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