Supervising veterinarians, the Netherlands

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 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

You will receive full guidance when relocating to the Netherlands. You will follow a fully paid 16-month training program at a government site in Wageningen, starting with a 19-week intensive Dutch language course up to B2 level. Free housing in Wageningen is included during this first period and a regular salary is paid during the language course. This is followed by 69 weeks of training to become a Supervising veterinarian, including theoretical modules, examinations and 200 hours of internships. You will get support in finding housing in a region where Supervising veterinarians are needed.

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 % of annual salary)
• 144 vacation hours + 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

Turn your ideals into action

Are you ready to use your expertise to promote integrity in the food chain and protect public health?

Contact us now to explore your opportunities.

Apply no later than 15 February to join the September 2026 training group.

For more information and questions please contact EURES in the Netherlands:

• Tim Kersten, +[xxxxx], [xxxxx] Bouwman, [xxxxx]
  
  (from EURES NL)
  Kilde: [xxxxx]