Animal Health Technician

Animal Health Position Overview The successful candidate will be responsible for supporting the overall health and wellbeing of livestock, assisting with preventative animal health programmes, monitoring animals for signs of illness or injury, and carrying out routine animal health procedures within their applicable scope of practice. The role will involve working closely with farm management, farm staff and veterinarians, with a willingness to work within the meat industry, including the farm and abattoir environment where required.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor the general health, condition and wellbeing of livestock.
• Conduct regular animal health inspections and identify signs of illness, injury, disease or abnormal behaviour.
• Assist with the prevention, treatment and control of animal diseases.
• Administer vaccinations, medication and treatments in accordance with the applicable scope of practice.
• Assist with the implementation of animal health programmes, including vaccination and parasite control programmes.
• Monitor livestock following treatments and report any health concerns or abnormalities to management and/or the relevant veterinarian.
• Assist with animal handling, examinations and routine health procedures.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date animal health and treatment records.
• Assist with maintaining appropriate farm biosecurity, hygiene and disease-prevention standards.
• Monitor livestock condition and identify any concerns requiring attention.
• Work closely with farm management, employees and veterinarians regarding animal health matters.
• Maintain appropriate stock levels and accurate records of veterinary medicines and animal health products, where applicable.
• Assist with emergency animal health situations as required.
• Ensure all animal health activities are conducted in accordance with relevant legislation, industry standards and South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) requirements.
• Assist with maintaining a safe and hygienic working environment.
• Be willing to work in and around the farm and abattoir environment when required.
• Perform general administrative and other reasonable animal health duties as requested by management.

Minimum Requirements

• Relevant qualification as an Animal Health Technician.
• Current registration with the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) is essential.
• Proof of current SAVC registration must be provided.
• Previous experience working with livestock, preferably within the beef or agricultural industry.
• Good understanding of livestock health, disease prevention and animal welfare.
• Afrikaans and English speaking is essential.
• Willingness to work within the meat industry, including around a farm and abattoir where required.
• Knowledge & Skills
• Strong knowledge of livestock health and disease prevention.
• Understanding of vaccination and parasite-control programmes.
• Knowledge of animal handling and routine animal health procedures.
• Good record-keeping and administrative skills.
• Ability to identify and report animal health concerns accurately.
• Ability to work effectively with veterinarians, farm management and farm employees.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to remain calm and effective during emergency animal health situations.
• Personal Attributes
• Responsible and dependable.
• Compassionate towards animals and committed to animal welfare.
• Practical and hands-on approach.
• Observant and detail-oriented.
• Strong work ethic.
• Professional and reliable.
• Physically fit and comfortable working in a farm and livestock environment.
• Adaptable and willing to assist with duties outside of routine responsibilities when required.
• Additional Information

Work Location: Delmas, Mpumalanga Salary: Market-related, based on qualifications and experience.