Senior Biosecurity Practitioner- Northern Region

BKB Ltd; Vrystaat; On-site; ZAR 350 000 - 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the livestock industry is seeking a Senior Biosecurity Practitioner to oversee biosecurity compliance at auction facilities. Responsibilities include risk assessment, training, and stakeholder engagement to ensure adherence to biosecurity protocols and legislation.

Qualifications

• Registered with the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC).
• Knowledge and experience in the Livestock industry is recommended.

Responsibilities

• Conduct biosecurity risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies.
• Design and implement biosecurity policies and procedures.
• Train staff on biosecurity best practices.

Skills

Communication

Analytical

Time Management

Decision-Making

Interpersonal

Education

Bachelor of Veterinary Science

Job description

BKB is currently seeking an experienced and reliable Senior Biosecurity Practitioner who will be responsible for the Auction Biosecurity in the Northern Region at the group’s various auction facilities, and oversee compliance with the Biosecurity Rules for Livestock Agents (published in Government Gazette No. 43900 on 13 November 2020, Board Notice 135 of 2020).

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE:

• Bachelor of Veterinary Science
  
• Registered with the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC)
• Knowledge and experience in the Livestock industry is recommended
  
• 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.
• Responsible to train and upskill Trainee Biosecurity Practitioners
  
• 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.