Veterinary Public Health Officer Permanent at Western Cape Government

The Department of Agriculture, Western Cape Government, is seeking a dedicated Veterinary Public Health Officer to join its team in Elsenburg. This permanent, full-time position is critical for ensuring the safety and quality of meat products within the Western Cape Province. The successful candidate will be responsible for monitoring and controlling abattoirs to ensure strict compliance with the Meat Safety Act (Act No. 40 of 2000). This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute significantly to public health and food safety, working within a regulatory framework that upholds high standards for animal health and consumer protection.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough inspections of abattoirs to verify compliance with all relevant Meat Safety legislation, identifying any deviations and recommending corrective actions.
• Perform comprehensive audits of abattoirs to assess their adherence to Meat Safety legislation, ensuring robust systems and processes are in place for food safety.
• Execute general functions as required by the Meat Safety legislation, including documentation, reporting, and enforcement activities.
• Actively contribute to enhancing meat safety standards across the province through proactive monitoring, education, and collaboration with industry stakeholders.
• Engage with abattoir management and staff to provide guidance on best practices and regulatory requirements, fostering a culture of compliance and continuous improvement.
• Prepare detailed reports on inspection and audit findings, ensuring clear communication of compliance status and areas requiring attention.

Why Join the Company

Joining the Western Cape Government's Department of Agriculture means becoming an integral part of a team dedicated to safeguarding public health and promoting agricultural excellence. As a Veterinary Public Health Officer, you will have the opportunity to apply your expertise in a critical field, directly impacting the well-being of communities. The Western Cape Government offers a stable and supportive work environment, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to work with a diverse group of professionals. You will contribute to a vital public service, ensuring that food safety standards are met and maintained across the province.

Application Strategy (Exclusive)

For this Veterinary Public Health Officer role, highlight your practical experience in environmental health, animal health, or veterinary public health, specifically mentioning any involvement with abattoir inspections or meat safety. Emphasise your knowledge of relevant legislation, such as the Meat Safety Act and other environmental/food safety policies. Showcase your analytical and report-writing skills, providing examples of how you've documented findings and contributed to compliance efforts in previous roles.

Interview Preparation

1. Describe your experience with the Meat Safety Act (Act No. 40 of 2000) and how you would ensure an abattoir's compliance with its regulations.
2. How do you handle situations where you encounter resistance or non-compliance during an inspection?

You can practice answering these questions using the YouthNextStep Interview Simulator.

How to Apply

Please apply using the Quick Apply button on this page. Reference: AGR 46/2026

• Relevant National Diploma in Environmental Health/ Animal Health/ Veterinary Public Health at NQF level 6 as recognised by SAQA
• A minimum of 1 year relevant experience
• A valid code B (or higher) driving licence