Job Opportunities in South Africa

FACULTY OF VETERINARY SCIENCE
HANS HOHEISEN WILDLIFE RESEARCH STATION
VETERINARIAN
POST LEVEL 7


In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the following vacancy.
The University of Pretoria's commitment to quality makes us one of the top research Universities in the country and gives us a competitive advantage in international science and technology development.
The Hans Hoheisen Wildlife Research Station (HHWRS), adjacent to the Orpen rest camp in Mpumalanga, is a research platform managed by the Faculty of Veterinary Science. The station is within the Greater Kruger National Park and approximately 70km from Hoedspruit. Facilities at the station include a main building that houses a number of research laboratories (including a BSL 2+ laboratory), offices and an auditorium that seats 88 people, self-catering accommodation for students and researchers, and on-site freestanding accommodation for permanent staff. The Faculty is looking for a Veterinarian providing research support for registered projects involving animal handling and sampling, either on site (at the station) or in the neighbouring community and wildlife reserves. Another key function is to provide operational continuity and support at both the Hluvukani Animal Clinic and the Research Station. The position involves research coordination, training (students and researchers) and liaising with key stakeholders to the benefit of the station and broader research activities of the University of Pretoria by offering specialised, on-site veterinary expertise and services. The position reports to the Academic Manager of the research platform and the incumbent will preferably reside at HHWRS.


RESPONSIBILITIES:
The incumbent will be responsible for the following, which s/he should manage independently:

• Act as a point of contact between HHWRS and researchers conducting animal work in the Minisi community and/or reserves and/or at the station;
• Support research projects by providing the required veterinary expertise for project facilitation (animal handling, sampling, immobilisation and relocation, biopsy and necropsy); assist with permitting requirements (Department of Agriculture, Health and Environmental affair, and others); and assist with invoicing and costing of studies;
• Maintain research field project register, together with the laboratory manager, comprehensively documents all registered research activities linked to the station;
• Provide feedback and training sessions in the Mnisi community and facilitate workshops and/or information sessions, for visiting researchers, students and staff;
• Locum veterinarian for the Hluvukani Animal Clinic, including associated veterinary student training;
• Standby facility management; and
• Management of contract staff assisting with field and community-based research involving animals, as needed by projects.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• A BVSc or equivalent degree;
• At least 4 years’ experience with companion animals, livestock and wildlife;
• Registered with SAVC as a veterinarian.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):

• Demonstrated ability to engage with a broad range of stakeholders;
• Extensive knowledge of controlled diseases;
• Learning facilitation and/or instruction skills;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Excellent interpersonal skills; and
• Flexible, supportive team-player who is able to work independently and in isolation.

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:

• Sound knowledge of the legislative frameworks applicable to controlled diseases and movement of domestic and wild animals;
• Experience in providing veterinary support to research projects;
• Willingness to reside and work at the research station and provide support outside of regular office hours. Housing is available at an affordable rent;
• Co-authorship of >5 publications;
• Relevant MSc degree; and
• Knowledge of the greater Ehlanzeni area.

PLEASE NOTE: All shortlisted candidates may be required to participate in relevant skills assessments as part of the selection process.


The annual remuneration package will be commensurate with the incumbent’s level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines. UP subscribes to the BESTMED and UMVUZO medical aid schemes and contributes 50% of the applicable monthly premium.


Applicants are requested to apply online at www.up.ac.za
In applying for this post, please attach:

• A comprehensive CV;
• Certified copies of qualifications and SAVC registration; and
• Names, e-mail addresses and telephone details of three referees whom we have permission to contact.

CLOSING DATE: 3 November 2024
No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements.


ENQUIRIES: Ms GD Maseko, Tel: (012) 529 8495 for application-related enquiries, and Prof Armanda Bastos, Email: Armanda.Bastos@up.ac.za for enquiries relating to the post content.


Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 31 January 2024, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.


The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity.
In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited to candidates from under-represented designated groups.
By applying for this vacancy, the candidates consent to undergo verification of personal credentials and related information including, but not limited to, qualifications, criminal record, credit record, current and historic disciplinary proceedings as part of the selection process.
The University of Pretoria reserves the right to not fill the advertised positions.