Biosecurity Officer - Livestock Disease Prevention and Control

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 480,000 - 750,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Retirement fund contributions

Paid annual leave

Collaborative work environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a vigilant Biosecurity Officer to safeguard livestock operations. The role blends on-site inspections and remote work for policy development, data analysis, and reporting.

You will lead biosecurity protocol implementation, risk assessment, and outbreak planning across member farms and facilities. The candidate should have veterinary science or animal health background, with epidemiology knowledge and a track record in training programs, risk management, and stakeholder

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Science or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in animal health, disease control, or biosecurity management.
• Strong understanding of livestock diseases, epidemiology and transmission routes.
• Knowledge of biosecurity principles, risk assessment, and control measures.
• Experience in developing and delivering training programs.

Responsibilities

• Develop and update biosecurity management plans for livestock operations.
• Conduct risk assessments and site inspections.
• Enforce animal movement, access, disinfection and waste protocols.
• Monitor disease outbreaks and coordinate rapid response.
• Deliver training to farmers, workers and stakeholders.

Skills

Veterinary background

Epidemiology

Disease prevention

Training delivery

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Veterinary Science

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent agricultural cooperative, is seeking a vigilant and experienced Biosecurity Officer to safeguard their livestock operations against the introduction and spread of diseases. This hybrid role requires both on-site presence for inspections, training, and response coordination, as well as remote work for policy development, data analysis, and reporting. You will be responsible for developing, implementing, and enforcing comprehensive biosecurity protocols across member farms and associated facilities. This involves risk assessment, surveillance, stakeholder education, and outbreak management planning. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in veterinary science or animal health, with specialized knowledge in epidemiology and disease prevention strategies. Your expertise will be crucial in maintaining herd health, protecting agricultural investments, and ensuring compliance with national and international biosecurity standards. This role demands a proactive and meticulous approach to safeguard animal health and agricultural integrity.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and continuously update comprehensive biosecurity management plans for livestock operations.
• Conduct regular risk assessments and site inspections to identify potential biosecurity threats.
• Establish and enforce strict protocols for animal movement, personnel access, equipment disinfection, and waste management.
• Monitor for signs of disease outbreaks and coordinate rapid response efforts when necessary.
• Develop and deliver training programs to farmers, farm workers, and stakeholders on biosecurity best practices.
• Investigate disease incidents and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Maintain detailed records of biosecurity measures, training, inspections, and disease surveillance data.
• Liaise with veterinary authorities, industry bodies, and research institutions on biosecurity matters.
• Advise on procurement and use of disinfectants, personal protective equipment (PPE), and other biosecurity supplies.
• Prepare regular reports on biosecurity status, risks, and compliance for management and stakeholders.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Veterinary Science, Animal Health, Agricultural Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in animal health, disease control, or biosecurity management, preferably within the livestock sector.
• Strong understanding of livestock diseases, epidemiology, and pathogen transmission routes.
• Knowledge of biosecurity principles, risk assessment methodologies, and control measures.
• Experience in developing and delivering training programs.
• Excellent observational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication, reporting, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively, with both on-site and remote responsibilities.
• Familiarity with relevant national and international biosecurity regulations and guidelines.
• Willingness to travel within the region and respond to urgent biosecurity needs.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to play a critical role in protecting the health of the agricultural sector.
• Continuous learning and professional development in a crucial field.
• Contribution to industry-wide health and safety standards.
• Health insurance and retirement fund contributions.
• Paid annual leave and other standard employment benefits.
• Supportive working environment with a focus on collaboration.