Agriculture State Veterinarian Vacancy 2026 at National Department of Agriculture

Opportunity Overview

The Department of Agriculture is seeking a dedicated State Veterinarian to join its Animal Health Directorate in Mpumalanga: Skukuza. This vital role focuses on safeguarding animal health, particularly within the wildlife sector, and ensuring public health standards.

This position involves a comprehensive range of responsibilities from disease surveillance and control to veterinary public health functions. It is an opportunity for a qualified veterinarian to contribute significantly to the health and well-being of both animals and communities in the region.

Minimum Requirements

• Grade 12 Certificate
• Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc / BVMCh)
• Registration with the South African Veterinary Council as a Veterinarian
• Minimum one (1) year of experience as a State Veterinarian or Compulsory Community Service veterinarian in a regulatory state veterinary area in South Africa
• Job related knowledge:
• Applications for the Animal Diseases Act, 1984 (Act No. 35 of 1984)
• Practical working knowledge and experience in application of Meat Safety Act, 2000 (Act No. 40 of 2000)
• Knowledge and practical experience of laboratory international standards ISO-IEC 17025
• Knowledge and practical experience of import and export facilitation
• Job related skills:
• Analytical skills
• Research skills
• Ability to communicate clearly, both verbally and written
• Administration and organisational skills
• Ability to function efficiently under various types of pressure with professionalism and integrity
• Complex problem-solving skills
• Ability to think logically and adapt to change
• Ability to maintain good interpersonal relationships and work in a team
• Ability to work extended working hours
• Valid weapons’ competency certificate for handguns, shotguns and rifles
• Relevant firearm license
• Valid driver’s license

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct wildlife disease surveillance, monitoring, control, and deliver clinical and diagnostic services.
• Plan, direct, supervise, and co-ordinate wildlife disease surveillance, monitoring, and control activities.
• Perform necropsies of various species, manage sample processing, and provide disease diagnostic services in the laboratory.
• Provide health plans and clinical and emergency services for working dogs (ECI, SAPS, SANDF).
• Plan and supervise wildlife disease epidemiological investigations and expand into applied disease research.
• Collaborate on scientific papers regarding controlled or novel wildlife emerging diseases.
• Perform procedures and functions relevant to Veterinary Public Health activities.
• Plan, provide, and coordinate a wildlife veterinary public health service.
• Conduct field inspections during culling operations and carcass inspections at abattoirs.
• Ensure sanitary and quality control of final products and abattoir compliance.
• Assist with inspections pertaining to plant collection missions.
• Conduct disease risk assessment, extension, and information services.
• Provide information services to conservation agencies and the wildlife industry, and participate in Departmental Advisory Groups.
• Manage stray buffalo/livestock control and communication to relevant stakeholders.
• Deliver lectures on controlled diseases, conservation, and financial impacts to various groups.
• Contribute to risk analysis services with emphasis on wildlife translocations and wildlife associated diseases.

What the Work Involves

As a State Veterinarian in Mpumalanga: Skukuza, you will engage in a diverse range of activities that blend fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and expert consultation. Your days could involve monitoring wildlife diseases in their natural habitat, performing necropsies in a laboratory setting to diagnose illnesses, and managing samples for further analysis. You will also provide essential clinical and emergency veterinary care for working dogs supporting key services.

A significant part of the role focuses on veterinary public health, conducting inspections at abattoirs and during culling operations to ensure hygiene and compliance. You will also lead epidemiological investigations into disease outbreaks and contribute to scientific research. The role demands active engagement with conservation agencies and the wildlife industry, providing expert advice, and delivering educational lectures. The work environment will be a dynamic mix of fieldwork, laboratory tasks, and administrative duties.

How to Apply

Please submit your application via email to:

• Email Address: SVrecruit83@nda.gov.za

The deadline for applications is 28 September 2026.