Our client, A Large public sector organisation, based in Downpatrick is looking for an Veterinary Officer to join their team.

Duration: 31/08/2026

Rate of pay: £32.05 (Saturday rate £47.90; Sunday rate £63.86)

Location: Downpatrick

Hours: The post holder will be required to work 37 hours over a 5day week. In addition, appointees will be required to participate on weekly Veterinary Officer on-call rotas covering weekends and evenings – the on-call rotas are currently under review. An on-call allowance will be paid for any on call rotas in line with the NICS HR Handbook. Along with all staff within the Group, as required, successful candidates will also be required to attend work out of hours in the event of an epizootic disease outbreak. These events are uncommon. Any work outside of normal hours will be paid in line with the NICS HR Handbook.

Main Duties:

The role holder will work in the Marine and Fisheries Division part of the DAERA Environment, Marine and Fisheries Group the Division is responsible for the promotion, protection, enhancement and sustainable use of:
* all fish stocks inland and at sea (including aquaculture and fish health); and
* the marine environment

Marine and Fisheries Division provides lead policy advice to the DAERA Minister in respect of the marine environment, inland and sea fisheries, aquaculture and fish health. MFD is responsible for aquaculture and aquatic health policy and legislation andits implementation by the Fish Health Inspectorate (FHI).
The Veterinary Officer will work within DAERA’s Marine and Fisheries Division, supporting aquatic animal health policy, legislation, and operations. The role involves providing veterinary expertise to safeguard fish health, facilitate trade, and ensure compliance with EU and UK regulations.

Main Duties
* Deliver evidence-based advice on aquatic animal health policy and legislation (EU AHL, OCR).
* Oversee certification for movement/export of live aquatic animals.
* Assess and mitigate risks to NI’s fish health status.
* Lead responses to disease outbreaks, including investigations and reporting.
* Conduct emergency response simulations and recommend improvements.
* Support staff training and provide technical guidance.
* Manage and audit disease control programmes.
* Ensure compliance with welfare and traceability standards.
* Facilitate trade by ensuring export requirements are met.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

1a. Be a Member or Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (MRCVS/FRCVS)

OR

1b. Be eligible to seek membership of the RCVS*
* Please note that the successful applicants, if not already fully registered with the RCVS, will be required to obtain registration in a timescale deemed reasonable by the Department and prior to taking up appointment, and must remain on the register while in the post.

AND

2. Minimum of two year’s post-graduation experience working with farmed/aquatic animals or in veterinary public health.

Travel:

The post holder will be required to travel on official duty throughout Northern Ireland, and on occasions, within the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland and elsewhere as required. This includes travel to remote and rural locations, often inaccessible by public

transport. It is therefore essential that applicants have access to a form of transport which will permit them to meet the requirements of the post in full, in line with the NICS HR Travel and Subsistence Policy

Please note there is flexibility the branch will consider around hybrid working and alternative DAERA office locations.

Northern Ireland has seven designated ports and the job holder will be expected to attend the ports regularly:
* Ardglass
* Bangor
* Belfast
* Foyle
* Kilkeel
* Portavogie
* Warrenpoint

**The successful candidates will be required to start once the vetting paperwork and ANI completed.**

RecCoBelfast