Veterinarian - Control of Products of Animal Origin and Fish Health

Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security – Veterinary Services

We are expanding! The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is seeking qualified and dedicated veterinarians to join our Veterinary Services, specifically within the Department for the Control of Products of Animal Origin and Fish Health. This vital role contributes directly to safeguarding public health and ensuring the safety and quality of animal-derived food products in Israel. Office and field positions available.

Location: National Headquarters in Rishon LeZion with a possibility to be placed in a satellite office.

Key Responsibilities:

• Inspection and Oversight: Conduct regular inspections of facilities involved in the production, processing, storage, and distribution of products of animal origin (e.g., slaughterhouses, fish farms, processing plants, cold storage facilities). For field positions only.
• Food Safety and Public Health: Ensure compliance with national and international food safety regulations, hygiene standards, and public health directives concerning fish and products of animal origin.
• Veterinary Pathology and Diagnostics: Identify and assess pathological conditions in food-producing animals and their products, determining fitness for human consumption.
• Disease Surveillance: Participate in surveillance programs for zoonotic diseases and animal diseases that could impact the safety of products of animal origin.
• Documentation and Reporting: Maintain records of inspections, findings, and enforcement actions. Prepare reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Enforcement: Initiate and follow up on enforcement actions for non-compliance with regulations, including issuing warnings, imposing sanctions, and recommending legal proceedings.
• Risk Assessment: Conduct risk assessments related to food safety hazards in animal products.
• Guidance and Training: Provide professional guidance and training to industry stakeholders regarding veterinary public health and food safety standards.
• Collaboration: Work in close collaboration with other government agencies, public health authorities, and industry representatives.

Essential Qualifications and Experience:

• Education: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) degree from an accredited veterinary school recognized by the Israeli Veterinary Services.
• Licensure: Valid and current license to practice veterinary medicine in Israel.
• Experience:
• Experience in veterinary public health, food safety, meat inspection, fish health, or related fields.
• Experience working with regulatory frameworks and enforcement procedures.
• Knowledge:
• Knowledge of Israeli and international standards and regulations pertaining to the control of products of animal origin (e.g., WOAH standards, Codex Alimentarius).
• Understanding of food microbiology, epidemiology, and zoonotic diseases.
• Familiarity with HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) principles and other quality assurance systems in the food industry.
• Language Skills: Excellent command of Hebrew (written and spoken). Proficiency in English is required, other languages highly desirable.
• Computer Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and experience with relevant databases/software.
• Driving License: Valid Israeli driving license (Category B).

Required Competencies:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• High level of integrity and professional ethics.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Capacity to work under pressure and make sound decisions in challenging situations.
• Physical fitness to conduct field inspections, which may involve varying environmental conditions.

Application Process:

Interested candidates are invited to submit their application to the civil service web site https://www.gov.il/he/service/apply_for_a_civil_service_job_via_tenders_system .

General questions can be answered by sending an email to [email protected] or Whatsapp to +972-506243494

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals.