Job summary

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is an executive agency of the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, and works on behalf of the Scottish Government and Welsh Government. Our diverse teams of over 2,000 skilled and committed professionals come together to provide research, advice, and support to UK Government for safeguarding animal, public and plant health for benefit of the environment and economy.

This advertised role is to join the Animal Sciences team of 50 multi disciplined technicians, vets, and administrative staff. The department is responsible for delivering animal studies that inform Defra policy, advance scientific understanding and improve animal welfare in the UK and beyond. Animal Technicians at APHA have the unique opportunity to specialise in a wide variety of roles, ranging from low to high containment, and from small animals to livestock.

Daily responsibilities primarily consist of the daily husbandry, care and welfare of a wide range of species ensuring the highest welfare standards, and conducting regulated procedures under license for which full training & accreditation is provided. Staff will also routinely use both laboratory and agricultural machinery as part of their role, and may be involved in the collection and delivery of livestock. The post will require a diverse range of tasks involved, and there are always opportunities for development for keen and proactive individuals.�

The Weybridge site is undergoing a major structural transformation with new high tech animal facilities being constructed to support ongoing and new projects in the years to come.

This is a great opportunity to work in the Animal industry if you have a keen interest in animals and animal science. We have a variety of training opportunities available to support your career at APHA. We are after individuals with a passion for working with animals and promoting their welfare.

No previous research experience needed as training will be provided in the role.

Job description

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

  • Daily animal care, health checks and husbandry (including rearing from birth), of both stock and experimental livestock, poultry species and small laboratory animals. Liaising 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • The jobholder is expected to use electronic communication tools (email, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, SharePoint, Livelink etc) and respond to queries or discussions in a timely manner.
  • Person specification

    Essential Experience

  • Full Driving Licence
  • Good Written and Spoken English
  • Experience of contact with livestock or companion animals.
  • The work of the post is physically demanding, prior assessment will be conducted should you be successful for appointment.

    The successful candidate will need to comply with a number of health protocols (Tetanus, Seasonal Influenza, BCG, Rabies), which requires vaccination. This will be arranged by the Health Team, Weybridge. They must wear protective clothing and Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) as required.

    Restrictions on outside/domestic contact with small animals, mainly rodents and rabbits and birds, will apply. The successful candidate should not keep certain small animals, pigs, or birds or live on premises where there are domestic livestock or birds.

    A valid full driving licence is necessary. Travel to different units at APHA for work and period travel within the UK may be required to attend training courses, collection of local supplies, or farm visits as part of ongoing research. A fleet of manual pool cars is maintained for departmental purposes.

    Staff are required to work rostered weekends, Bank Holidays and occasional evenings. APHA Management reserves the right to change overtime patterns to meet requirements. You may be eligible for overtime payments and where overtime is approved you will receive appropriate payment.

    Licences

    A valid full driving licence is necessary.

    Behaviours

    We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

  • Making Effective Decisions
  • Working Together
  • We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

  • Working Together
  • Benefits

  • Learning and development tailored to your role
  • An environment with flexible working options
  • A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
  • A Civil Service pension
  • Onsite canteen
  • Onsite parking
  • APHA offers a wide range of CPD and further development opportunities, eg Masters programme or PhD, and an excellent benefit package. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of APHA during the Science Capability for Animal Health development.

    Benefits also include a Civil Service pension, 25 days paid annual leave increasing to 30 within the first 5 years; working week of 37 hours (excl breaks).

    We celebrate and act on equality, diversity & inclusion at Defra. We welcome and encourage candidates from all backgrounds and with a range of diverse experiences. We do not tolerate discrimination, bullying, harassment, victimisation, or negative stereotyping. We treat all employees at all grades with value and respect to create an inclusive working environment. We celebrate individual differences and aim to cater to diverse needs.