Senior animal technologist id1861

Contents Location About the job Benefits Things you need to know Apply and further information Location New Haw, South East England, KT15 3NB About the job 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 3,000 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 This is a senior animal science posts as part of a specialist Animal Sciences team within the Pathology & Animal Sciences Department at APHA to support animal science research and contribute to the 3Rs, primarily refinement of animal studies, leading or supporting analysis of clinical and welfare data. The post holder will carry out the role across our biocontainment areas (up to ACDP3/SAPO4/GM3) facilities. The work will include some safety and quality management (GLP, GMP and ISO 9001) and staff management. The work of the post is physically demanding. Responsibilities will include: Animal Science and Research The post holder 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. As a priority the jobholder will support studies being carried out under various project licences and conduct or contribute to research to refine study end-points, minimise animal suffering and improve animal welfare. The jobholder should have a good understanding of data managing software (MS Word, Outlook, Excel), have a basic understanding of statistical analysis and have a background in scientific research. They will contribute to project proposals improving animal welfare in a research environment and/ or lead their own area of animal welfare research and be involved in data acquisition and analysis utilising equipment to monitor behaviour and physiological parameters. They will be responsible for an area of our 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. 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 may perform and supervise daily husbandry and care of animals in allocated areas, ensuring that relevant documentation is in place. Staff, Facility and Resource Management The post holder will be allocated an animal facility area and staffing but will be expected to work in a range of areas and facilities including high disease biocontainment (up to ACDP3/SAPO4) to support animal welfare research across different species exposed to various pathogens. The post provides management and direction to APHAs 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 APHAs 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. The postholder will support the Named Information Officer and AWERB in communicating research findings from animal studies at APHA that promote the 3RS and refinement. 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 AS 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 may 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 may 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. Person specification Experience and skills You will need to demonstrate the following: Good Written and Spoken English. Knowledge of working in biocontainment or animal research laboratories. Animal Science degree or substantial experience in Animal Science industry, ideally in large and small animals. Holder of a Home Office Personal Licence or able to gain licence and be signed off for various procedures. Knowledge in scientific research, data acquisition and analysis (e.g. postgraduate degree, co-author of publications, leader of scientific projects). Security clearance The Weybridge site is a strategically important national asset due to its role as a reference laboratory supporting the Governments response to national emergencies including disease outbreaks. For this reason all postholders based on the APHA Weybridge site must hold a valid Counter Terrorist Check (CTC) security clearance or above. It is up to each person applying for a post at APHA Weybridge to ensure they meet the residency criteria. Applicants must be currently resident in the UK & have at least three years continuous UK residency as this is a requirement to work at the Weybridge. Other Information The post will also require Health clearance. The successful candidate will need to comply with a number of health protocols and wear protective clothing and Respiratory Personal Protective Equipment (RPPE) as required. Depending on the areas of work involved you will be expected to have any necessary vaccinations or health surveillance. This will be arranged by the Health Team, Weybridge. It may also be necessary to undergo a pre-employment medical assessment. Restrictions on outside/domestic contact with small animals, mainly rodents and rabbits, will apply. The successful candidate should not keep pigs or poultry or live on premises where there are domestic livestock or poultry. Due to access requirements to biosecure areas, individuals must be physically able. The work of the post is physically demanding. A valid full driving licence is necessary. Periodic travel within the UK may be required to attend training courses. This could also include farm or abattoir visits. Flexibility in working hours is required if called upon to finish a particular urgent task or call upon in an event of an outbreak. Licences Full Driving Licence Behaviours We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process: Seeing the Big Picture Changing and Improving Working Together Communicating and Influencing We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form: Seeing the Big Picture Changing and Improving Technical skills We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process: Understanding of the 3Rs, ACDP/SAPO and environmental enrichment Benefits Alongside your salary of £37,480, Animal and Plant Health Agency contributes £10,857 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides. In return for your dedication and hard work, we will support your ongoing personal development through appropriate training as inclusion, support and the development of our people matter to us. We aim to support the career and personal wellbeing of everyone in APHA. Our benefits include generous annual leave, a generous employer contributory pension, staff bonuses and recognition, salary sacrifice benefit options, and an employee discount scheme, reward vouchers and in-year bonuses. We also offer additional days off if accrued extra hours (flexi-time if accumulated), three paid volunteering day per year. We also have a social committee who run team building and fun events at the Weybridge site. Further details can be found in the Candidate Information Pack. Everyone in APHA is supported to develop their skills and capabilities. When you join the Directorate, you will be welcomed into your new team through an induction programme that will provide you with helpful information on the civil service, our work and our policies. Your line manager will also work with you to establish your priorities for the year, developing a performance, learning and development plan tailored to you and your role. Ways of Working This post requires you to be working onsite at APHA Weybridge five days per week. Flexibility in working hours is required if called upon to finish a particular urgent task or call upon in an event of an outbreak. The post is full-time, we may consider two part-time staff on a job-share basis if continuity can be arranged. The role is based at Weybridge where the team is located, and due to the nature of the role and duties required you need to work on-site. Travel may be required to various different locations around the country for example for training courses and meetings. Staff maybe required to work rostered on-call duties, weekends, Bank Holidays and occasional evenings. In the event of this you may be eligible for overtime payments and where overtime is approved you will receive appropriate payment. APHA Management reserves the right to change overtime patterns to meet requirements. Things you need to know Selection process details This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills. Application Process As part of the application process you will be asked to complete a CV, a 500-word personal statement describing how you match the skills and experience detailed and two behaviour statements using Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR). Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form. Sift Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the lead behaviour, Seeing the Big Picture. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to assessment/interview. Sift and interview dates to be confirmed. Interview If successful at application stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on Behaviours, Technical Skills and Experience. If successful for an interview you will be asked to give a presentation and details of this will be given at the time. Interviews will be held in person at APHA Weybridge. Salary New entrants are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band. Location As part of the pre-employment process for this post, successful candidate(s) will be able to agree a contractual workplace from those locations listed in this advert. The agreed contractual workplace is then the substantive and permanent place of work for the successful candidate(s). Where the location is National the successful appointee should discuss and agree an appropriate contractual location in line with both Defras location policy and site capacity, prior to proceeding with pre-employment processes. Successful applicants currently employed by the hiring Defra organisation for this post may choose to remain in their current contractual location or may choose to change contractual location to one of those listed above. This should be discussed and agreed prior to proceeding with pre-employment processes. Travel costs to non-contractual workplaces will be subject to departmental travel and subsistence policies. Travel costs to contractual workplaces are the responsibility of the employee. The successful candidate is required to carry out all their duties from a UK location, and cannot do so from an overseas location at any time. Defra includes the core department, APHA, RPA, Cefas and VMD. The role is based at Weybridge where the team is located. Full Time Only This role is full time only. Applicants who wish to work an alternative pattern are welcome to apply however your preferred working pattern may not be available and you should discuss this with the vacancy holder before applying. We may consider two part-time staff on a job-share basis if continuity can be arranged. Part-time hours will only be considered as part of a job share. Reserve List A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made. Visa Sponsorship Statement Please take note that Defra does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship. Reasonable Adjustment If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes. If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should: Contact Government Recruitment Service via grscabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs. Complete the Assistance required section in the Additional requirements page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if youre deaf, a Language Service Professional. Accessibility If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section. Criminal Record Check If successful and transferring from another Government Department, a criminal record check may be carried out. In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grscabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading. Internal Fraud Database Check Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicants details held on the IFD will be refused employment. A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5-year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government. NSV For further information on National Security Vetting please visit the following page https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/demystifying-vetting Higher Security Clearance Please be aware the levels of national security clearance are changing which may impact on the level needed for this role by the time of appointment. All efforts will be made to keep candidates informed of any changes and what that will mean in terms of vetting criteria. For more information please See our vetting charter Childcare Vouchers Any move to Defra from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment. Security Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check (opens in a new window). See our vetting charter (opens in a new window). People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks. Medical Successful candidates will be expected to have a medical. Nationality requirements This job is broadly open to the following groups: UK nationals nationals of the Republic of Ireland nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window) nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020 Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window) Working for the Civil Service The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy. Diversity and Inclusion The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window). Apply and further information This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative. The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window). Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records. Contact point for applicants Job contact : Name : Jade Gandhi Email : Jade.Gandhiapha.gov.uk Recruitment team Email : defrarecruitment.grscabinetoffice.gov.uk Further information If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact: Government Recruitment Services via email: defrarecruitment.grscabinetoffice.gov.uk If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/contact-us/ to visit Civil Service Commission. Attachments Job Description - Senior Animal Technologist ID1861 Opens in new window (pdf, 244kB) APHA Information Pack Opens in new window (pdf, 1673kB) Share this page Print Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn GMail