Unit Coordinator (Small Animal Section) – Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital

Faculty: Veterinary Science

Department: Ovah Veterinary Academic Hospi

FACULTY OF VETERINARY SCIENCE 

ONDERSTEPOORT VETERINARY ACADEMIC HOSPITAL (OVAH) 

UNIT COORDINATOR: SMALL ANIMAL SECTION (SURGERY, MEDICINE, REPRODUCTION AND BLOOD BANK)

PEROMNES POST LEVEL 7 (AVAILABLE FROM 1 FEBRUARY 2027)

In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the above 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 Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital seeks a veterinary nurse to join our veterinary team, specifically as a Unit Coordinator in the Small Animal Section (Surgery, Medicine, Reproduction and Blood Bank).

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Co-ordinating the optimum functioning of the Small Animal Section;

• Rendering outstanding client service;

• Ensuring efficient clinic management (record keeping, hygiene, stock control, care of equipment, safety measures etc.);

• Supervising support staff, evaluating staff performance and arranging continued training and education;

• Ensuring open communication within the section and between the sections and the Hospital Manager;

• Managing expenditure control and submitting inputs towards the capital equipment budget;

• Assisting with cost estimates for procedures;

• Communicating with patient owners;

• Taking responsibility for and overseeing maintenance of all veterinary and general equipment used in the service area;

• Reporting all facilities-related damages and shortcomings, and checking that maintenance is done satisfactorily;

• Ensuring that clinic hygiene and biosecurity is of the highest standard;

• Assisting with continuous informal training of students and student nurses;

• Performing relief duties in other sections in the OVAH; and

• Performing shift duties.

   

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (DipCurAnim or Dip Vet Nursing) or Degree in Vet Nursing

• Registered as a veterinary nurse with the South African Veterinary Council; and

• Four years’ experience in veterinary nursing, predominantly small animals.

   

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):

• Knowledge of large animal nursing procedures, biosecurity measures and procedures, and handling of all types of small animals;

• Meticulous about detail, professional and a responsible person;

• Appropriate language and communication skills;

• Organizing skills and a strong service orientation;

• Physical mobility;

• Ability to work under pressure and without supervision;

• Computer literacy; and

• Ability to work weekends and outside normal working hours when required for continuous service delivery in the hospital.

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:

• Previous and/or current experience of one year or more in a high-pressure emergency clinic environment where patients are triaged, and multiple emergency procedures take place simultaneously, will be an advantage; and

• Experience in managing/supervising staff. 

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, and follow the link: Careers@UP.

In applying for this post, please attach:

• A comprehensive CV;

• Certified copies of qualifications and SAVC registration certificate; and

• Name, email addresses, and telephone numbers of three referees whom we have permission to contact.

CLOSING DATE: 13 September 2026

Late applications and/or those that do not comply with the minimum requirements, will not be considered.

ENQUIRIES: For application-related enquiries, contact Ms Granny Maseko, [email protected], and for enquiries related to the post content, contact Sr Lizette Neethling on (012) 529 8174.

Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 30 November 2026, please accept that your application was 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 underrepresented designated groups. All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply. 

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, and current and historic disciplinary proceedings as part of the selection process.

The University of Pretoria reserves the right not to make an appointment to the posts as advertised.