Veterinary Surgeon at the National Horseracing Authority in South Africa

The National Horseracing Authority in South Africa is inviting applications for a regional regulatory veterinary surgeon in Kwa-Zulu Natal

JOB DESCRIPTION

Title:

Veterinary Surgeon – Regional Regulatory Veterinary Surgeon, Kwa-Zulu Natal

Reports To:

Chief Veterinary Surgeon (first line manager) and Chief Stipendiary Steward, Kwa-Zulu Natal (regional manager).

Job Summary:

In charge of regulatory veterinary services: health, welfare, integrity, safety, and biosecurity of racehorses in Southern Africa, with a primary responsibility of overseeing racehorses in Kwa-Zulu Natal Province. Assistance at other provinces is necessary, and traveling will be required frequently.

Base office:

Kwa-Zulu Natal regional NHA office, Greyville racecourse.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

The regional regulatory veterinary surgeon is expected to:

• ensure health, welfare, integrity, safety, and biosecurity of Thoroughbred racehorses in Southern Africa by enforcement and implementation of regulatory policies in agreement with the Constitution and Rules of the NHA;
• officiate at race meetings and barrier trials, perform veterinary inspections and official examinations, manage veterinary database, and review racehorses’ veterinary histories prior to races;
• manage the regional Medication Control Program, and perform specimen collection according to the provided guidelines;
• sit on Inquiry Boards and provide expert opinion related to the health, welfare, integrity, safety, and biosecurity of Thoroughbreds.
• implement quarantine procedures as and when necessary.
  carrying out of track inspections to determine the safety of the track for training and racing.
• Administration:
  Ensure that the veterinary database is updated with the veterinary reports after each race meeting.
• Ensure a supply of non-expired emergency medication and perform stock-taking as per SAVC requirements.
• Manage the regional veterinary roster.
• Plan the regional Medication Control Program
• Liaise with the Stud Book regarding correctness of passports and vaccination discrepancies.
• Monitor that the Vet Treatment Registers are completed correctly by trainers.
• Liaise with owner, trainers and jockeys.
• Liaise with local Racing Operators.
• Liaise with local Horse Welfare Unit.
• Personal and Organisational Development:
  Analysis of data and compilation of peer reviewed papers and articles.
• Presentation of papers at and attendance of local congresses.
• Effective time management.
• Maintain all professional standards of the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC).
• Work within the constraints of the annual veterinary budget.
• Achieve value for money, effectiveness and efficiency in people and resource deployment in the veterinary services.
• Effective leave management.
• Perform other tasks and duties as requested or required, including attendance of race meetings and inquiries in other provinces.

Behavioural Competencies:

• Integrity
• Accountability
• Confidentiality is of the utmost importance
• Good interpersonal skills to liaise with staff issues

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• BVSc degree and registration with the South African Veterinary Council.
• Computer skills, effective communication skills, friendly and outgoing personality, organizational skills and ability to respond to requests effectively and efficiently.
• Ability to work around horses and in emergency situations with limited supervision.

Closing date: Monday, 1st of November 2021.

Please send you resume/CV with expected salary to the Human Resources Department by email to Mrs Shammy Aitkin .