Meat inspector traineeships

Are you interested in a career in food safety and meat inspection?

Our 12-month meat inspector traineeships give you hands-on experience, formal training and the skills you need to work as a food safety meat assessor.

As a trainee, you will learn practical skills that support export rules, trade requirements, and industry standards. You will also meet new people, build professional connections, and learn how the Australian Public Service works.

What to expect

Structured training: Complete formal learning aligned with meat safety inspection requirements and national food safety standards, and build a strong career foundation.

Practical skills: Get hands-on experience in meat safety inspection and verifying compliance with importing country requirements and food safety standards.

Mentorship: Have guidance and support from experienced food safety meat assessors, veterinarians, workplace coaches and mentors throughout your journey.

Professional growth: Build technical expertise and confidence to contribute to food safety regulation.

Your role

As a meat inspector trainee, you will join our Veterinary and Export Meat Branch (VEMB).

VEMB ensures exported and imported live animals, meat products, and related materials are compliant with Australian legislation and importing country requirements. This includes delivering inspection, certification and regulatory services for:

• export of meat and meat products
• import and export of live animals and animal genetic material.

Our team has staff working across Australia, in both city and regional areas, and places a strong focus on health, safety, and wellbeing.

Working with us

As a meat inspector trainee you will:

• Benefit from a dedicated support team, and access to our entry programs network.
• Become an integral part of a collaborative team in a fast-paced meat safety inspection environment, gain practical experience and learn from seasoned professionals.
• Enjoy a competitive remuneration package, 15,4% superannuation, relocation assistance, shift and penalty allowances, potential travel, and access to learning and development opportunities.

Meet our team

Our meat inspectors enjoy diverse career pathways.

Lockie

Food safety meat assessor

I started with DAFF in May 2024, motivated by my passion for meat inspection and the opportunities to contribute to Australia’s strict biosecurity standards. As a food safety meat assessor, I work closely with on-site veterinarians to ensure compliance and food safety. My role involves post-mortem inspection and conducting compliance checks on independent meat inspection companies to ensure market access requirements are met and maintained. I was drawn to our values of working together, courage, diversity and excellence. All those values are extremely important to me in everyday life.

During my time here, they have been incredibly supportive, flexible and accommodating to me and my family. I was granted extended parental leave on full pay to look after my newborn and help support my partner on her recovery. Also, DAFF works around your RDOs to the best of their ability to suit your needs. Working with DAFF is truly rewarding, not only because of the support but also the meaningful relationships formed along the way.

Sara

Export meat team leader

I was a food safety meat assessor for 15 years before being promoted to team leader. The assessor role involves post-mortem inspection of different species, verification and ensuring all company activities comply with the relevant legislation.

As an assessor we’re part of a small team with the on-site veterinarians but we’re able to connect with a larger network of assessors and have the support of our department when needed. I find meaning in the purpose that our role supports the bigger picture, contributing to the safe export of meat in the meat industry.

Renumeration, stability and constant hours tick the boxes for me, as they complement my busy family life with 3 children.