Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture Community Animal Health Worker Vacancies (30 Posts)
The Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture invites suitably qualified and interested candidates to apply for the position of Community Animal Health Worker. This opportunity is open to individuals who are passionate about livestock health, rural development, and supporting local farmers through animal health services.
The Department aims to strengthen animal health services in rural communities by appointing dedicated Community Animal Health Workers who will support dipping programmes, assist veterinary personnel, and help improve livestock management practices within the province.
This position offers an excellent opportunity for individuals living in rural communities who have basic education and experience working with livestock or community animal health programmes.
- Job Title: Community Animal Health Worker (X30 Posts)
- Salary: R163 680 – R192 810 per annum (Salary Level 03)
- Department: Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture
- Job Location: Various districts across the Eastern Cape Province.
- Closing Date: 20 March 2026
Job Overview
The Community Animal Health Worker position is an entry-level opportunity designed to strengthen livestock disease prevention and animal health management within rural communities across the Eastern Cape.
Successful candidates will support Animal Health Technicians and veterinarians in delivering basic animal health services such as livestock dipping, vaccination assistance, and monitoring of cattle health in communal farming areas.
The role plays an important part in controlling livestock diseases, supporting communal farmers, and ensuring that animals remain healthy and productive. Community Animal Health Workers will mainly operate at communal dipping tanks and livestock management areas.
Candidates must be willing to work with farmers, handle animals, perform physical tasks related to livestock care, and ensure proper functioning of dipping tanks and facilities.
Priority will be given to qualifying applicants who reside within the local municipalities where the posts are located.
Available Posts by District
A total of 30 Community Animal Health Worker positions are available across different districts and municipalities in the Eastern Cape.
Amathole District
Reference Number: DoA/21/03/2026 (6 Posts)
Municipalities:
- Mbashe – 3 Posts
- Mnquma – 1 Post
- Ngqushwa – 1 Post
- Raymond Mhlaba – 1 Post
The Amathole District includes many rural farming communities that rely on livestock for food security and economic activity. Community Animal Health Workers in this district will support farmers with livestock dipping programmes and assist with animal disease prevention initiatives.
Chris Hani District
Reference Number: DoA/22/03/2026 (5 Posts)
Municipalities:
- Inxuba Yethemba – 2 Posts
- Emalahleni – 2 Posts
- Dr AB Xuma – 1 Post
Chris Hani District has extensive livestock farming activities. Successful applicants will assist with livestock monitoring, cattle dipping, and supporting veterinary services in communal farming areas.
Alfred Nzo District
Reference Number: DoA/23/03/2026 (5 Posts)
Municipalities:
- Ntabankulu – 2 Posts
- Matatiele – 1 Post
- Winnie Madikizela Mandela – 1 Post
- Additional rural areas – 1 Post
The Alfred Nzo District is home to many communal livestock farmers who depend on animal health services to protect their cattle and other livestock. Community Animal Health Workers will assist in maintaining dipping tanks and implementing disease control measures.
Joe Gqabi District
Reference Number: DoA/24/03/2026 (5 Posts)
Municipalities:
- Maletswai – 3 Posts
- Gariep – 2 Posts
This district has a strong agricultural sector where livestock farming plays a major role. Community Animal Health Workers will support veterinary services and ensure that livestock dipping programmes are conducted effectively.
OR Tambo District
Reference Number: DoA/26/03/2026 (5 Posts)
Municipalities:
- Nyandeni – 2 Posts
- King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) – 2 Posts
- Ngquza Hill – 1 Post
This district has a large population of small-scale livestock farmers. The role will involve working closely with communities to ensure livestock diseases are prevented and dipping operations run smoothly.
Sarah Baartman District
Reference Number: DoA/27/03/2026 (4 Posts)
Municipalities:
- Nelson Mandela Metro – 2 Posts
- Dr Beyers Naude – 2 Posts
Animal health workers in this district will assist with livestock management support and veterinary programmes.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Grade 10 / Standard 8 qualification
- Exposure or experience related to community livestock dipping activities
- Ability to work with livestock and handle animals safely
- Good communication skills
- Ability to work with rural communities and farmers
- Physically fit and capable of performing manual tasks
- Willingness to work outdoors and in rural areas
Priority will be given to local residents who live within the municipalities where the positions are advertised.
Key Responsibilities
Community Animal Health Workers will perform a variety of duties related to livestock health and communal dipping programmes.
Livestock Dipping Operations
The main responsibility will be assisting with livestock dipping to control ticks and prevent diseases.
Key tasks include:
- Counting and recording cattle during dipping sessions
- Ensuring the dipping tank water level is correct
- Preparing and mixing dipping chemicals according to guidelines
- Monitoring livestock during dipping to ensure safety
- Ensuring cattle pass through the dipping tank correctly
Livestock dipping is a vital disease prevention activity that protects cattle from ticks and tick-borne diseases such as heartwater and redwater.
Maintenance of Dipping Facilities
Community Animal Health Workers must ensure that dipping facilities are kept clean and functional.
This includes:
- Cleaning the entrance to the dipping kraal after each session
- Cleaning drainage areas
- Performing minor repairs to dipping tanks when required
- Ensuring the surrounding area is safe and well maintained
Regular maintenance helps prevent accidents and ensures the dipping facility operates efficiently.
Handling and Safeguarding Dipping Chemicals
Workers will be responsible for managing dipping chemicals used in livestock treatment.
This includes:
- Mixing dipping chemicals properly
- Ensuring the correct concentration is used
- Storing dipping chemicals safely
- Safeguarding dipping materials from theft or misuse
Proper chemical handling is essential for both livestock safety and environmental protection.
Supporting Animal Health Technicians
Community Animal Health Workers will work under the supervision of Animal Health Technicians.
They will assist with various animal health interventions such as:
- Vaccination campaigns
- Animal disease control programmes
- Treatment of livestock
- Monitoring livestock health
Workers will also report any problems observed during dipping operations or livestock inspections.
Animal Handling Assistance
The role will involve assisting veterinarians and technicians during livestock handling procedures.
Tasks may include:
- Restraining animals during veterinary treatments
- Assisting with livestock vaccinations
- Supporting castration procedures
- Assisting with dehorning activities
Proper animal handling ensures safety for both the animals and the personnel involved.
Reporting and Communication
Community Animal Health Workers must report any issues related to dipping facilities, livestock health, or operational challenges.
They will be required to:
- Report defects or problems at dipping tanks
- Inform Animal Health Technicians about livestock diseases
- Provide accurate records of livestock dipping activities
Clear communication is essential to ensure effective disease control.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted online through the Eastern Cape Provincial e-Recruitment System.
- Applicants can access the system at: https://erecruitment.ecotp.gov.za
- The e-recruitment system is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Applications will close at 23:59 on the closing date.
Important Application Instructions
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- Completed Z83 Application Form
- A recently updated comprehensive CV
- Copies of qualifications
- Copy of Identity Document
- Copy of Driver’s License (if applicable)
- Any additional relevant supporting documents
Copies of qualifications and documents do not need to be certified at the time of application.
Only shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies before interviews.
Z83 Form Requirement
Applications must include a signed Z83 form.
If applying through the e-recruitment system where the form cannot be signed digitally, applicants must:
- Download the Z83 form
- Sign it manually
- Scan and upload the signed form to the system
Unsigned Z83 forms will result in automatic disqualification.
Important Notes for Applicants
- Applications must be submitted online only
- Hand-delivered applications will not be accepted
- Email applications will not be accepted
- Faxed applications will not be accepted
- Posted applications will not be accepted
Applicants who attempt to submit applications outside the official system will have their applications disqualified.
Technical Support for e-Recruitment
Applicants experiencing technical problems with the e-recruitment system can contact:
Email: [email protected]
When requesting support, applicants must include:
- ID number
- Email address used on the system
- Description of the technical problem
Technical support is available during working hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 08:00 – 16:30
- Friday: 08:00 – 16:00
Applications must not be emailed to this address.
Selection Process
Candidates will undergo several evaluation processes including:
- Personnel suitability checks
- Criminal record verification
- Qualification verification
- Employment verification
- Financial record checks
- Citizenship verification
Shortlisted candidates may also be required to complete:
- Practical competency assessments
- Integrity assessments
- Skills evaluations related to the job
Additional Employment Conditions
Successful candidates will be appointed on a 12-month probation period.
The Department reserves the right not to fill the advertised posts.
Employment will be subject to successful completion of all required verification processes.
Employment Equity
The Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture is committed to Employment Equity.
Preference may be given to designated groups in line with the Department’s employment equity targets.
Women and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Enquiries
For enquiries about the position, contact:
Mr N. Mabanga
Telephone: 040 602 5066
For e-recruitment technical enquiries:
If you are passionate about livestock farming, community development, and animal health services, this opportunity offers a valuable chance to contribute to rural agricultural development in the Eastern Cape.
Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date.
Closing Date: 20 March 2026