Production Veterinarian (Poultry) at National Chicks, Pietermaritzburg
National Chicks · Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu Natal
Overview
National Chicks, part of the Astral Group, is looking for a motivated Production Veterinarian to join their team in Pietermaritzburg. You'll gain hands on experience across an integrated poultry operation, focusing on flock health, disease prevention, and animal welfare. This permanent role offers exposure to international experts and the latest research, making it a great opportunity for a vet passionate about commercial poultry production.
About the role
As a Production Veterinarian at National Chicks, you will play a key role in maintaining the health and welfare of breeder and broiler flocks. You will work closely with farm managers, production staff, nutritionists, and technical specialists to ensure optimal flock performance and compliance with health and safety standards.
Key duties include:
- Monitoring flock health, preventing and diagnosing diseases, and managing treatment plans.
- Developing and managing vaccination and medication programs.
- Interpreting laboratory results for monitoring and diagnosis.
- Conducting post mortem evaluations and lesion scoring in broilers.
- Auditing bird husbandry, biosecurity, welfare, and housing conditions.
- Investigating problem areas in breeder flocks, hatcheries, and broiler flocks.
- Maintaining export and import facility registrations.
- Communicating with State Veterinary Services on controlled diseases and export requirements.
- Presenting veterinary topics to production teams and contract producers.
Application note: This is a permanent full time position based in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu Natal. Applicants must be registered with the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC).
Requirements
- Relevant tertiary qualification in veterinary science (BVSc, BVMCh or equivalent).
- Registration with the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC).
- Veterinary experience in commercial poultry production will be an added advantage.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
- Valid code B driver’s license.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
- Passionate, performance driven, with a high degree of self motivation.
- Team player who is pro active and able to work accurately and independently.
- High level of personal and professional integrity.
- Committed to service excellence and attention to detail.
Responsibilities
- Conduct flock health monitoring, disease prevention, diagnosis, and management.
- Develop and manage effective vaccination and medication programs.
- Interpret laboratory results for standard monitoring and diagnosis.
- Perform preventative lesion scoring in broilers.
- Carry out routine and diagnostic post mortem evaluations of broilers and breeders.
- Audit general bird husbandry, biosecurity, welfare, and housing conditions.
- Participate in specific projects to improve production Key Performance Indicators.
- Investigate problem areas within breeder flocks, hatcheries, broiler flocks, and selected meat safety.
- Maintain registration of facilities for export and import.
- Communicate with State Veterinary Services on controlled diseases and export requirements.
- Formal presentations to production teams and contract producers on various veterinary topics.
- Work collaboratively with farm managers, production personnel, nutritionists, and other technical specialists.
Benefits
Competitive salary with benefits
Job details
- Organisation
- National Chicks
- Location
- Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu Natal
- Job type
- Full time
- Experience level
- Mid
- Education
- Bachelor
- Category
- Agriculture & Farming
- Application Method
- Apply online
Success Guide
This is a great opportunity if you are a qualified veterinarian looking to specialise in poultry production. National Chicks is part of the Astral Group, so you would be joining a well established player in the South African poultry industry. When applying, make sure your CV clearly shows your SAVC registration and any exposure to commercial poultry. Even if you do not have direct poultry experience, highlight your clinical skills, ability to work with data, and willingness to learn. The role involves regular interaction with farm teams, so show that you communicate well and can work independently. Prepare for questions about disease management and biosecurity in your interview. Good luck!
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