Deputy Chief Provincial Veterinarian

Government of Alberta•Edmonton, AB

3d•CA$98,596 - CA$130,720•Hybrid

About The Position

The Alberta Public Service works to build a stronger province for current and future generations. We make a difference in the lives of Albertans through rewarding and diverse career opportunities. The Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation (AGI) is responsible for the policies, legislation, regulations, programs, and services that enable Alberta’s agriculture and food sectors to flourish and contribute to Alberta’s economic recovery and growth. The ministry’s role is diverse, ranging from food safety and industry growth and diversification to increasing investment and supporting growth in rural Alberta. There are three sections within the Animal Health and Assurance Branch (AHAB): the Office of the Chief Provincial Veterinarian, Animal Health, and Inspection and Investigation. AHAB works closely with Alberta's livestock industries to ensure that the province has robust animal health surveillance systems, well supported animal welfare and food safety systems, rigorous emergency and disease response plans, premise identification to support national traceability, and effective inspection programs.

Requirements

University graduation with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), plus five (5) years experience in livestock veterinary practice and/or public veterinary practice, demonstrating expertise in animal health and welfare.
Eligibility for licensure with the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

Nice To Haves

Advanced education, such as an MPH, MSc or PhD in a related field of study.
Expert knowledge of livestock disease dynamics, including pathogenesis, diagnosis, epidemiology, and control strategies for endemic and foreign animal diseases, particularly those impacting public health, food safety, and market access.
Comprehensive understanding of national and international animal health policies.
In-depth awareness of Alberta’s livestock health status and emerging risks.
Strong knowledge of modern livestock production systems and their implications for animal health and welfare.
Expertise in epidemiology, risk assessment, and disease surveillance, including analysis, management, communication, and use of statistical methods to support evidence-based policy and emergency response.
Extensive experience in animal health and disease control, including leadership in emergency response, policy development, and stakeholder engagement.
Extensive knowledge of Alberta’s Animal Health Act and related regulations.
Experience with GIS and related analytical tools.

Responsibilities

Make a province-wide impact as the Deputy Chief Provincial Veterinarian, driving the strategic direction of Alberta’s animal health programs and leading emergency preparedness and response initiatives alongside the Chief Provincial Veterinarian (CPV).
Supporting the development and implementation of provincial and national animal health programs, policies, and legislation, including surveillance, disease response and regulatory compliance.
Apply scientific expertise to design and oversee programs that support industry sustainability, public health, and market access.
Contribute to emergency preparedness and response planning for emerging and foreign animal diseases in collaboration with Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and other government and industry stakeholders.
Support clear communication of Alberta’s livestock health status through stakeholder engagement, development of technical content, and media/communications activities.
Build and maintain effective relationships with government partners, industry stakeholders, and national/international networks; participate in committees and forums on animal health issues.
Provide leadership within the Animal Health and Assurance Branch, including contributing to strategic direction, supporting teams, leading during emergency responses, and representing the Ministry in intergovernmental forums.