De Nederlandse Voedsel- en Warenautoriteit

Rosa Bouwman

The Dutch government is recruiting Supervising veterinarians for slaughterhouses across the Netherlands. Your work protects animal welfare, animal health, and food safety. This is a meaningful role with real impact on society. In September 2026, the Dutch government will start the next training program for Supervising veterinarians. About the role As a Supervising Veterinarian, you supervise the entire slaughter process in your region. From the arrival of live animals to the final inspection, you ensure that all steps meet legal and professional standards. You act when rules are not followed and help maintain public trust in safe, responsible food production. What you’ll do • Conduct ante- and post-mortem inspections • Identify diseases and abnormalities that may pose risks • Monitor hygiene practices and compliance with legislation • Safeguard animal welfare throughout the process • Work independently in the slaughterhouse while supported by a team of veterinarians and inspectors • Contribute to continuous improvement with colleagues and policymakers • Communicate clearly, including in stressful situations Training and relocation support International candidates receive full guidance when moving to the Netherlands. You get: • A fully paid 16-month training program • An intensive Dutch language course up to B2 level • Professional development and career progression opportunities • Support with relocation, housing, and administrative arrangements Employment conditions You work under Dutch public sector employment conditions: • Salary: scale 10 during training (€3,404–€5,389) and scale 11 after certification (€4,024–€6,110), 36 hours • You will start with a temporary contract for the duration of the training program, from 21 September 2026 to 1 February 2028. o    With positive progress and a satisfactory evaluation, this will be followed by a one-year temporary contract. o    After a successful evaluation at the end of that period, you will be offered a permanent contract. • 24–36 hour workweek • Individual Choice Budget (16.5 percent of annual salary) • 144 vacation hours &#43; 64 IKB hours (full-time) • Pension with ABP • Mobility card or bicycle allowance • Company lease car for work, with private-use option • Paid travel time and flexible working arrangements • Training and coaching opportunities Who we’re looking for You work accurately and responsibly, even under pressure. You stay calm in complex situations and make well-founded decisions. You collaborate easily across disciplines and value the responsibility of protecting public health, food safety, and animal welfare. Job requirements • You hold a veterinary degree that qualifies for Dutch Veterinary Register registration. • You speak English at B2 level and are willing to learn Dutch. • You hold a category B driving licence. • You are prepared to relocate and complete the full training program. • Experience in the veterinary or food sector is an advantage. • You work independently and carefully in a regulated environment. Competencies • analyzing • judgement • collaboration • planning and organizing • perseverance • stress resilience Selection process • Pre-selection based on CV and motivation letter • Mandatory online information session: 29 January or 26 February • Intake interview: 2 February till 1 April • Written case study and first formal interview: 11 February till 13 April • English language test and competency assessment: 24 February till 29 may • Second interview: 8 April till 12 June • Employment conditions discussion: June *Please note: the dates are provisional and may still be subject to change