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: Animal Technician (Maternity Cover)
Job ref no: RVB-0099-14
Grade: 3
Fixed-term until 01/05/2015
Department: RVC Business, Biological Services Unit
Accountable to: Biological Services Unit Management
Responsible for: n/a
Job summary:
This post is primarily to undertake the care and welfare aspects of all animals held in the RVC Business Department,
Biological Services Unit, at the Hawkshead Campus.
As with any animal care role there is an element of “house-keeping” involved and it is expected that the holder will fully
participate in these activities, keeping the BSU clean and tidy at all times and in line with good research / laboratory
practice.
The role holder will have husbandry duties specifically to include a wide range of animals, e.g. rodents, equines, dogs,
cats, farm animal species, and poultry, fish and amphibians.
Competency: Service Delivery
Key tasks:
 Assisting internal investigators with their studies and supporting external client projects.
 Actively use personal licence under Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.
 Actively policing the A(SP)A 1986 and reporting concerns to the Named Animal Care and Welfare Officers,
NTCO’s, NVS and BSU Management as necessary.
 Accurate record keeping in respect to A(SP)A 1986 and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP).
 Arrange veterinary consultation, if required, through advice of BSu Manager and/ or NVS as required or asked for.
 Supporting procedural and operating room activities as required.
 General husbandry of a wide range of animals, e.g. rodents, equines, dogs, cats, farm animal species, poultry, fish
and amphibians.
 Undertaking activities akin with farm livestock management.
 Supporting a large research project involving the breeding of dogs with husbandry of pregnant dogs and
subsequent puppies. Accurate record keeping and coordination with the NVS on canine vaccinations,
identification and rehoming as required.
 Ensure coordination of supplies for areas of responsibility – such as feed, bedding, PPE in coordination with BSU
administration.
 Assisting with general research administration as and when required.
Competency: Teaching and Training
Key tasks:
 To abide by Health and Safety requirements, GLP requirements and security protocols and helping staff and
visitors adhere to these requirements.
 Where appropriate, training of regulated techniques to RVC staff, students and visiting scientists.
 Keep accurate records of training undertaken according to ASPA and GLP and other training as acquired.
Competency: Behavioral skills
Key tasks:
 An active team player who is conscientious, honest and reliable.
 Proactive in self-development and supportive to team members.
 Assist with site deliveries / general house-keeping.
 Bottle / cage washing / preparing clean laundry.
 Is punctual and have high attendance.
 Have a high moral and ethical approach to animal attendance and care.
 Monitoring activities in the unit and passing concerns onto the BSU Management.
 Participate on a roistered weekend Rota (usually 1 weekend in 3).
 Participate in roistered late/ night shifts / out of hours undertaking animal care and technical duties as required.
Competency: Communication
 Provide clear verbal and written communication, both face to face and on the telephone to other members of the
team and colleagues across the college.
 Understand clearly and respond, to the needs and wants of researchers and co-workers through active listening.
 Enthusiastic and positive approach to all tasks.
 Maintain a flexible approach to work in a changing environment.
 Actively promote positive and effective collaboration, communication, cooperation and team work.
 React appropriately to requests for advice or information from colleagues and researchers.
 Ensure records are accurately completed in a timely fashion.
 Keep management informed of key information as and when required.
Flexibility:
To deliver services effectively, a degree of flexibility is needed, and the post holder may be required to perform work not
specifically referred to above. There is always the possibility that the role holder maybe required to work at the BSU
Camden facility.