The purpose of this role within New Zealand Food Safety Verification Services is to provide a range of food safety, animal welfare and biosecurity verification and certification services based at meat exporting plants. To support the meat industry and New Zealand's reputation in the world red meat market for the product produced and to ensure food safety and export standards are being followed by the plant. 

We have an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys problem solving and enhancing their relationships with others through effective communication.

The role is varied, and you will be expected to do the following;

• Collaborate well with internal and external stakeholders, such as meat works personnel, veterinary colleagues and team members and corporate employees.
• Verify that requirements and procedures are being followed.
• Provide certification for animal meat exports.
• Complete ante mortem inspections and occasionally provide judgement on post-mortem inspection.
• Maintain relationships within the farming communities by being involved in on farm verification.
• Ensure animal welfare is being maintained

You will receive six to eight weeks of full-time technical training prior to being warranted under the relevant legislation. 
We have ongoing, on-site training, mentoring and technical support for you in your new role. 

Mō te peka - About the Branch

Reporting to the Team Manager Establishment Canterbury the role is based at Alliance Smithfield, in stunning Timaru, in Southern Canterbury. Timaru is a beautiful town , affectionately dubbed the “Riviera of the South”, and just a 2 hour drive South of Christchurch. Close to mountains and right on the coast this is a prime position where property is still affordable!

If you want a varied role with the capacity to build your experience across a range of species and processes, then this is the job for you!

Ngā PÅ«kenga me ngā Wheako â€“ Skills & Experience

The successful candidate will:

• Be a New Zealand registered Veterinarian (or be able to obtain registration with VCNZ)
• Have verbal and written skills, and analytical reasoning skills
• Demonstrate integrity and trust, ethics and values, resilience, adaptability, and openness
• Have experience persuading and influencing, teamwork, planning and organising
• Have computer literacy – can operate standard and customised software to an acceptable standard e.g. word-processing, excel, internet, email
• It is advantageous if you have knowledge of HACCP/Quality Assurance in Food Safety however, this is included in your training.

 Ngā hua o te Mahi i te ManatÅ« Ahu Matua: - Benefits of working at MPI

• Three additional (MPI holidays) leave days, sick leave, shift leave, long service leave plus the NZ standard annual leave requirements of 4 weeks
• Structured working week where you get paid overtime after working 40 hours and unsociable hours compensation, such as night shift allowance and penal rates if applicable 
• You'll be given the opportunity to further develop technical and leadership skills with a comprehensive in-service training which includes interpersonal and communication skills, as these are critical aspects in this position. 
• Wellness benefit for employees including reduced premiums for Group Healthcare Schemes
• Employee Assistance Programme (counselling support