EXTERNAL VETERINARIAN

Department: Veterinary Services
Location: Field / Abattoir-based, as required
Hours: Operational hours as determined by Food Safety Agency, the relevant authority and site requirements
Compensation: To be discussed during the interview / appointment process

About the Company

Food Safety Agency (Pty) Ltd is a recognised role player in the South African food safety, meat inspection and regulatory compliance environment. Our work supports consumer protection, industry integrity and the consistent application of relevant legislation, standards and operational requirements across multiple sites.

Food Safety Agency provides independent meat inspection, classification, APS quality inspections, laboratory testing and food safety training across various sectors of the food value chain.

As part of our veterinary services function, we are seeking a professional and suitably qualified External Veterinarian to support meat inspection, veterinary oversight and compliance activities within the abattoir environment.

Job Overview

The External Veterinarian will be responsible for rendering veterinary services as required in terms of the Meat Safety Act, 2000 (Act No. 40 of 2000), its related Regulations and the Independent Meat Inspection Scheme.

The successful candidate will be expected to supervise and verify meat inspection services, perform ante-mortem and secondary meat inspection functions, support hygiene and compliance verification, and assist with the issuing and signing of relevant veterinary certificates where applicable.

This role requires a professional who understands the importance of impartiality, independence, regulatory compliance and sound veterinary judgement within the meat inspection and abattoir environment.

Key Responsibilities

Veterinary Services & Compliance

The External Veterinarian will be responsible for supporting veterinary oversight and ensuring that applicable legislative and operational requirements are met.

Key duties include:

• Supervising meat inspection services at the respective abattoir.
• Ensuring compliance with the Meat Safety Act, applicable regulations and related requirements.
• Verifying meat inspection services in accordance with approved work processes and procedures.
• Performing ante-mortem and secondary meat inspection functions.
• Verifying primary meat inspection functions at the abattoir.
• Supporting movement control of meat and/or carcasses where applicable.
• Verifying hygiene management systems.
• Conducting evaluation inspections or HAS audits where required.
• Supporting compliance with export requirements where applicable.
• Issuing and signing condemnation certificates and other relevant veterinary certificates where required.
• Issuing and signing health and other veterinary export certificates where applicable.

Operational Conduct

The External Veterinarian will be expected to conduct all duties in a professional, compliant and site-appropriate manner.

This includes:

• Adhering to operational working hours as determined by Food Safety Agency, the PEO and/or NEO, and relevant site requirements.
• Complying with the procedures and rules of both Food Safety Agency and the customer site.
• Wearing personal protective clothing correctly when visiting operational sites.
• Maintaining professional conduct during all site visits and stakeholder engagements.
• Reporting findings, concerns or situations through the correct reporting channels.

Reporting & Communication

The External Veterinarian must ensure that findings and operational concerns are communicated clearly and timeously.

This includes:

• Informing the abattoir of relevant findings or situations where required.
• Reporting findings or situations to the relevant Veterinary Services management structure.
• Escalating unresolved matters through the appropriate internal reporting channels.
• Supporting communication with relevant authorities where required.

Education & Experience

Applicants are required to have the following qualification:

• Bachelor of Veterinary Science; or
• A recognised equivalent qualification.

The successful candidate must be registered in terms of the Veterinary and Para-Veterinary Professions Act, 1982.

Experience or knowledge of the meat inspection, abattoir, food safety or regulatory environment will be advantageous.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• Sound veterinary judgement and decision-making ability.
• Knowledge of the meat inspection and abattoir environment.
• Understanding of applicable meat safety legislation and regulatory requirements.
• English literacy and professional communication skills.
• Computer literacy.
• Attention to detail in inspection, verification and certification-related activities.
• Ability to work independently and professionally in a regulated environment.
• Commitment to impartiality, independence and ethical conduct.

Special Requirements

• Must be willing to work overtime when operationally required.
• Must be willing to work in an abattoir / meat inspection environment.
• Must comply with Food Safety Agency procedures and site-specific requirements.
• Must maintain impartiality and independence in all inspection and veterinary service-related activities.
• Must be registered with the relevant professional body as required by law.

Why Join Us?

• Join an established organisation operating within the food safety, meat inspection and regulatory compliance environment.
• Contribute to the protection of consumers and the integrity of the South African meat industry.
• Support professional, independent and legally compliant veterinary oversight within the abattoir environment.
• Work alongside experienced professionals committed to food safety, compliance and industry standards.
• Be part of a values-driven environment where impartiality, professionalism and accountability matter.

Application Process

Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV and supporting documentation.

Email: careers@afsq.co.za

Subject Line: Application: External Veterinarian

Closing Date: 10 July 2026

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Food Safety Agency reserves the right not to make an appointment should a suitable candidate not be identified.