Job and Person Specifications
Title of Position: Animal Technician
Administrative Unit: Veterinary Services
Classification Code: OPS-1
Directorate: Veterinary Services
Discipline Code: Research
Site: RAH
Type of Appointment Permanent
Permanent
Section: Animal Care
Position Number: IM 1237
 Temporary
Term
Incumbent:
Casual
Term
Job and Person Specification Approval
All excluding Executive positions
Executive Positions
Date
CEO/Delegate
Date
Commissioner for Public Employment
Job Specification
1.
Summary of the broad purpose of the position in relation to organisation goals
(Its expected outcome and how it is achieved)
The Animal Technician is accountable to the Supervisor, Animal Care Facility , for the care and
maintenance of animals and animal facilities which are necessary to ensure the well-being of the animals as
well as general duties relating to the upkeep the facilities and support for animal based research.
2.
Reporting/Working Relationship
(To whom the person reports, staff for whom the person is responsible for and other significant connections and working relationships within the organisation)
Report to the Supervisor, Animal Care Facility
As required, work in a team with Animal Technicians, Veterinarians, Researchers and clients.
.
3.
Special Conditions
(such as non-metropolitan location, travel requirements, frequent overtime etc)
 Contribute to the Occupational Health and Safety of the IMVS by taking reasonable care to protect
personal health and safety and safety of other staff, wear protective clothing and use safety
equipment as directed
 Depending on work requirements the appointee may be transferred to other locations within SA
Pathology to perform work of a similar nature appropriate to the classification either on a permanent
or temporary basis.
 Appointment is subject to a satisfactory Criminal History Report obtained through the Screening and
Licensing Branch, Dept Families & Communities, to be renewed every three years thereafter from
date of issue
 Some out of hours work may be required. Routine Weekend overtime must be worked.
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4.
Statement of Key Outcomes and Associated Activities
(Group into major areas of responsibility/activity and list in descending order of importance)
1 Contribute to maintaining the high standard of animal care and assisting in the facilitation of the
smooth conduct of animal based medical research and diagnostic purposes by:
.


.
2.
Contribute to the production of high quality animal products and research results and the raising
of accurate accounts by:
.
3.
.
recording accurate data regarding maintenance of production and experimental animals
maintaining an awareness of the need to follow specified production, quality assurance
or experimental protocols.
assisting in the provision of animal transportation services as required from time to time.
Contribute to the efficient husbandry and supply of animals and animal products by:.
.
5.
accurate performance of animal handling procedures including animal restraint,
anaesthesia, injection, immunisation and blood collection
recording accurate data regarding the performance of quality assurance protocols,
animal procedures and collection of animal products.
Contribute to the provision of good service to researchers and other clients by:

4.
feeding, watering and observing animals
performing animal husbandry procedures
cleaning and maintaining cages, pens and other animal accommodation
assisting in the provision of adequate stores of food, bedding, disposal of bedding and
disposal of carcasses.
recording accurate data regarding animal husbandry and treatments.
implementing efficient work programs relating to daily activities associated with animal
maintenance and animal handling procedures.
cleaning and maintaining animal handling equipment and facilities.
Achieve outcomes in relation to specific projects as determined from time to time.
.
a)
b)
c)
Contribute to Occupational Health and Safety within SA Pathology by taking reasonable care to
protect personal health and safety of other staff, wear protective clothing and use safety equipment as
directed.
Provide services for the South Australian community consistent with the policies of the elected
Government by complying with the Code of Conduct for South Australian Public Sector Employees,
SA Pathology Code of Conduct and with all other policies contained in SA Pathology Corporate
Manual.
Comply with the Principles of the Code of Fair Information Practice, adopted by the Department of
Health, which regulate the collection, use, disclosure storage and transfer of all personal patient/client
information within the organisation and throughout its funded service providers.
Acknowledgement by Occupant
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Date
SAPath 013/H
Person Specification
Essential Minimum Requirements (Those characteristics considered absolutely necessary)
Educational / Vocational Qualifications
(Include only those listed in the Department of Health, Human Resource Manual 3.1 as an essential qualification for the specific classification group)
Personal Abilities / Aptitudes / Skills
(Related to the job description and expressed in a way which allows objective assessment)
.
Possess the ability to follow and carry out specific directions, both written and verbal.
Possess an affinity with animals.
Be capable of working under limited supervision.
Be capable of strict adherence to set protocols.
Maintain records both written and held within electronic data bases.
Possess the ability to prioritise workloads and meet conflicting work demands.
Possess the ability to work autonomously or as part of a team.
Experience
(Including community experience)
Previous experience with the care of animals.
Knowledge
Must possess a good knowledge of the basic physical requirements of animals.
Must possess a good working knowledge of aseptic technique and of the need to adhere to Standard
Operating Procedures.
Desirable Characteristics
(To distinguish between applicants who have met all essential requirements)
Personal Abilities / Aptitudes / Skills
Experience
Possess good interpersonal skills and have a demonstrated capacity to work co-operatively in a team
environment.
Capable of liaising effectively and co-operatively with all levels of staff in the work place.
Knowledge
A good working knowledge of the Australian Code of Practice, for the Care and Use of Animals for
scientific purposes and of ISO principles.
Educational /Vocational Qualifications
(Considered to be useful in carrying out the responsibilities of the position)
Completion of the Diploma in Animal Care and Technology or equivalent
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