Large Animal Technician

SRUC; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A major educational institution in Scotland seeks an Animal Technician to provide essential care for livestock within the School of Veterinary Medicine. This role involves feeding, health management, and collaboration with teams while adhering to high welfare standards. Ideal candidates should have a relevant HND qualification and a passion for animal welfare. Competitive benefits and a supportive team environment are offered.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Enhanced pension contributions

Cycle to work scheme

Discounted RAC Membership

Generous family leave

Flexible working patterns

Hybrid working solutions

Investment in learning and development

Qualifications

• Experience in livestock management and welfare.
• Ability to handle animals safely and appropriately.
• Skill in record-keeping for animal usage and wellbeing.

Responsibilities

• Provide care for various livestock species including feeding and health management.
• Move animals to optimise grazing and nutrient intake.
• Support teaching programmes with detailed knowledge.

Skills

Animal care expertise

Detailed technical knowledge

Team collaboration

Education

Qualification at SCQF Level 8 (HND) in relevant discipline

Job description

Overview

About The Team: School of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences

The first new School of Veterinary Medicine in Scotland for 150 years.

Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) has developed an innovative new School of Veterinary Medicine & Biosciences. We have a clear ambition to ‘promote the resilience of our graduates to sustainably support the animals and rural communities at the heart of Scotland’s Natural Economy’.

Wayne Powell, SRUC Principal and CEO. ‘We are an ambitious institution with a bold vision for the future. This is a ground-breaking model to expand access to educational opportunities and broaden the range of potential students who would not ordinarily be able to attend a School of Veterinary Medicine. It will also help solve existing skills shortages across Scotland’.

The Opportunity

An exciting opportunity to join the School of Veterinary Medicine and Bioscience in a vital technical support role. Based across the Mill of Craibstone and Sunnybrae sites, this key appointment offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the delivery of veterinary education through hands-on technical support. Reporting to the School Manager, the successful candidate will be responsible for the exemplary care of a variety of livestock species owned and managed by the School of Veterinary Medicine and Bioscience. This includes feeding, bedding, mucking out, health management at individual and herd/flock level and maintaining high welfare standards across all facilities. To optimise grassland use and animal nutrient intake, the role also involves moving animals between grazing areas in collaboration with the Equine team to optimise land use.

In addition to practical care, the post holder will demonstrate safe and appropriate handling of animals, apply detailed technical knowledge to support teaching programmes, and maintain accurate records of animal usage and wellbeing.

Working as part of a supportive technical team, the Animal Technician will use their experience and education to assist students and staff across a range of activities, following well-established routines and procedures. This is a varied and rewarding role for someone passionate about animal welfare, veterinary education, and livestock management.

Please read the Job Particulars document for full details of the requirements for this role.

Responsibilities

• Provide exemplary care of a variety of livestock species owned and managed by the School of Veterinary Medicine and Bioscience, including feeding, bedding, mucking out, and health management at individual and herd/flock levels.
• Move animals between grazing areas to optimise grassland use and animal nutrient intake, in collaboration with the Equine team.
• Demonstrate safe and appropriate handling of animals and support teaching programmes with detailed technical knowledge.
• Maintain accurate records of animal usage and wellbeing.
• Work as part of a technical team to support students and staff following established routines and procedures.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications: Applicants should hold a qualification at SCQF Level 8 (HND) or above in a relevant discipline such as Agriculture, Animal Management, Rural Animal Health (Livestock) or bio-veterinary sciences. Equivalent professional experience in a related field will also be considered.
• Eligibility for Sponsorship: This role does not meet the eligibility for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route. For non-UK nationals please check your eligibility prior to applying for the role.

Benefits

• Generous annual leave
• Enhanced pension contributions (5% employee and 10% employer)
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounted RAC Membership
• Generous family leave
• Flexible working patterns
• Hybrid working solutions (in some areas)
• Tailored investment in and individuals' learning and development

How to Apply

Please complete an online application form by pressing “apply”. Please read the Job Particulars document before applying.

SRUC Leading the way in Agricultural and Rural Research, Education & Consultancy.

SRUC is committed to valuing Diversity, advancing Equality and respecting Human Rights throughout the organisation and encouraging applications from disabled people using the “Disability Confident Employer” symbol. SRUC is a member of the Athena SWAN charter.

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