Lead Veterinarian, Animal Health and Welfare

If you have experience and expertise in veterinary medicine, this is your opportunity to work in partnership with Ontario's livestock and poultry industries to develop and deliver strategic plans, programs and initiatives related to animal health and welfare in Ontario.

The Animal Health and Welfare Branch (AHWB) advances farm animal health and welfare and veterinary public health through education, inspection, surveillance, programs, research and emergency preparedness. While the health and welfare of animals is a shared responsibility with others including industry and the federal government, the AHWB plays a leadership role for Ontario in efforts to effectively manage the prevention, detection and response to animal health incidents of public concern. Veterinary scientists and staff develop standards, deliver technical support to inspectors and veterinarians, and deliver preventive programs. They also provide inspection services in licenced livestock auction markets, dead stock facilities, animal research facilities and livestock medicine outlets.

The Animal Health and Welfare Branch is currently hiring for a Lead Veterinarian in the following area of expertise:
• Food animal medicine (ruminant and swine)


The Ontario Public Service (OPS) is committed to being an employer of first choice, creating a positive and inclusive work environment.

We offer:
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Flexible work arrangements
• Collegial and professional work culture
• Career growth and development opportunities across multiple business areas
• We provide on-the-job training to support your success in the role

OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism:

We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.

We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

Visit the OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.

We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's Human Rights Code. Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.

What can I expect to do in this role?

In this role, you will:
• be involved in strategic initiatives that help advance the government's animal health and welfare priorities
• help inform and develop animal health and welfare strategies, policies and programs in collaboration with industry and government stakeholders
• provide evidence-based perspectives and use strategic thinking to propose solutions to complex animal health and welfare issues
• apply epidemiological and statistical principles and tools to assess and communicate animal health risks and to inform strategic priorities

How do I qualify?

Mandatory requirement:

• You are licensed (in good standing) as a Veterinarian with the College of Veterinarians of Ontario or are eligible to become licensed in the province of Ontario. Successful candidates must hold a General license to practice in Ontario.

Technical knowledge:

• You have knowledge of veterinary medicine specifically ruminant medicine, epidemiology and best management practices for disease management and prevention.
• You have knowledge of global policy, practices and trends pertaining to animal health and welfare.
• You have knowledge of the biological hazards, stakeholders, policies and legislation in the following sectors: food safety, animal health and welfare, trade, public health, environment and wildlife.

Strategic thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills:

• You are able to review and analyze significant amounts of information and data from across jurisdictions to develop strategic plans and make recommendations to senior management.
• You are able to identify and assess emerging issues to develop strategic options and recommendations.
• You are able to review and evaluate information to assess the level of risk to animal and public health.
• You are able to determine the appropriate method of disease surveillance.

Communication and interpersonal skills:

• You have consultation, facilitation and relationship building skills to implement animal health and welfare initiatives with government partners and a diverse group of stakeholders.
• You have advisory skills to serve as an expert on committees and working groups.
• You have presentation skills to raise awareness and deliver influential facts and perspectives to other government partners, various stakeholder groups and the public.

Project management:

• You have strong project management skills to manage resource planning, budget planning and time management to lead, plan, develop and coordinate policy, programs, projects and studies.