About the Role
The Department of Agriculture is seeking a dedicated State Veterinarian based in Skukuza, Mpumalanga. This vital role involves ensuring the health and well-being of wildlife, which plays a crucial part in maintaining biodiversity and supporting local ecosystems. As a State Veterinarian, you will be at the forefront of wildlife disease surveillance and management, making significant contributions to both public health and the conservation of South Africa’s rich natural heritage. Your work will not only impact wildlife health but will also benefit surrounding communities that rely on these ecosystems for their livelihoods.
Your responsibilities will include conducting necropsies, managing laboratory diagnostics, and implementing health plans for essential working dogs. By collaborating with various conservation agencies and stakeholders, you will enhance wildlife disease control measures, thereby safeguarding the health of animal populations and promoting sustainable practices. This role is a fantastic opportunity for those passionate about animal health and conservation, offering the chance to make a real difference in the community and the environment.
About the Department
The Department of Agriculture plays a pivotal role in promoting sustainable agricultural practices and managing South Africa’s rich biodiversity. Its mission encompasses ensuring food security, protecting animal health, and fostering environmental stewardship. Working within this department means being part of a committed team dedicated to the well-being of both wildlife and agriculture, contributing to the greater good of society and the preservation of the environment.
What You’ll Do
- Conduct wildlife disease surveillance and monitoring activities.
- Manage clinical and diagnostic services related to wildlife health.
- Perform necropsies and oversee sample processing in the laboratory.
- Develop health plans and provide clinical services for working dogs.
- Lead wildlife disease epidemiological investigations and applied research.
- Collaborate on scientific publications regarding wildlife diseases.
- Execute veterinary public health activities and coordinate inspections.
- Assess disease risks and provide information services to stakeholders.
- Deliver educational lectures on controlled diseases and conservation.
- Compile monthly reports and manage office administration tasks.
- Participate in budgeting, procurement, and financial planning.
What You’ll Need
- A Grade 12 Certificate and Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc / BVMCh).
- Registration with the South African Veterinary Council as a Veterinarian.
- A minimum of 5 years of experience as a State Veterinarian or in a regulatory state veterinary area.
- Knowledge of the Animal Diseases Act and the Meat Safety Act.
- Proven experience with laboratory standards (ISO-IEC 17025) and import/export facilitation.
- Strong analytical, research, and communication skills.
- Ability to maintain professionalism under pressure and work effectively within a team.
- Valid driver’s license and firearms competency certificate.
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted by hand delivery during office hours to 20 Steve Biko Street, Agriculture Place, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0002 or by email [email protected].
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Requirements
Applicant must be in possession of a Grade 12 Certificate and Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc / BVMCh) Registration with the South African Veterinary Council as a Veterinarian Job related work experience: A minimum 5 of one (1) year of experience as a State Veterinarian or Compulsory Community Service veterinarian in a regulatory state veterinary area in South Africa.Job related knowledge: Applications for the Animal Diseases Act, 1984 (Act No.
35 of 1984).
Practical working knowledge and experience in application of Meat Safety Act, 2000 (Act No.
40 of 2000).
Knowledge and practical experience of laboratory international standards ISO-IEC 17025.
Knowledge and practical experience of import and export facilitation.
Job related skills: Analytical skills.
Research skills.
Ability to communicate clearly, both verbally and written.
Administration and organisational skills.
Ability to function efficiently under various types of pressure with professionalism and integrity.
Complex problem-solving skills.
Ability to think logically and adapt to change.
Ability to maintain good interpersonal relationships and work in a team.
Ability to work extended working hours.
Valid weapons’ competency certificate for handguns, shotguns and rifles.
Relevant firearm license.
Valid driver’s license.
Job Duties
Wildlife disease surveillance, monitoring, control and delivery of a clinical and diagnostic services.Plan, direct, supervise and co-ordinate wildlife disease surveillance, monitoring and control.
Performing necropsies of various species, managing sample processing and disease diagnostic services in the laboratory.
Provide a health plan for ECI dogs as well as clinical and emergency services for working dogs (ECI, SAPS, SANDF).
Plan, supervise wildlife disease epidemiological investigations and expand into applied disease research.
Collaboration on scientific papers with regards to various controlled diseases or novel wildlife emerging diseases.
Perform procedures and functions relevant to Veterinary Public Health activities.
Plan, provide and coordinate a wildlife veterinary public health service.
Field inspections during culling operations and carcass inspections at abattoir.
Sanitary and quality control of final products and abattoir compliance.
Inspections assist with activities pertaining to plant collection missions.
Disease risk assessment, extension and information services.
Provide information services to the conservation agencies and wildlife industry and participate on Departmental Advisory Groups.
Stray buffalo/livestock control and communication to relevant stakeholders.
Lectures to HR’s, visiting students, on controlled diseases, conservation and financial impacts.
Contribute to risk analysis services with emphasis on wildlife translocations and wildlife associated diseases.
Advise Provincial Veterinary Directors, State Veterinarians, Private Veterinarians and Farmers on buffalo diseases testing and movement.
Assess the needs and status of Gene bank facilities and equipment.
Develop policies, norms, standards and legislation for the prevention and control of animal disease.
Assist in the process of developing, formulating, modifying and analysing policies, norms, standards and legislation for managing wildlife disease risks and disease control (including fences).
Section 20 assistance and evaluation of projects.
Assistance with wildlife related litigation involving the Department.
Office and personnel administration.
Compile monthly reports and update all relevant registers.
Budgeting, procurement and financial planning (follow-up & control) and training.
Attendance of relevant meetings/ workshops/ seminars.
