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: Large Animal Technician (fixed-term for one
year in the first instance)
Job ref no: RVB-0097-14
Grade: 2
Department: RVC Business
Accountable to: Biological Services Unit Management
Responsible for: N/A
Job summary:
Member of a team of technicians providing high quality care to RVC owned livestock (for teaching and
research) held at the Biological Services Unit.
This role holder is expected to have some responsibility for the large animal area of the BSU Camden and to be
involved in teaching large animal husbandry to undergraduate students of the RVC.
As with any animal care role there is an element of “house-keeping” involved and it is expected that the holder
will perform regular weekend duties.
This role is primarily based at the Camden Campus, but the role holder will be expected to work at the
Hawkshead Campus as and when required.
Competency: Service Delivery
Key tasks:
 Daily care and husbandry of farm animals (including but, not limited to, Ponies, Farm Animals and
Poultry), in accordance with all regulatory and legal requirements as necessary (e.g. A(SP)A, DEFRA).
 Teaching large animal husbandry to undergraduate students.
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Receive, unload and store supplies coming into unit.
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General cleaning/ washing of communal areas including yards and associated walk-ways.
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To respond to general enquiries from BSU customers and visitors about unit functions and provide
emergency support, out of hours if necessary.
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Cleaning out small animals, feeding and watering them on occasion as required.
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Providing technical assistance, animal handling and carrying out appropriate procedures as required.
Competency: Planning & Organisation
Key tasks:
 Maintaining all relevant records in an accurate, appropriate and timely manner as required (with
reference to (but not limited to) husbandry and health records, veterinary intervention forms,
temperatures, stock book, drugs book, sample records.
 Maintaining accurate records in respect of livestock movement, breeding records both manual and
computer based.
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Preparation of theatres and teaching rooms.
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Liaise on a daily basis and take instruction from the senior staff and management on how to co-ordinate
the activities in the outside areas.

Be responsible for the delivery and coordination of feed and bedding supplies for large animals
including organising stock levels as needed in coordination with senior staff.

Comprehend and adhere to policies put in place to prevent cross contamination between areas in BSU.
Competency: Communication
Key tasks:
 Able to demonstrate conscientiousness when working with animals and other team members.
 Maintaining all relevant records in an accurate, appropriate and timely manner as required (with
reference to (but not limited to) husbandry and health records, temperatures, sample records.
 Liaise with other BSU technicians and management concerning animal activities.
 Liaise with colleagues and stakeholders using a variety of communication methods.
 Report concerns regarding activities or equipment function.
 Maintenance of records of equipment.
 Take part in weekly and monthly staff meetings.
 Comply with training and follow standard operating procedures.
 Display/adhere to safety notices and work in a safe and responsible manner.
Competency: Knowledge and Experience
Key tasks:
 To attend appropriate courses applicable to the role.
 To be a PIL licence holder, or be willing to take on this responsibility if required.
 Train and become competent in the use of power washer, steam pressure gun.
 To assist in the compilation / assessment of SOP’s when they come up for review.
 To record training received in the relevant folder provided.
Competency: Physical and Sensory demands
Key tasks:

To undertake a reasonable amount of manual handling, such as lifting and stacking cages and handling
and storing large hay deliveries.

To undertake cleaning of dirty equipment and facilities making use of PPE as required.

Undertake respiratory function tests with occupational health due to the exposure to Laboratory Animal
Allergens.
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To be willing to work in inclement weather, due to the nature of the role.
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 team player and undertake training as required or directed to allow safe working
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practices and enhancement of personal skills.
An active team player who is conscientious, honest and reliable.
Expected to be punctual and have high attendance.
To provide cover for absent colleagues as required.
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 participate in the weekend Rota (after
training) outside of normal working hours including bank holidays and weekends. Overtime will be
paid.