Close Menu
    Monday, November 10
    Job Opportunity

    VETERINARY PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICER x1

    4 Mins Read
    VETERINARY

    VETERINARY PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICER

    The Free State Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) is a key provincial department that supports sustainable agriculture, food safety, rural empowerment, and veterinary public health. The Department actively promotes representativity and transformation within its workforce and strives to provide inclusive, science-based services to protect animal and human health. Through its public health and veterinary programs, the Department ensures compliance with national and international food safety standards, enhances disease prevention systems, and safeguards consumer well-being.

    Job Overview:

    • Job Title: Veterinary Public Health Officer
    • Company: Free State Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
    • Location: Fezile Dabi District – Sasolburg, Free State, South Africa
    • Employment Type: Permanent (On-site)
    • Number of Positions: 1
    • Reference Number: VPH
    • Salary: R397,116 per annum (Level 08)
    • Closing Date: 27 June 2025

    Main Purpose of the Job:

    The Veterinary Public Health Officer is responsible for ensuring food safety and meat hygiene standards across the district by implementing and enforcing national legislation, conducting facility inspections, and supporting export readiness through audits, compliance checks, and surveillance sampling. This position plays a critical role in protecting public health through effective veterinary oversight of animal product safety.

    Key Responsibilities:

    1. Food Safety and Meat Hygiene Oversight:

    • Conduct inspections and audits at abattoirs, sterilization facilities, game harvesting operations, and processing plants

    • Monitor hygiene standards through routine sampling and site assessments

    • Oversee compliance with the Meat Safety Act and support enforcement procedures

    • Recommend facility registrations, upgrades, and corrective actions where required

    • Implement and verify Hygiene Assessment Systems (HAS)

    2. Training and Capacity Building:

    • Provide technical training to meat inspection staff, slaughterhouse personnel, and food safety managers

    • Promote hygiene practices and food safety protocols among stakeholders and community members

    3. Community Engagement and Extension Services:

    • Advise communities on safe informal slaughter practices and legal requirements

    • Provide support during culling operations and Departmental slaughter-related projects

    • Lead awareness campaigns focused on public health, hygiene, and food safety

    4. Compliance Monitoring and Law Enforcement:

    • Investigate and control illegal slaughter operations in collaboration with relevant authorities

    • Serve formal notices, directives, and inspection reports

    • Ensure legal compliance of facilities with national and international export regulations

    5. Disease Surveillance and Export Readiness:

    • Conduct audits of export facilities (dairies, cutting plants, intermediate stores) for international compliance

    • Monitor game harvesting procedures to meet export standards

    • Collect biological samples (e.g., BSE, residue, bacteriological) as part of national surveillance projects

    6. Administrative and Reporting Functions:

    • Maintain accurate diagnostic and compliance databases

    • Compile and submit monthly and quarterly reports

    • Contribute to the operational planning for the Veterinary Public Health unit

    Qualifications and Requirements:

    Minimum Education:

    • National Diploma in Environmental Health, Animal Health, or Veterinary Public Health

    Registration:

    • Registration with the relevant South African statutory board is recommended

    Experience:

    • 1 to 2 years post-qualification experience in a relevant field

    Other Requirements:

    • Valid Code EB driver’s license (manual transmission)

    Key Skills and Competencies:

    • Strong knowledge of food safety legislation and hygiene systems (e.g., HAS)

    • Ability to conduct audits, inspections, and disease surveillance

    • Familiarity with abattoir operations and game harvesting protocols

    • Excellent communication skills for training and community liaison

    • Knowledge of sampling procedures for veterinary diagnostics

    • Report writing, data management, and administrative proficiency

    • Ability to work independently and travel frequently within the district

    Application Process:

    All applications must be submitted using the official Z83 form, obtainable at any public service department.

    Submit applications (quoting the reference number) to:
    Mrs. S Hlekiso
    Private Bag X02, Bloemfontein, 9301
    OR
    Hand-deliver to: Room 228, 2nd Floor, Admin Building, Glen
    Email: recruitment@dard.gov.za

    Important Notes:

    • Incomplete or late applications will not be considered

    • Only shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies of qualifications, ID, and driver’s license

    • Candidates with foreign qualifications must provide SAQA evaluation certificates

    • Shortlisted candidates may undergo background, criminal, and qualification checks

    Contact for Enquiries:

    Dr. M Mundia – 066 025 4575

    DOWNLOAD Z83

    Also see available posts from circular 19: ANIMAL HEALTH TECHNICAN REF NO: AHT (X3 POSTS)

    Share.

    Related Posts