Senior Biosecurity Practitioner- Northern Region at BKB Ltd

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE:

• BSc in Animal Health or relevant qualification
• Registered with the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC)
• At least 5 years’ experience in the animal health field
• Extensive knowledge of all relevant Legislative and Regulatory frameworks regarding animal health

SKILLS:

• Ability to work independently combined with excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent communication and reporting skills
• Coordinating skills
• Analytical and problem solving skills
• Effective verbal and listening communication skills
• Time management skills
• Good computer literacy
• Decision-making skills
• Ability to manage teams

COMPETENCIES:

• Drive and energy
• Persuasion
• Flexibility
• Initiating action
• Impact and influence

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Risk Assessment and Analysis

• Conduct biosecurity risk assessments for all auction venues in the Northern Region and develop mitigation strategies to reduce biosecurity risks.

Implementation of Biosecurity Protocols

• Design, implement, and monitor biosecurity policies and procedures.
• Ensure proper use of disinfection stations, quarantine areas, PPE, and waste management.
• Maintain up-to-date biosecurity documentation and protocols.

Monitoring and Surveillance

• Conduct regular inspections and surveillance activities for pests, diseases, and contamination.
• Report unusual outbreaks or biosecurity breaches to relevant authorities.

Training and Awareness

• Train staff and relevant parties on biosecurity best practices.
• Develop educational materials and facilitate workshops
• Promote a culture of compliance and vigilance.

Compliance and Regulation

Ensure that the following legislation is adhered to:

•  Animal Disease Act 35 of 1984
•  Animal Identification Act 6 of 2002
•  Stock Theft Act 57 of 1959
•  Animal Protection Act 72 of 1962
• Agricultural produce Agents Act 12 of 1992 and rules of conduct
• Assist with audits and inspections from regulatory bodies.
• Prepare reports and documentation for compliance verification.

Incident Response and Recovery

• Develop and implement contingency plans for outbreaks or incursions.
• Participate in emergency response teams.
• Support decontamination, eradication, and recovery efforts.

Record Keeping and Reporting

• Maintain accurate and comprehensive records of all biosecurity-related activities.
• Generate reports on inspections, non-compliance, and incidents.
• Use data to improve practices and guide decision-making.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Facilitate communication across areas/branches to support biosecurity initiatives.
• Build partnerships to strengthen regional and industry biosecurity.
• Work closely with APAC on all biosecurity related issues

Continuous Improvement and Research

• Stay updated on emerging threats, new technologies, and global best practices.
• Recommend improvements based on new insights.