important issues
• are open to doing things differently
• anticipate and adapt to new situations
• are mindful of the impact you have on others
• make things happen to ensure success.

Mandatory qualifications

A Veterinary qualification recognised for registration as a veterinary practitioner in Australia. Your transcript must be provided as part of your application.

Click here to view the recognised universities by Australasian Veterinary Board Council (AVBC).

Please note that there is no minimum timeframe as to when you completed your degree however applications must have completed a degree (or higher qualification) before the start of the 2026 program. Although a minimum academic standard will not be set, grades will be taken into consideration as part of the assessment process.

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To Apply

https://www.agriculture.gov.au/about/jobs/apply (Job Ref - 2025/1737)