Animal Health Technician: (Specialist) Durban Harbour at Border Management Authority

Description

The successful candidates will be expected to perform the following duties:

Plan and implement Animal Disease Control measures

• Responsible for the application of the Animal Disease Act by preventing animal diseases from entering RSA and controlling stray animals across the border.
• 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 the international border fences, between the neighbouring countries, veterinary roadblocks, and border posts.
• Regular inspection, auditing and monitoring of international animal disease fences.
• Inspections of livestock for the presence of controlled and notifiable diseases.
• Campaigns and other activities aimed at eradicating the spread of animal diseases
• Create awareness to farmers along the border to always keep their animals away from the fences to avoid contact with neighbouring animals.
• Determine interventions required to address the needs of farmers.
• Regular patrol and inspection of animal disease fences.
• Requisition of maintenance material and delivery thereof.
• Prevent stray animals from crossing the border fence.
• Assist in the identification of clinical signs of sick animals and arrange quarantine thereof.
• Report and liaise with provincial and other departments as well as interested stakeholders.
• Audit the international animal disease fences
• Implement national control measures of animals and regulated articles.
• Audit and keep register of private quarantine stations.
• Conduct inspections along the international border fences to ensure no illegal animals and animal products are brought into the country illegally.
• Ensure compliance with biosecurity measures
• 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.
• Ensure compliance with biosecurity measures.

Stakeholder Management and Relations 

• Provide advocacy on agriculture-related matters to relevant stakeholders.
• Collaborate with the 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 the purpose of expectations management, knowledge sharing and integration.
• Support the identification and mitigation of internal systems and procedural barriers to enhance excellent 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 the purpose of business improvement and position the BMA.

Administrative Services 

• Keep up to date with regard to the applicable prescripts, policies, procedures, technologies and new developments to be able to render an 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 that 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.

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)

Requirements

Minimum requirements

• Grade 12
• Undergraduate Qualification at NQF level 6 recognized by SAQA in Animal Health
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience at supervisory.
• 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.