PROVINCIAL ADMINISTRATION: FREE STATE

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Free State Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is an equal opportunity affirmative action
employer. It is our intention to promote representativity (race, gender and disability) in the Department
through the filling of these posts and candidates whose appointment/promotion/transfer will promote
representativity will receive preference.

APPLICATIONS : Quoting the reference number, must be forwarded to Mrs S Hlekiso, Private
Bag X02, Bloemfontein, 9301 or delivered by Hand to Mrs S Hlekiso in Room
228, 2nd Floor, Admin Building, Glen. Email: recruitment@dard.gov.za
CLOSING DATE : 27 June 2025

NOTE : Applications must be submitted on form Z.83, obtainable from any Public
Service Department. Only shortlisted candidates will submit transcript of
results, Qualification certificates, driver’s license, identity document and a C.V.
Shortlisted candidates who possess foreign qualifications and/or short courses
certificates must take it upon themselves to have their qualifications evaluated
by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), and must please attach
proof of the level of their qualifications after evaluation on all applications.
Applicants are requested to complete the Z83 form properly and in full.
Applications received after the closing date and those that do not comply with
these instructions will not be considered. The onus is on the applicants to
ensure that their applications are posted or hand delivered timeously.
Applicants are respectfully informed that if no notification of appointment is
received within 4 months of the closing date, they must accept that their
application was unsuccessful. Suitable candidates will be subjected to a
personnel suitability check (criminal record check, citizenship verification,
financial / asset record check, qualification / study verification and previous
employment verification). Successful candidates will also be subjected to
security clearance processes. All shortlisted candidates for SMS posts will be
subjected to a technical exercise that intends to test relevant technical
elements of the job. Following the interview and technical exercise, the
selection panel will recommend candidates to attend a generic managerial
competency assessment (in compliance with the DPSA Directive on the
implementation of competency based assessments). The competency
assessment will be testing generic managerial competencies using the
mandated DPSA SMS competency assessment tools.

POST 19/154 : LABORATORY ASSISTANT REF NO: LA (X2 POSTS)

SALARY : R193 359 per annum (Level 04)
CENTRE : Kroonstad Veterinary Laboratory

REQUIREMENTS : Grade 12 or equivalent qualification. No experience needed.

DUTIES : Prepare samples for the analysis and/or determination of causes of disease
i.e. chemical residues, pH, EC, mycology etc. which would, inter alia, entail the
following: Labelling of samples Collecting/taking samples for preparation (i.e.
blood, water, soil, tissue). Preparation of sample material by eg. weighing,
drying, cutting etc. Preparation of media (ELIZA kits). Preparation and staining
of smears. Preparation of stains, buffers and reagents. Storage of samples.
Packing and/or transport samples. Assist in decontamination and disposal of
used samples. Removal of waste. Perform routine analysis of samples under
mentorship/supervision of senior personnel which would include inter alia the
following: Visual inspection and collection of infected material if applicable.
Perform extractions and basic analyses of samples. Perform bacterial
isolations and confirmatory tests. Assist in routine identification of various types
of pests/diseases (including bacteria, parasites etc.). Record analyses results.
Perform basic maintenance on selected equipment and instrumentation.
Report all faulty equipment and instrumentation. Maintain tidiness of
laboratories, clean/sterilize glassware and equipment. Perform basic
maintenance and control functions of animal production stock: Daily care of
animals (i.e cleaning of water troughs and adding health treatments to feed).
Moving animals between camps. Report unhealthy animals, mortalities and
have post mortems done. Perform administrative and related functions, which
would, inter alia, entail the following: Inventory control of equipment and
consumables for equipment. Record keeping and updating of identified
registers (i.e. Registration book, Sample referral; Samples received, records of
results, inventory of standards, reagents and chemicals). Assist with invoicing
of analyses. Comply with health and safety regulations.

ENQUIRIES : Ms E Mokhobo at 073 581 9936

POST 19/153 : VETERINARY PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICER REF NO: VPH (X1 POST)

SALARY : R397 116 per annum (Level 08)
CENTRE : Fezile Dabi District: Sasolburg

REQUIREMENTS : Relevant National Diploma in Environmental Health / Animal Health / Veterinary
Public Health. Registration with the relevant South African statutory board is
recommended. Valid driver’s license (code EB). 1 – 2 years post-qualification
experience.

DUTIES : Ensure meat hygiene and food safety through inter alia: Monitor and inspect
import and export products / animals and accompanying documentation to
ensure that international standards are adhered to. Execute law enforcement
in accordance with the Meat Safety Act. Abattoirs & sterilization plants: Auditing
and monitoring abattoir hygiene through routine sampling and conducting of
regular inspections. Making recommendations regarding the registration,
upgrading and repair of existing facilities. Implementation and verification of
the Hygiene Assessment System (HAS). Provide training to meat inspection
staff, slaughter personnel and quality control officers. Ensure that game
harvesting processes comply with national and international standards. Ensure
legislative compliance through awareness campaigns, extension practices &
law (to public, existing & proposed clients regarding food safety) through inter
alia: Advise the public regarding informal slaughtering &exemptions; Determine
slaughtering needs of communities and make recommendations; Assist with
Departmental projects regard slaughtering of animals (culling); Provide
training, technical assistance and health education to communities on food
safety; Recommendations regarding the registration, upgrading and repair of
existing facilities; Training of meat inspection staff, abattoir personnel and Food
Safety Managers’ Serving of directives (reports, warning, notices, directives);
Investigate and control illegal slaughtering in collaboration with the relevant
authorities; Liaison with internal and external stake holders. Ensure compliance
with legislation, national and international export requirement (individual export
or district export facilities & international trade requirements) through inter alia:
Auditing of export facilities for compliance (dairies, cutting plants, processing
plants, sources for hides & skins, intermediate stores). Game harvesting –
monitoring of harvesting procedures (compliance with local and international
requirements. Collection of samples for surveillance projects of identified
diseases in animal and animal products, i.e. BSE Sampling (Brain stem
samples), bacteriological sampling (Water, effluent, surfaces, carcasses),
Residue Sampling (Hormones, pesticides, Antibiotics). Perform administrative
and related functions, which would, inter alia, entail the following: Collection of
data, Populate database, Compile and submit monthly and quarterly reports,
letters and notices. Provide inputs to the operational plan for veterinary public
health.

ENQUIRIES : Dr M Mundia at 066 025 457

POST 19/152 : ANIMAL HEALTH TECHNICAN REF NO: AHT (X3 POSTS)

SALARY : R397 116 per annum (Level 08)
CENTRE : Xhariep District: Koffiefontein; Mangaung Metro: Botshabelo and Thabo
Mofutsanyana District: Warden

REQUIREMENTS : National Diploma in Animal Health. Registration with the SA Veterinary Council
as Animal Health Technician. A valid driver’s licence Code 08 (EB). 1 – 2 years
post-qualification experience.

DUTIES : Plan and implement disease control measures, which would, inter alia, entail
the following: Administer vaccinations for animal diseases (e.g. Rabies,
Brucellocis, and Anthrax). Collect specimens, examine and dispatch samples
with regard to animal diseases e.g. CA, Rabies, Sheep Scab and collection of
census data regarding farm animals. Conduct inspections of livestock for the
presence of notifiable diseases. Participate in campaigns and other activities
aimed at eradicating the spread of animal diseases. Render a support service
to the State Veterinarian with regard to animal disease control, reproduction
advancement, sample collection and law enforcement, which would, inter alia,
entail the following: Conducting inspections of animals, animal products,
vaccine distribution points and installations where animal products are
processed. Assisting the State Veterinarian with investigations relating to
surveys, post mortems and animal diseases e.g. Sheep Scab and Rabies.
Obtaining and processing of epidemiological and other data. Collection of
samples for analysis by the State Veterinarian and laboratory. Enforce animal
disease legislation at auctions, veterinary road blocks, border posts, etc.
Provide extension services on animal health to animal owners, which would,
inter alia, entail the following: Determine the needs of farmers, communities
through liaison with them, Initiate meetings, gatherings and farmers days for
the promotion of animal health and production. Do presentations at extension
programs, farmers’ days, etc. Perform administrative and related functions
which would entail the following: Populate databases and registers. Compile
and submit monthly and quarterly reports. Provide inputs to the operational
plan for Animal Health Unit.

ENQUIRIES : Xhariep District: Ms M Dlanga at 072 711 1809
Manguang Metro: Dr J J Barnard at 066 025 2229

POST 19/151 : VETERINARY TECHNOLOGIST REF NO: VET (X2 POSTS)

SALARY : R397 116 per annum (Level 08)

CENTRE : Bloemfontein Veterinary Laboratory and Kroonstad Veterinary Laboratory
REQUIREMENTS : National Diploma in Veterinary Technology. Registration with the South African
Veterinary Council. Valid driver’s licence. 1 – 2 years’ experience post
qualification.

DUTIES : Render a Veterinary Laboratory Diagnostic service, which would, inter alia,
entail the following: Receive, collect, register, and process specimens; Analyse
and interpret laboratory diagnostic test readings; Use approved methods and
techniques to carry out diagnostic tests. Review and verification of test results.
Populate data bases (e.g. LIMS) to provide veterinary statistics for national and
international planning, which would, inter alia, include the following: Generate,
record, verify, manipulate and maintain diagnostic data; Report back on
diagnostic and related data as and when required; Compile monthly and annual
statistical reports. 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 Veterinary Diagnostic laboratory service. This would,
inter alia, entail the following: Participate in compilation of SOP’s and
implementation of approved SOP’s in accordance with applicable quality
management system; Study professional journals and publications to ensure
that cognisance is taken of new developments; Keep abreast of the latest
developments in Veterinary Diagnostic technologies. To perform all
administrative and related functions which would include, inter alia, the
following: Supervise technical and related personnel and section budgets;
Stock control of the relevant diagnostic section; Control and maintenance of
laboratory equipment, including calibration; Ensure compliance with national
prescriptions.

ENQUIRIES : Dr H Bester-Cloete at 066 025 1955

POST 19/150 : STATE VETERINARIAN REF NO: SV (X2 POSTS)

SALARY : R896 436 per annum (Level 11). The remuneration package consists of the
basic salary, the Government’s contribution to the Government Employee
Pension Fund and flexible portion, which may be structured in terms of the
rules for the structuring of the flexible portion and which may include a 13th
cheque, motor car allowance, home owner’s allowance and medical aid
assistance

CENTRE : Kroonstad Veterinary Laboratory and Welkom State VET Office

REQUIREMENTS : BVSc Degree or equivalent Qualification recognised by the South African
Veterinary Council. Registration with the South African Veterinary Council.
Valid driver’s licence (code B). 1-2 years post qualification experience.

DUTIES : Develop, analyse and audit policies, norms, standards and legislation for
Veterinary Services, which would, inter alia, entail the following: Scan local and
international environment to inform policy needs, updates and impact;
Collection of data and stakeholder consultation; Compile and provide inputs for
policy development, norms and standards; Dissemination, implementation and
auditing of policies, norms and standards. Render Veterinary Services through
the implementation of the relevant legislation, which would, inter alia, entail the
following: Plan, implement, maintain and coordinate disease surveillance
measures (eg. Early warning systems), identify controlled and non-controlled
diseases and take appropriate corrective actions; Management of animals
identification and traceability; Issuing of permits and health certificates for the
movement of animals across borders / diseases free and infected zones;
Identification of prevalent animal diseases, development and implementation
of appropriate intervention strategies (e.g. Primary Health Care); Design and
implementation of herd health programs to promote productivity of livestock;
Implement disease surveillance and other epidemiologic studies; Facilitate the
development of a practical Early Warning System for all relevant diseases
including disease modelling, simulation and scenario mappings; Contribute to
the development of emergency diseases control preparedness systems;
Liaising with the public, animal owners, organized agriculture and international
organizations on the prevention and treatment of diseases; Manage and
control the importation and exportation of animals and animal products;
Implementation and management of the prescribed official veterinary
management systems including the implementation of the National Monitoring
Residue Program; Conduct veterinary risk assessments; Ensure that slaughter
and other import/export facilities comply with the registration requirements with
the relevant authorities; Performance of abattoir ante and post mortem
inspections as required; Audit the hygiene management systems at the import
/ export establishment (e.g. Implementation of Hazard Analysis and Critical
Control Point (HACCP) and Hygiene Assessment System (HAS); Certification
of products in accordance with International norms and standards;
Management of meat inspection and disposal of condemned material in
accordance with the relevant legislation; Identify illegal slaughter practices and
take corrective action with assistance when necessary; Undertake post
mortem, farm disease outbreak investigations and other examinations to
identify causes of morbidity and mortality; Implement new procedures
techniques and / or equipment to ensure that an efficient and effective
Veterinary Diagnostic and Research service is rendered; Ensure animal
owners and para veterinary staff follow the correct procedures and methods to
collect and dispatch samples; Inspect slaughter and sterilization facilities to
ensure the maintenance of essential national hygiene standards; Evaluate
safety, efficacy and quality of stock remedies registration dossier applications,
imports permits, labels, advertisements and make recommendations.
Provision of training, development and awareness programs (extension and
outreach services) to communities with regards to Veterinary Services, which
would include, inter alia, the following:- Determine needs of communities
through liaison with community leaders and other stakeholders; Determine
interventions required to address the needs; Plan, implement and coordinate
the appropriate interventions; Render veterinary advice to stock farmers and
animal owners with regard to prevention of animal diseases and promotion of
animal health care; Provide support to other line functionaries, i.e. extension,
engineering with regard to veterinary related issues. Perform administrative
and related functions which would include, inter alia, the following: Provide
inputs for the Operational Plan of the Veterinary unit; Comply with the Public
Service prescripts; Comply with Financial Management prescripts; Contribute
to the maintenance of databases; Compile and submit reports as required;
Oversee and supervise the relevant staff i.e. Compulsory community service
veterinarians. Keep abreast of National and international trends with regard to
the applicable prescripts, policies, procedures, technologies and new
developments to be able to render an efficient and effective Veterinary Service,
through: Studying the Veterinary legal and policy frameworks continuously to
enable optimum performance of the Veterinary functions according to the
required standards; Studying professional journals, publications and attend
relevant continuous professional development interventions to ensure that
cognisance is taken of new developments and technologies.

ENQUIRIES : Dr J J Barnard at 066 025 2229

We wish you all the best with your applications