Surveillance Veterinarian

Government of Alberta•Edmonton, AB

56d•CA$98,596 - CA$130,720•Onsite

About The Position

Join a dynamic team dedicated to protecting Alberta’s animal and public health. In this high-impact role, you will lead critical disease investigations, shape provincial surveillance efforts, and collaborate with key partners across government, industry, and health sectors. This position offers a unique opportunity to apply advanced veterinary expertise to real-world challenges and play a pivotal role in safeguarding both animal populations and the public from emerging health risks. 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 livestock health.
Eligibility for licensure with the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
A valid Class 5 Driver’s License.

Nice To Haves

Field-based experience with livestock (i.e. cattle and poultry).
Advanced knowledge of animal health, zoonotic disease and food safety issues.
Knowledge of livestock and poultry industry in Alberta.
Advanced knowledge of animal health surveillance.

Responsibilities

Lead investigations and response activities for reportable animal diseases, ensuring compliance with the Animal Health Act and established protocols.
Develop, implement, and maintain provincial disease response plans, participating in emergency response as both a technical specialist and incident command member.
Support and coordinate provincial animal health programs (e.g., rabies), collaborating with government, health agencies, and industry stakeholders.
Lead and maintain scientifically rigorous livestock and poultry health surveillance programs to identify, monitor, and report on animal health issues and emerging risks.
Collect, analyze, and interpret surveillance data to detect serious animal health and zoonotic disease concerns.
Represent Alberta on regional and national committees related to animal health surveillance, disease preparedness, and response coordination.
Communicate surveillance findings and technical information to stakeholders, including government, industry, veterinarians, researchers, and the public.
Prepare and deliver clear verbal and written reports on livestock and poultry health and food safety surveillance to producers, leadership, and peers, supporting reliable information sharing for industry and public awareness in Alberta.
Coordinate laboratory and post-mortem operations, directing technical staff in sample collection and processing.
Provide expert consultation and services, including responding to public and veterinary inquiries, after-hours coverage, preparing briefing materials, and certifying animal health for industry activities (e.g., export, product sales).