JOB DESCRIPTION
This form summarises the purpose of the job and lists its key tasks.
It may be varied from time to time at the discretion of the College in consultation with the post holder.
Job Title: Experienced Animal Technician
Job ref no: BSU-0175-13
Grade: 4
Department: Biological Services Unit, Camden Campus
Accountable to: BSU Manager and Deputy Manager
Responsible for: N/A
Job summary: Member of a team of technicians providing high quality care to RVC owned livestock held at the Royal
Veterinary College’s Biological Services Unit.
Main duties include responsibility for day to day running of the isolator suite, some responsibility for fish facility and close
involvement in rodent breeding including transgenic colonies. You will be a PIL operative and perform accurate record
keeping. You will also take part in husbandry & breeding of all species held and liaison and assisting investigators, visitors
& officials as required.
Competency: Service Delivery
Key tasks:
To run and co-ordinate the Isolator Suite including routine monitoring and maintenance of specialist equipment.
To maintain and promote high health status of animals within this facility including germ free isolators.
Some responsibility for the running of the Fish Facility
The provision of training for staff members within the Isolator Suite and Fish Facility to ensure standards and quality
levels are maintained according to Home Office, Health and Safety regulation and good research practice (GRP).
To participate and maintain excellent standards of animal care and welfare across the facility.
To maintain detailed, accurate records of stock levels and procedures (on paper and using electronic database)
Competency: Communication
Key tasks:
Liaise with the BSU Manager, deputy manager and other BSU technicians concerning the activities in the unit.
Adhere to Standard Operating Procedures within the unit and create/edit SOPs as required.
Have good written and verbal communication skills
Competency: Knowledge and Experience
Key tasks:
Knowledge of fish husbandry and welfare
Overseeing breeding of laboratory animals including transgenic mouse colonies
Assisting with re-derivation programmes as required
Undertake duties and responsibilities for managing animals within Isolators, including Germ Free Isolators following
strict biosecurity protocols to maintain good health status and barriers
Husbandry of rodents in a variety of housing systems including Individual Ventilated Cages
To participate in the teaching of animal husbandry and handling
PIL holder – for following species: rat, mouse, guinea pig, hamster, rabbit, pig, sheep and ferret
Handling and sexing of the animals for teaching purposes - rat, mouse, hamster, guinea pig, rabbits, cattle and ponies.
Competency: Teamwork and Motivation
Key tasks:
To work effectively as part of the team to ensure a high standard of animal care and ensure a cohesive approach to the
service delivered
To be a motivated and active team player who is conscientious and reliable
Expected to be punctual and have high attendance
To provide cover for absent colleagues as required
The provision of support and assistance to researchers
Competency: Flexibility
Key Tasks:
Demonstrate a flexible approach to the delivery of the work within the Unit. Consequently, the postholder may be
required to perform duties not specifically identified in the job description but which are in line with the general
responsibilities of this post.
To undertake training as required or directed to allow safe working practices and enhancement of personal skills
To participate in the out of hours rota including bank holidays, Christmas closure period and weekends. Overtime will be
paid.