Would you like to work in a country with high standards of animal welfare, food sa-fety, and veterinary professionalism? And are you interested in developing your skills in a key regulatory role within one of Europe’s most respected veterinary aut-horities?The Danish Veterinary, Food, Agriculture and Fisheries Agency is seeking official veterinarians for permanent positions in our meat inspection units, starting in autumn 2026. The positions are open to international candidates who are motiva-ted to relocate to Denmark and work within a Danish government agency.About the PositionYou will become part of the agency’s meat inspection service, which oversees the inspection of live animals and meat at slaughterhouses across Denmark. Our pur-pose is to ensure that food produced in Denmark complies with both national and international standards.
The work is carried out from the agency’s local inspection sections, which are physically located at the slaughterhouse you are assigned to. You will be part of a team consisting of veterinarians, inspection technicians, administrative staff, and a section manager.
Your ResponsibilitiesAs an official veterinarian, your tasks will include:
Case handling and daily control reports
- You will be responsible for preparing the daily control report and handling cases in accordance with applicable legislation. We provide thorough training in both systems and legal procedures to ensure you feel confident in the role.
- Ante-mortem inspection with focus on animal welfare
- You will assess the health and welfare of animals prior to slaughter, including determining fitness for transport and proper handling. You play a key role in ensuring high standards of animal welfare.
- Inspection of animal transport during unloading
- Control tasks related to food safety, hygiene, and export
- Your work will span inspections, audits, hygiene checks, animal health ta-sks, and issuing export certificates. The job is varied and allows you to apply your full veterinary expertise.
- Professional assessments on the slaughter line
- You will evaluate diseased animals, suspected diagnoses, and quality is-sues.
- Routine line inspection is carried out by inspection technicians and only performed by veterinarians in exceptional cases.
- You will hold an important regulatory position representing the Danish veterinary authority. Clear, professional, and solution-oriented communication is essential—also in busy situations.
LocationWe hire veterinarians continuously for several inspection sections across Den-mark. Your workplace will be the slaughterhouse associated with your inspection section. The exact location will be agreed later in the process based on your prefe-rences and the agency’s staffing needs.
About YouRequired qualifications:
- You have danish authorization. You can apply free of charge here - https://en.foedevarestyrelsen.dk/animals/animal-health-/veterinary-authorisations/authorisation-to-work-as-a- veterinarian-in-denmark
- You can speak and write English.
We also value that you:- Already know some Danish or that you are motivated to learn Danish, which is our official working language. As a newcomer to Denmark, you will have access to Danish language training offered as either daytime or evening classes.
- Are interested in working within a public authority and performing on-site inspection
- Thrive in a professional team and appreciate collaboration
- Approach your work responsibly and professionally
- Are curious, structured, and eager to develop
We welcome applications from both newly graduated veterinarians and veterinarians with professional experience.
Practical experience with meat inspection is not required. We provide comprehen-sive training, and you will always have colleagues to consult.
Working as a Veterinarian in DenmarkDenmark offers one of Europe’s most modern and secure labour markets. Many foreign veterinarians highlight:
- A healthy balance between work and private life
- A work culture based on trust, cooperation, and flat hierarchies
- Strong opportunities for continuing education and skill development
- A strong focus on health, safety, and employee wellbeing
As an official veterinarian, you become part of a veterinary system internationally recognised for its high standards and evidence-based approach to food safety and animal health.
Relocating to DenmarkFor candidates relocating to Denmark, we offer:
- Introduction to Danish workplace and regulatory culture
- Training in tasks, procedures, and relevant IT systems
- Opportunity to participate in Danish language courses with the goal of rea-ching professional authority level
- Guidance on authorisation, tax, pension, health insurance, etc.
You will join a workplace where many colleagues have already been through the relocation process—so we make sure you get a good start.
Salary and Employment ConditionsYou will be employed in accordance with the collective agreement for academics employed in the Danish state sector, including the protocol on veterinarians at export-approved slaughterhouses.
Basic SalaryThe basic salary is determined based on your seniority as a veterinarian. During the first year of employment, the basic monthly salary is DKK 29,691.75. The basic salary increases for each year of employment as a veterinarian.
From the fifth year of employment and onwards, the basic monthly salary amounts to DKK 36,180.00.
Veterinarians employed at export-approved slaughterhouses receive an extra monthly salary supplement of:
• DKK 5,808.44 (during the first three years of employment), or
• DKK 7,473.94 (from the fourth year of employment and onwards)
In addition, all veterinarians receive a special allowance of DKK 2,883.40 per month.
A qualification allowance may be negotiated based on your competencies and qualifications.
The pension contribution for veterinarians employed at export-approved slaugh-terhouses is 18.07% and is paid in addition to the basic salary and any allowances.
The employment area is the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries and its subordinate institutions.
Working HoursThe position is a full-time appointment of 37 hours per week, including a daily paid lunch break of 30 minutes.
Working hours are flexible. At some sections, slaughtering takes place during day-time hours, while at other sections slaughtering may also take place on evening shifts.
Employees are entitled to six weeks of paid vacation per year.
ApplicationWe are recruiting veterinarians with expected start in autumn 2026.
If you are interested in a position as an Official Veterinarian at The Danish Veteri-nary, Food, Agriculture and Fisheries Agency, please submit your application to:
kkhr@fvst.dkYour application should include:• Application letter
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Veterinary degree certificate
• Any other relevant documentation
Application deadline: 15 June 2026
We expect to invite qualified candidates for interviews during September or October 2026.
You can read more about the Danish Veterinary, Food, Agriculture and Fisheries Agency at www.fvst.dk, and watch a video about working in Meat Inspection - Copy link - https://foedevarestyrelsen.dk/om-os/job/moed-os/maria-christensen-dyrlaege
The Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries values diversity and encourages all qualified candidates to apply.
