If you’re passionate about veterinary sciences and law enforcement within South Africa’s borders, the Border Management Authority (BMA) is offering an exciting opportunity. The position of State Veterinarian at BMA requires dedicated professionals to join the Operations and Law Enforcement division in either Cape Town or City Deep. This role is ideal for veterinarians who are committed to animal welfare, disease prevention, and regulatory compliance at the country’s entry and exit points.
State Veterinarian Job Overview
- Position Title: State Veterinarian
- Salary Range: R1,003,000 – R1,130,000 (all-inclusive remunerative package)
- Location:
- Cape Town, Southern Region
- City Deep, Central Region
- Reference Numbers:
- Cape Town: BMA 3/6/2024 (A) | Email: State-Vet@bma.gov.za
- City Deep: BMA 3/6/2024 (B) | Email: State-Vet2@bma.gov.za
- Division: Operations and Law Enforcement
Minimum Requirements
To qualify for this unique role, applicants should meet the following requirements:
Academic Qualification
- Required Degree: A BVSc Degree or BVMCh degree or equivalent veterinary qualification recognized by the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA) and the South African Veterinary Council.
Professional Experience
- Experience: Minimum of 1 year in a veterinary environment.
- Registration: Registration with the South African Veterinary Council is mandatory.
Knowledge and Skills
- Knowledge of Legislation:
- South African Constitution
- Border Management Act of 2020
- International Agreements and Conventions (related to sanitary, phytosanitary, and food quality)
- Animal welfare legislation, norms, and standards
- Technical Skills:
- Disease control and epidemiology
- Animal traceability systems
- Public health standards and hygiene protocols
- Emergency disease control systems
- Additional Requirements: Flexibility in working hours, overtime availability, and a valid driver’s license.
Key Responsibilities and Duties
As a State Veterinarian at BMA, you will be responsible for overseeing veterinary operations, ensuring compliance with animal health and welfare regulations, and liaising with various stakeholders. Here are some key tasks:
- Disease Surveillance and Control:
- Implement and coordinate disease surveillance measures, including early warning systems.
- Identify and control prevalent animal diseases and design herd health programs to enhance livestock productivity.
- Develop and execute emergency disease control preparedness, including modeling and scenario mapping for potential disease outbreaks.
- Veterinary Risk Management:
- Perform veterinary risk assessments to control the importation and exportation of animals and animal products.
- Issue health certificates for animal movement and manage animal identification protocols.
- Public and Stakeholder Engagement:
- Act as a liaison between BMA, the public, animal owners, and organized agriculture to promote animal health.
- Participate in forums, conferences, and workshops to stay updated on industry practices and policy changes.
- Facility Compliance and Hygiene Audits:
- Conduct hygiene assessments and audits, ensuring abattoirs and import/export facilities comply with standards.
- Perform ante-mortem and post-mortem inspections as part of regulatory compliance.
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) Management:
- Develop, maintain, and update SOPs, policies, and guidelines in alignment with the department’s needs.
- Provide evidence for internal and external audits, ensuring adherence to all laws and regulations.
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How to Apply
Candidates who meet the qualifications and are interested in applying should submit their application via email to the respective email addresses based on the preferred region.
- Cape Town Applications: State-Vet@bma.gov.za (Reference Number: BMA 3/6/2024 (A))
- City Deep Applications: State-Vet2@bma.gov.za (Reference Number: BMA 3/6/2024 (B))
This role offers a meaningful opportunity for veterinarians who want to make an impact in animal health, public safety, and cross-border regulatory compliance in South Africa.
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The State Veterinarian position at the Border Management Authority is more than just a job; it’s an opportunity to safeguard South Africa’s animal health and public safety on an international level. This role offers an exciting mix of fieldwork, disease prevention, regulatory enforcement, and stakeholder engagement. For veterinarians with a passion for protecting animal welfare, managing disease risks, and ensuring compliance with national and international standards, this position provides a challenging yet rewarding career path.
