State Veterinarian — Wildlife Disease Surveillance
A State Veterinarian post is open in Skukuza, Mpumalanga, focused on wildlife disease control and clinical services. Closes 28 September 2026.
| Job Title | State Veterinarian — Wildlife Disease Surveillance |
| Company | Government |
| Job Reference | 3/3/1/83/2026 |
| Category | Government |
| Location | Pretoria, Gauteng, ZA |
| Employment Type | Full Time |
| Date Posted | 2026-09-15T18:12 |
| Closing Date | 2026-09-28T16:03 |
| Status | Open for Applications |
| Salary | ZAR 728147 - 932292 per year |
| Education Requirement | High school |
| Minimum Experience | 1 year(s) (12 months) |
State Veterinarian — Wildlife Disease Surveillance - Job Description
Introduction
The Department of Agriculture is looking for a qualified State Veterinarian to join its Animal Health directorate in Skukuza, Mpumalanga. This role centres on wildlife disease surveillance, diagnostic services, and safeguarding animal health across the region, offering a chance to work at the intersection of conservation, public health, and regulatory veterinary practice.
About the Company
The Department of Agriculture (DOA) is the national government body responsible for animal health, food safety, and agricultural regulation in South Africa. Its Animal Health directorate oversees disease control programmes that protect livestock, wildlife, and the country's export markets
Responsibilities
The successful candidate will lead wildlife disease monitoring and control efforts, conduct necropsies and manage laboratory diagnostics, and oversee health planning for working dogs used by conservation and law-enforcement units. Duties also include coordinating epidemiological investigations, supporting scientific research on emerging wildlife diseases, performing veterinary public health inspections during culling and at abattoirs, advising provincial vets and farmers on disease risks tied to wildlife movement, and contributing to policy, budgeting, and reporting for the directorate
Required Qualifications
A Grade 12 certificate plus a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc/BVMCh) is required, along with registration as a Veterinarian with the South African Veterinary Council. Candidates need at least one year of experience as a State Veterinarian or in Compulsory Community Service within a regulatory veterinary environment, working knowledge of the Animal Diseases Act and Meat Safety Act, familiarity with ISO-IEC 17025 laboratory standards, and experience with import/export regulation. Strong analytical, research, and communication skills are essential, as is a valid driver's licence and a firearm competency certificate for handguns, shotguns, and rifles.
Job Benefits and Perks
Employment at Level 11 with the standard public service benefits package, plus the opportunity to work directly on conservation-linked disease control in one of South Africa's most significant wildlife regions.
How to Apply
Submit a completed Z83 form and a detailed CV (PDF, max 10MB) by email to SVrecruit83@nda.gov.za, or hand-deliver to 20 Steve Biko Street, Agriculture Place, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0002. Applications close 28 September 2026 at 16:00. Enquiries: Dr M Swanepoel, (012) 319 7481.
This vacancy also has confirmed openings in: Johannesburg, Sandton, Randburg (Gauteng).