Vacancy: Biosecurity Practitioner

Introduction:

We are recruiting on behalf of a leading livestock and agricultural services company based in Bethlehem. Our client specializes in livestock auctions, agricultural produce agency services, and ensuring compliance with national biosecurity standards across multiple venues. The successful candidate will join a dynamic team dedicated to upholding animal health and welfare through rigorous biosecurity practices.

Job Purpose:

To develop, implement, and oversee a comprehensive Auction Biosecurity Plan across multiple auction venues, ensuring full compliance with the Biosecurity Rules for Livestock Agents and relevant legislative frameworks, while maintaining auditable and traceable processes to protect animal health and welfare.

REQUIREMENTS

Minimum education (essential):

• BSc in Animal Health or relevant qualification
• Registered with the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC)

Minimum applicable experience (years):

• 3+ years

Required nature of experience:

• Working in the animal health field
• Implementing biosecurity measures and plans
• Ensuring compliance with legislative and regulatory frameworks related to animal health

Skills and Knowledge (essential):

• Extensive knowledge of relevant legislative and regulatory frameworks (e.g., Animal Disease Act, Animal Identification Act)
• Excellent communication and reporting skills
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Time management and decision-making skills
• Good computer literacy
• Ability to manage teams

Other:

• Proficient in Afrikaans and English
• Own transport and valid driver’s license
• Salary: Market Related

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

Biosecurity Plan Implementation:

• Develop and implement a reliable Auction Biosecurity Plan at each auction venue.
• Ensure compliance with the Biosecurity Rules for Livestock Agents (Government Gazette No. 43900).
• Verify documentation, identification, and health status of animals entering bio-secure areas.
• Arrange cleaning and disinfection of bio-secure areas after every auction.

Legislative Compliance:

• Ensure adherence to the Animal Disease Act 35 of 1984, Animal Identification Act 6 of 2002, and other relevant legislation.
• Report suspicious or non-compliant animals to the local Stock Theft Unit (SAPS).
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of legislative and regulatory requirements related to animal diseases.
• Support delivery of compliance programs to meet national performance standards.

Bio-secure Area Management:

• Clearly demarcate bio-secure areas with specific access points and notice boards.
• Ensure only decontaminated persons enter bio-secure areas.
• Monitor and record third-party movements within bio-secure areas per the Biosecurity Plan.
• Manage access protocols diligently to maintain biosecurity standards.

Stakeholder Support and Reporting:

• Provide feedback and information on animal health issues for monitoring and improvement.
• Contribute to programs and advisory services to enhance biosecurity outcomes.
• Undertake project activities to increase customer capacity in managing biosecurity issues.
• Update and maintain accurate records and databases per relevant policies.

Verification and Traceability

• Confirm registered brands belong to owners before offloading animals at auctions.
• Check brand marking certificates and IDs of owners and transporters where applicable.
• Ensure all animal documentation is verified prior to entry into bio-secure areas.
• Maintain auditable and traceable processes for all biosecurity actions.