Why YOU are important to us and what impactwill you have on the Meat Inspector Traineeship and the departments’ goal.
The Exports and Veterinary Services Division ensures Australian export products comply with international requirements by conducting inspections, audits and issuing certifications. The Division supports trade growth by negotiating technical market access for food and other goods. It also administers quotas under trade agreements and represents Australia in the development of global food standards.
As part of the MI Traineeship, you will complete your program within the Veterinary and Exports Meat Branch (VEMB) which sits within the Exports and Veterinary Services Division.
VEMB delivers key regulatory functions by providing inspection and certification services for the export of meat and meat products, as well as the import and export of live animals and reproductive material. This work ensures compliance with both importing country requirements and Australian legislation.
The branch supports a large, geographically dispersed workforce across both remote and metropolitan locations nationwide, with a strong commitment to health, safety and wellbeing.
At the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), we work to:
* protect Australia’s natural resources
* develop strong agricultural industries
* deliver policies and programs for a strong economy
The Program
The MI Traineeship is a flagship initiative designed to attract and retain talent within the department, building a sustainable workforce for the future. Through structured training, professional development opportunities and clear career pathways, the program enhances capability and supports the department in meeting long term industry needs.
Throughout the traineeship, you will:
* complete structured learning: undertake formal learning aligned with meat inspection requirements and national food safety standards, with support provided to complete a Certificate IV in Meat Safety Inspection
* develop practical skills: gain hands‑on experience in meat inspection, hazard analysis and preventive controls
* apply technical knowledge: learn to implement Food Safety Meat Assessor (FSMA) principles in processing environments
* receive support: benefit from guidance and support from experienced FSMA throughout your traineeship
* grow professionally: build technical capability and confidence to contribute effectively to food safety compliance.
This is where you play an important role.
Meat Inspectors play an essential role in protecting food safety and supporting Australia’s agricultural trade. The MI Traineeship provides an entry pathway into the profession through a 12‑month structured program that builds capability through supervised learning, coaching and practical workplace experience.
As a participant, you will:
* gain exposure to all aspects of meat safety
* receive support to complete a Certificate IV in Meat Safety Inspection, fully funded by the department
* build expertise that supports departmental operations and industry standards
* complete a structured learning program to support your role in meat safety and within the Australian Public Service (APS)
* grow your professional network and become part of the department’s Entry Pathway and Meat Inspector networks
* learn more about the department and the broader APS
Benefits of the MI Traineeship
The traineeship provides several benefits to participants including:
* a competitive remuneration package with salary/level advancement on successful completion of the program
* possible relocation assistance if moving from interstate or from a remote location to a regional location.
* 15.4% Superannuation
* access to a network of people including a dedicated Entry Programs team who will provide guidance and support
* work in a fast paced meat inspection setting, gaining hands-on experience while learning from industry professionals.
Our ideal candidate will have the ability to:
* understand and apply legislation, rules, policies, guidelines and codes of conduct
* work collaboratively and operate as an effective team member
* build and sustain relationships with key people internally and externally, and proactively build mutually beneficial relationships
* accept new ideas and remain flexible and responsive to changes in requirements whilst ensuring they share information with others to assist them to also adapt to change
* adhere to the APS Values and Code of Conduct, always act professionally and impartially, operate within the boundaries of organisational processes and policies.
* complete the Certificate IV in Meat Safety Inspection
Motivated individuals who are passionate about food safety and committed to protecting Australia’s agricultural integrity. Successful candidates will demonstrate:
* attention to detail: ability to identify issues accurately and follow inspection standards
* strong communication skills: clear and respectful communication with colleagues and industry personnel
* problem-solving ability: practical thinking to resolve issues quickly and effectively
* integrity and independence: commitment to applying standards consistently, even under pressure
* willingness to learn: prepared to complete structured training and apply new knowledge in a fast-paced environment
* teamwork and adaptability: ability to work collaboratively in dynamic processing environments
* basic understanding of meat processing: interest in food safety, hygiene, and compliance practices
* time management: ability to manage tasks efficiently while maintaining high standards.
Work locations
* NSW – Bourke*, Inverell
* QLD – Moranbah, Gympie, Charleville*
* NT – Batchelor*
* Vacancies may also be filled in locations not listed above, subject to operational requirements.
Remote Localities
*These localities have been graded as remote localities. Employees working in these locations are paid an annual district allowance in accordance with the relevant provision (Clause 631) of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Enterprise Agreement 2024-2027. The successful applicant will also be entitled to additional annual leave as well as leave fares assistance.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $75,812.00 per year
Work Location: In person