Animal Health Technician: (Specialist) Durban Harbour

In brief

Overview This role is for an Animal Health Technician (Specialist) at the Durban Harbour, working for the Border Management Authority. The primary purpose of this position is to implement and enforce animal disease control measures to prevent the entry of animal diseases into South Africa, manage stray animals across borders, and ensure compliance with biosecurity protocols at various entry points. The successful candidate will be responsible for inspections, legislative enforcement, stakeholder engagement, and administrative tasks related to animal health and public safety. What you will do * Plan and implement Animal Disease Control measures, including preventing animal diseases from entering RSA and controlling stray animals across the border. * Apply the Animal Disease Act. * Conduct inspections of animals, animal products, vaccine distribution points, and installations where animal products are processed. * Assist with investigations relating to surveys, post-mortems, and animal diseases (e.g., foot and mouth disease). * Assist in obtaining and processing epidemiological and other data. * Enforce animal disease legislation along international border fences, between neighbouring countries, at veterinary roadblocks, and border posts. * Regularly inspect, audit, and monitor international animal disease fences. * Inspect livestock for the presence of controlled and notifiable diseases. * Participate in campaigns and other activities aimed at eradicating the spread of animal diseases. * Create awareness among farmers along the border to keep their animals away from fences to avoid contact with neighbouring animals. * Determine interventions required to address the needs of farmers. * Regularly patrol and inspect animal disease fences. * Requisition maintenance material and oversee its delivery. * Prevent stray animals from crossing the border fence. * Assist in the identification of clinical signs of sick animals and arrange for their quarantine. * Report and liaise with provincial and other departments, as well as interested stakeholders. * Audit the international animal disease fences. * Implement national control measures for animals and regulated articles. * Audit and maintain a register of private quarantine stations. * Conduct inspections along international border fences to ensure no illegal animals and animal products are brought into the country illegally. * Ensure compliance with biosecurity measures. * Be responsible for the seizure and disposal of illegal or infectious animals, materials, or products thereof. * Conduct inspections at airports, landports, and harbours to ensure that no illegal animals or animal products are brought into the country. * Oversee the seizure and disposal of illegal or infectious animals, materials, or products thereof. * Tend to and care for animals at the quarantine station. * Provide advocacy on agriculture-related matters to relevant stakeholders. * Collaborate with necessary organs of state and domestic and international organisations to promote and enhance effective, efficient, and secure animal and animal products movement. * Ensure the development and effective stakeholder relations management with both local and international communities in support of national objectives and agriculture priorities. * Build and maintain effective internal and external stakeholder relationships for expectations management, knowledge sharing, and integration. * Support the identification and mitigation of internal systems and procedural barriers to enhance customer service. * Support the implementation of timeous communication on relevant information and legislation to the Ports of Entry. * Participate in industry-related forums, conferences, and workshops to gain industry insight for business improvement and to position the BMA. * Keep up to date with applicable prescripts, policies, procedures, technologies, and new developments to render efficient and effective Animal Health & Public Health support services. * Ensure submission of mandatory reports and information. * Assist in the establishment, maintenance, and improvement of Standard Operating Procedures, policies, and guidelines relating to the business unit in consultation with the Supervisor. * Monitor changes in the regulatory environment and ensure appropriate operational controls are implemented to address new requirements. * Ensure effective support in the provision of evidence to all internal and external audit requirements. * Adhere to all relevant laws, policies, and Standard Operating Procedures throughout the BMA. Requirements (from the original advert) * **Knowledge**: * The Constitution * Border Management Act, 2020 * Animal Disease Act, 1984 * Meat Safety Act, 2000 * Good governance and Batho Pele Principles * Internal performance evaluation and reporting * Government decision-making processes * Diversity Management * Performance Management and Monitoring * Public Service Regulations * Government systems and structure * Public Finance Management Act * International agreements, conventions, and bilateral agreements relating to phytosanitary, sanitary and food safety & quality matters * Relevant legislation and regulations, norms and standards * Five freedoms of animal welfare * **Professional registration**: * Valid registration with the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) * **Minimum requirements**: * Grade 12 * Undergraduate Qualification at NQF level 6 recognized by SAQA in Animal Health * Minimum of 3 years’ experience at supervisory level * Flexibility in working hours and extensive travel will be required to meet the demands of the role * May be required to work overtime * Valid driver’s License Who should apply An Animal Health professional with an NQF level 6 qualification in Animal Health and at least 3 years of supervisory experience is sought. The ideal candidate must hold valid registration with the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) and possess a valid driver’s license. This role demands flexibility with working hours, willingness to travel extensively, and the possibility of working overtime. Applicants should possess a strong foundational knowledge of animal disease control legislation (including the Animal Disease Act and Meat Safety Act), border management, government decision-making processes, public finance management, and biosecurity protocols. Experience in planning and implementing disease control measures, conducting inspections, managing stakeholder relations, and performing administrative duties in a regulatory environment is essential. Deadline Not specified Reference Original posting: https://www.myjobmag.co.za/job/animal-health-technician-specialist-durban-harbour-border-management-authority Source: myjobmag

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At a glance

• At least 3 years of experience.

• Customer service

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