Animal Technologist (ID4140 &ID4153)

Animal & Plant Health Agency; Borough of Runnymede; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A governmental veterinary agency in the UK seeks a dedicated individual to handle animal care, monitor health, and operate machinery. Responsibilities include daily health checks and compliance with safety standards. The role requires good communication skills and the ability to work in biosecure environments, emphasizing animal welfare. Full-time position located in Runnymede.

Benefits

Annual leave

Employer contributory pension

Salary sacrifice benefit options

Qualifications

• Experience with animal husbandry and care.
• Ability to operate heavy duty machinery.
• Good organizational and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily animal care and health checks.
• Operate agricultural machinery for various tasks.
• Maintain compliance with health and safety standards.

Skills

Animal care

Monitoring and observation

Interpersonal communication

Heavy machinery operation

Tools

Animal weigh scales

Autoclaves

Forklifts

Job description

Overview

You will be expected to cover the following duties. Training and supervision will be provided.

Key Duties

• Daily animal care, health checks and husbandry (including rearing from birth) of both stock and experimental livestock, poultry species and small laboratory animals. Liaise with the Named Animal Care and Welfare Officer and Named Veterinary Surgeons regarding the welfare of animals under your care.
• Observations and monitoring of experimental animals, recording of clinical signs and other data and ensuring information is passed to the relevant people.
• Video surveillance monitoring of animals and recording data associated with observation and ensuring information is passed onto the relevant people.
• Unloading, collection, transport and storage of animal bedding, feed, consumables and equipment.
• Assist with veterinary and technical procedures associated with animal identification, weighing, restraint, sample collection, feed preparations and experimental work.
• Operation of heavy duty and agricultural machinery, including but not limited to tractors, forklifts, telehandlers, Quadbikes, and Skidsteer loaders.
• The use of specialist equipment as required, including but not limited to autoclaves, animal weigh scales, hot air ovens, bottle washers and water pressure washers.
• Undertake experimental Home Office procedures (under licence), including Schedule 1 Techniques, and the management of associated records. Full training will be provided.
• Contribute to refinement of animal procedures or studies.
• Maintaining disease security in animal facilities, cleaning and decontamination of animal accommodation, equipment, storage and support accommodation.
• To comply with APHA Health and Safety policy.
• The postholder is required to achieve appropriate competence, write and review SOPs and take part in quality audits.

Communication

• The jobholder will demonstrate very good interpersonal and communication skills, and be well organised.
• Requirement to communicate effectively with a wide range of staff including study leaders, vets, welfare officers, and their own team.
• The jobholder is expected to use electronic communication tools (email, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, SharePoint etc) and respond to queries or discussions in a timely manner.
• To organise, delegate, and prioritise duties to your team.

Quality Compliance

• The jobholder is required to work according to the GLP and GMP standards, write and review SOPs and ensure quality compliance.
• APHA is certified to BS ISO 9001 by Bureau Veritas UK Ltd for the provision of a range of specialist veterinary scientific services and products.
• You will need to comply with a number of health protocols and wear protective clothing and Respiratory Personal Protective Equipment (RPPE) as required.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

• The work of the post can be physically demanding, and due to access requirements to biosecure areas, individuals must be physically able.
• Depending on the areas of work involved you will be expected to have any necessary vaccinations or health surveillance.
• Restrictions on outside/domestic contact with small animals, mainly rodents and rabbits, will/may apply.
• You should not keep pigs or poultry or live on premises where there are domestic livestock or poultry.
• Staff will be required to work rostered on‑call duties, weekends, Bank Holidays and occasional evenings.
• APHA Management reserves the right to change overtime patterns to meet requirements. Overtime payments may be applicable.

Travel & Driving

• A valid full driving licence is necessary.
• Periodic travel within the UK may be required to attend training courses and this could include farm or abattoir visits as part of ongoing research or other postmortem facilities.
• Ensure no contact with farmed animals for 1–2 days before visiting premises, and may preclude those living on a livestock farm.

Behavioural Expectations

• Working Together
• Making Effective Decisions
• Delivering at Pace

Application Process

• A CV‑style application submitted through an online tool accessed through the Civil Service Jobs website.
• A 500‑word Personal Statement outlining how you match the details in the Personal Specification.
• A 250‑word Behaviour Statement for the following Behaviour: Working Together, using the STAR technique.
• Scoring for all criteria on the application is from 1 to 7 – a score of 4 and above will progress to interview unless there is a large number of applications.
• Interviews will be conducted face to face or online and will assess Experience, Behaviours and the relevant Success Profiles.

Security & Checks

• Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
• Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed, including a counter‑terrorist check.

Benefits

• Annual leave, employer contributory pension, staff bonuses and recognition, salary sacrifice benefit options, employee discount scheme, reward vouchers and in‑year bonuses.
• Additional days off if accrued extra hours (flexi‑time if accumulated).
• Three paid volunteering days per year.

Location & Hours

• Role is based at APHA Weybridge; the successful candidate must carry out all duties from a UK location (excluding Northern Ireland).
• Flexibility in working hours is required if called upon to finish a particular urgent task or respond in an event of an outbreak.
• Full‑time only, with possibility of part‑time or job‑share if continuity can be arranged.