A position for a Veterinary Surgeon, based in Johannesburg, Gauteng, is available at the National Horseracing Authority of South Africa.

The role:
The position of a Veterinary Surgeon, based in Johannesburg, Gauteng, is available at the National Horseracing Authority.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

The regulatory veterinary surgeon is expected to:

• Safeguard the health, welfare, integrity, safety, and biosecurity of Thoroughbred racehorses in Southern Africa through the enforcement and implementation of regulatory policies in accordance with the Constitution and Rules of the NHA.
• Conduct officiating duties at race meetings and barrier trials, carry out veterinary inspections and official examinations, oversee the veterinary database, and assess the veterinary histories of racehorses before races.
• Oversee the Medication Control Program at the regional level and execute specimen collection in accordance with the provided guidelines.
• Serve on Inquiry Boards, delivering expert opinions concerning the well-being, welfare, integrity, safety, and biosecurity of Thoroughbreds.
• Enforce quarantine procedures as required, in accordance with government-mandated laws and regulations.
• Conduct track inspections to assess the safety of the track for both training and racing purposes.

Administration:

• Keep the veterinary database current by updating it with veterinary reports following each race meeting.
• Maintain a supply of non-expired emergency medication and conduct stock-taking in compliance with SAVC requirements.
• Oversee the regional veterinary roster.
• Strategize the regional Medication Control Program.
• Coordinate with the Stud Book to address passport accuracy and vaccination discrepancies.
• Ensure accurate completion of Vet Treatment Registers by trainer.
• Foster communication with owners, trainers, and jockeys.
• Collaborate with local Racing Operators.
• Engage with the local Horse Welfare Unit.

Personal and Organizational Development:

• Analyse data and craft peer-reviewed papers and articles.
• Present papers at local congresses and attend such events.
• Demonstrate effective time management skills.
• Adhere to all professional standards set by the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC).
• Operate within the confines of the annual veterinary budget.
• Strive for value for money, effectiveness, and efficiency in deploying personnel and resources in veterinary services.
• Manage leave effectively.
• Undertake additional tasks and duties as requested or required, including attending race meetings and inquiries in other provinces.
• Proficiency in drafting and producing reports for management and governance purposes.
• Leadership abilities, capable of leading a team and supervising the work of other employees.
• Proficient computer literacy, including knowledge of relevant software and systems.
• Demonstrate strong communication skills, both verbal and written.

Behavioural Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity in all actions and adheres to ethical standards.
• Takes accountability for responsibilities and follows through on commitments.
• Recognizes the significance of confidentiality and maintains the highest level of confidentiality in handling sensitive information.
• Possesses strong interpersonal skills, fostering positive relationships with colleagues and stakeholders, and effective communication skills.
• Exhibits the ability to manage deadlines efficiently and effectively prioritize tasks. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• A minimum of BVSc degree and registration with the South African Veterinary Council as a practicing Veterinary Practitioner.
• Friendly and outgoing personality, fostering positive interactions with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Proven organizational skills, ensuring efficient and effective task management.
• Ability to promptly and effectively respond to problematic situations and requests.
• Competence in advanced office practices, such as filing, accurate typing, and processing and sorting tasks.
• Capability to follow detailed written or verbal instructions accurately.
• Leadership abilities, capable of leading a team and supervising the work of other employees.

Interested individuals who meet the minimum requirements are kindly requested to submit their CVs to Recruitment at recruitment@nhra.co.za. Please include “Veterinary Surgeon Application” in the subject line. Correspondence will be limited to the shortlisted candidate.

The closing date for applications is Wednesday, 18 October 2023, at 16:00. Please note that correspondence will only be conducted with shortlisted candidates.

“The NHA reserves a right not to appoint”.