Working as part of a small team the FSMA will, under the direction of the OPV, perform inspection and verification roles at export registered abattoirs to ensure compliance with the Export Control Act 2020 and importing country requirements. The role will observe, oversee, evaluate, verify and document the performance of export meat establishment production systems and process controls relating to food safety, wholesomeness and traceability. The FSMA will enforce compliance in accordance with their regulatory responsibilities.
The duties of the FSMA will vary depending on the Establishments inspection arrangement. The main duties of the position include, but are not limited to:
• verifying that the company has complied with the system in its Approved Arrangement
• verifying the effectiveness of postmortem inspection undertaken by the department’s authorised personnel
• in consultation with the OPV, making dispositions upon carcasses diverted for significant or unusual pathological conditions to the retain rail for further investigation and disposition
• providing timely and accurate input of performance data into the department’s audit management system.
Our ideal candidate will have the ability to:
• perform postmortem inspection and determine disposition of carcasses and carcass parts in a manner that meets or exceeds national performance standards, as verified by the OPV
• work in a high-pressure environment to meet competing deadlines and respond in a positive and flexible manner to change and uncertainty
• interpret, 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.
The knowledge and experience required for the role includes:
• a demonstrated understanding of the department’s role in regulation and trade facilitation, the FSMA role and powers as a regulator
• an understanding of, and demonstrated adherence to, relevant processes and operational policies.
• experience in the assessment of a carcass to verify it is free of critical pathology and gross contamination.
Mandatory qualifications
Applicants for these roles require either a Certificate III or Certificate IV in Meat Processing (Meat Safety) or Certificate IV in Meat Safety Inspection. If you currently possess a Certificate IV qualification you will be engaged at the APS Meat Inspector 2 classification ($95,636). If you currently possess a Certificate III qualification you will be engaged at the APS Meat Inspector 1 classification at pay point 3 ($89,256) in the Meat Inspector Training Broadband. When you attain a Certificate IV in Meat Processing (Safety) you will advance to the APS Meat Inspector 2 classification. Applicants who possess a Certificate III qualification should note that the department will support you in obtaining the mandatory Certificate IV qualification, noting this qualification must be obtained within 12 months of commencement.
Work locations
Ongoing and anticipated FSMA positions are available at the following locations:
NSW – Bourke*, Inverell
QLD - Moranbah, Gympie, Charleville*
VIC – Warrnambool, Melbourne Metro Geographical Location
NT - Batchelor*
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. The successful applicant will also be entitled to additional annual leave as well as leave fares assistance.
Please note that future ongoing and non-ongoing vacancies (both regional and metropolitan) may become available throughout Australia and the merit pool established from this process may be used to fill these vacancies where the duties are of a similar nature. Non ongoing (specified term) contracts may be offered to new employees for an initial period of up to twelve months with the possibility of extension up to a maximum period of two years in total. Non-ongoing (casual) contracts will be offered for periods of up to two years. Some of these non-ongoing positions may become ongoing in the next eighteen months. Should a position become ongoing then the merit pool, which is valid for a period of eighteen months from the date the vacancy was advertised in the Public Service Gazette, may be used to fill the vacancy on an ongoing basis.
Relocation assistance
The department is open to negotiating a package of assistance to assist successful applicants with the costs associated with relocating to a new work location.
Information session
We will be holding an online information session (timing will be confirmed upon registration) where there will be a presentation on the role and an opportunity to ask questions. Staff with the relevant experience will be online to answer questions about the role. Please register by emailing Sara Van Vugt at ************@aff.gov.au.
Eligibility and other requirements
The successful candidates:
• must hold and maintain a valid Australian motor vehicle drivers licence
• may be required to perform occasional out-of-hours and weekend work
• must wear an official uniform supplied by the department, including during field operations (as applicable), in accordance with the department’s uniform policy
• must wear appropriate protective personal equipment clothing and comply with departmental Work Health & Safety policies and procedures
• must note that they will be required to undergo a pre-employment medical examination which will include Q-Fever tests and that Q-Fever immunisation will be required where immunity cannot be established.
Flexible employment arrangements are available with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
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