Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development State Veterinarian (X2 posts)

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is currently seeking a highly qualified and experienced individual to serve as the State Veterinarian. This position plays a crucial role in protecting the health and well-being of animals in the state, as well as safeguarding public health and food safety.

Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Vacancy Overview:

• Job Title: State  Veterinarian (X2 POSTS)
• Salary: R849 702 per annum (Level 11), all-inclusive package to be structured in accordance with MMS dispensation
• Location:  Sekhukhune District Ref No: LDARD 2/3/2024 (X1 Post) and Vhembe District Ref No: LDARD 3/3/2024 (X1 Post)
• Closing Date: 31 May 2024 @16:00

Minimum Requirements:

• Grade 12
• NQF level 8 in Veterinary medicine (BVSc/BVMCH) as recognised by SAQA.
• Registration with the South African Veterinary Council.
• A valid driver’s licence (with exception of people with disabilities).

 Knowledge, Competencies and Skills:

Knowledge:

• Meat Safety Act: In-depth understanding of the Meat Safety Act and its regulations.
• Animal Diseases Act: Familiarity with the Animal Diseases Act and its supporting legislation and policies.
• Food Safety Risk Management System: Basic understanding of a food safety risk management system, which is a structured approach to identifying, assessing, and controlling food safety risks.
• Veterinary Pathology: Interest in veterinary pathology, which is the study of diseases in animals, and some basic knowledge of the subject.
• Disease Control Programs: Extensive knowledge of disease control programs, including measures to prevent and control the spread of animal diseases.
• International Trade and Legislation: Knowledge of international trade and legislation related to animal diseases, food safety, and meat imports/exports.

Competencies:

• Interpersonal Skills: Excellent ability to interact with people from various backgrounds and cultures, both verbally and in writing.
• Negotiation Skills: Ability to negotiate effectively with various stakeholders.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to convey information accurately and efficiently.

Skills:

• Computer Proficiency: Proficiency in using computers, which will be tested as part of the job application process.

Duties and responsibilities:

1. Management of Veterinary Services Personnel and Resources
   • Staff Training and Development: Regular training programs for veterinary staff to stay updated on the latest disease control techniques and technologies.
   • Resource Allocation: Ensure adequate resources (such as vaccines, diagnostic tools, and medications) are available for disease control efforts.
   • Field Support: Deploy mobile veterinary units to provide on-the-spot diagnosis and treatment in remote areas.
   • Monitoring Workload: Regularly review and balance the workload among veterinary personnel to prevent burnout and ensure efficiency.
   • Performance Evaluation: Implement performance metrics to assess the effectiveness of veterinary services and identify areas for improvement.
2. Formulation and Implementation of Disease Control Strategies and Policies
   • Risk Assessment: Conduct comprehensive risk assessments to identify prevalent diseases and potential outbreak zones within the AEZ.
   • Strategic Planning: Develop tailored disease control strategies that address specific regional challenges and resources.
   • Regulatory Framework: Establish and enforce regulations for disease reporting, vaccination, and biosecurity measures.
   • Community Engagement: Involve local communities in the formulation of disease control policies to ensure their cooperation and compliance.
   • Implementation: Roll out disease control strategies with clear guidelines and timelines, ensuring all stakeholders understand their roles.
3. Monitor and Evaluate Disease Control Strategies
   • Data Collection: Set up a robust system for collecting data on disease incidence, vaccination coverage, and treatment outcomes.
   • Analysis and Reporting: Regularly analyze data to identify trends, assess the effectiveness of control measures, and report findings to stakeholders.
   • Feedback Mechanisms: Create channels for feedback from farmers and veterinary staff to continuously improve disease control strategies.
   • Adjustments and Improvements: Based on evaluation results, refine and update disease control strategies to enhance their effectiveness.
   • Audits and Inspections: Conduct periodic audits and field inspections to ensure compliance with disease control policies.
4. Manage Animal Identification in the Agro Ecological Zone
   • Identification Systems: Implement animal identification systems (e.g., ear tagging, microchipping) to track individual animals and their health records.
   • Database Management: Maintain a comprehensive database of identified animals, including vaccination records, health status, and ownership details.
   • Traceability: Ensure the traceability of animals throughout the AEZ to quickly identify and isolate disease outbreaks.
   • Registration Processes: Simplify registration processes for farmers to ensure widespread participation in animal identification programs.
   • Compliance Enforcement: Enforce compliance with animal identification regulations through regular checks and penalties for non-compliance.
5. Liaison with Other Role Players
   • Government Agencies: Collaborate with local, regional, and national government agencies responsible for agriculture and public health.
   • Research Institutions: Partner with research institutions for access to the latest scientific insights and innovative disease control methods.
   • Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Work with NGOs to support community education and outreach programs on animal health.
   • Farmers’ Associations: Engage with farmers’ associations to ensure their members are informed and compliant with disease control measures.

Application Process:

• Applications should be submitted on the prescribed 2021 Z83 form.
• The z83 form must be fully completed, duly signed, dated and initialled by the applicant.

Related: Registering on the ESSA Labour Database for Government Jobs

 In conclusion, filling the state veterinarian vacancy at the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is crucial for ensuring the health and safety of our agricultural sector. A qualified and dedicated state veterinarian will play a pivotal role in managing animal health programs, controlling disease outbreaks, and supporting the welfare of livestock, which are essential for maintaining public health and economic stability.

This position demands a professional with extensive veterinary knowledge, strong leadership skills, and a commitment to public service. By carefully selecting a candidate who meets these criteria, the department can enhance its capacity to address current and future challenges in animal health and agriculture.