Senior Animal Technologist

*Senior Animal Technologist 1420, 1861**Animal and Plant Health Agency**Apply before 11:55 pm on Monday 20th May 2024**Reference number:* 350076*Salary:* £35,857 - £38,551A Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 27%*Permanent, Full-time**Location:* New Haw, South East England, KT15 3NB*About the job*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.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 advertised role is to join the Animal Sciences team of 50 multidisciplined 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.This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of APHA during the Science Capability for Animal Health development. 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.This is a great opportunity to further your career 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.*Job description**Animal Science and Research*They will work as part of a team with veterinary, scientific and technical staff to deliver a wide range of animal science projects involving a range of important and zoonotic pathogens (eg Influenza, TB, TSE, and other viral or bacterial or parasitic agents) in farmed livestock, poultry or small animals. The jobholder will lead in the planning, execution and conduct of studies being carried out various project licences assuring compliance, staffing and timely execution as well as support other project work carried out in their area. Research contribution will primarily be to develop methods which minimise animal suffering and improve welfare, refine all aspects of animal use and performance of scientific procedures. The jobholder should have a good understanding of data managing software (MS Word, Outlook, Excel) and have a basic understanding of statistical analysis.They will be responsible for livestock, rodent and specialist biocontainment facilities, develop specialist knowledge and expertise, perform regulated scientific procedures, develop species specialism and environmental enrichment. They may be required to become a Home Office Project Licence Holder and assist in animal project or contract management, data analysis and delivery. They may be required to act as an Animal Sciences On-Call Officer on a duty rota (no more than 1 week in 10) for out of working hours support response to the Department. They will perform and supervise daily husbandry and care of animals in allocated areas, ensuring that relevant documentation is in place and may also be required to assist at post-mortems.*Staff, Facility and Resource Management:*The post holder will be allocated an animal facility area and staffing – and will be expected to work in a range of areas and facilities including high disease biocontainment (up to ACDP3/SAPO4). The posts provide management and direction to APHA’s Animal technicians and support staff within the allocated area, line management of staff assigned to work in their areas, functional management of visitors, others working in the facility and supervision of scientific staff and contract staff as appropriate. Participation in staff utilisation meetings to ensure efficient use of resources, succession planning and developing skills, specialism and flexibility across teams. Building/Facility Officer duties including liaison with the maintenance providers to ensure the appropriate monitoring and maintenance of plant including generators, water testing, alarm systems, Building Management Systems and biocontainment controls. The postholder will be responsible for effective use of resources (staff, time, consumables etc) in their area and for effective management oversight of this.*BioEthics, Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body (AWERB):*The postholder is expected to be an active member of the AWERB, participating in committee meetings (shared between all HEO level posts) as well have input into project licence applications and study reviews with regards to the 3Rs. They will act as Named Animal Care and Welfare Officer (NACWO) and become a Home Office Personal Licence holder. They must support the senior NACWO in producing the NACWO report for the committee. They will coach junior NACWOs with regards to AWERB documentation review and advise them on the 3Rs. Provide leadership and implementation of APHA’s Animal Welfare Standards, interacting with scientists and Named people and be proactive in raising any animal welfare concerns. The postholder will develop a thorough knowledge of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act including the Code of Practice; inspect animal facilities regularly and advise scientists and others on the compliance under ASPA and the CoP and be responsible for ensuring study pre-start meetings are carried out and the relevant documentation is completed.*Communication:*The postholder will be required to have excellent communication skills liaising with a diverse range of people, using all modern communication tools, in writing and verbally. They will use electronic communication tools, including online diaries, SharePoint, Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Access. They will liaise frequently with the other managers and contribute to building a strong team. On rotation, they act as Chairperson for team meetings and are required to be a proactive member of the ASU management team and contribute effectively.*Safety:*The postholder is responsible for safety and biocontainment in their areas. They will ensure that adequate training and planning for response to emergency scenarios are in place; actively participate in safety inspections and audits. Ensure that appropriate documentation (e.g. Risk assessments, SOPs and log books) are in place. The postholder will be a Departmental Safety Advisor for their area and work closely with the Departmental Safety Officer on safety matters. They will participate in inspections and ensure deadlines for closing actions are met. Provide suitable and sufficient information for all staff using the facility. Provide ad hoc monitoring of staff working in their facility and immediately advise senior management of any concerns. This might include non-compliance with APHA H&S Policy, SOPs and Risk Assessments.*Quality:*The postholder is required to maintain appropriate competence, write and review SOPs and ensure quality compliance in their areas in liaison with the Local Quality Manager and Quality Services Unit. They will participate in internal audits and external inspections, and ensure deadlines for closing actions are met, ensure servicing and calibration of equipment, and arrange for the decontamination and removal of broken or unsafe items and registering new equipment on databases. Required to respond to building and equipment alarms including out of hours as appropriate.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. You may be eligible for overtime payments and where overtime is approved you will receive appropriate payment.*Person specification**Experience*· Full Driving Licence· Good Written and Spoken English.· Knowledge of working in biocontainment is beneficial.· Animal Science degree or substantial experience in Animal Science industry.· Home Office Personal Licence is beneficial.Job Types: Full-time, PermanentPay: £35,857.00-£38,551.00 per yearBenefits:* Company pensionSchedule:* Monday to FridayWork Location: In personReference ID: 350076