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 postholder
Job Title: Equine Research Technician
Job ref no: VCS/0149/12
Grade: 2
Department: Veterinary Clinical Sciences
Accountable to: Head of BSU & Dr Richard Piercy
Responsible for: N/A
Job summary:
To be an efficient and effective member of the team responsible for providing technical and animal care services within the
Royal Veterinary College’s BSU department, with primary responsibility for the routine management and day-to-day
husbandry of a group of young Thoroughbred horses and to contribute to various research studies.
Competency:
Communication Skills.
Key tasks:
 Maintain good communication with colleagues via email, telephone and text.
 Understand clearly the needs and expectations of line managers and co-workers.
 Work as part of a team; prioritise and complete all tasks effectively and efficiently.
 Work alongside other technicians on separate research projects.
 Maintain a flexible, positive and professional approach to work in a changing environment.
Competency:
Service Delivery.
Key tasks:
 Maintaining confidentiality.
 Main responsibility is the husbandry and treadmill exercise and exercise testing of young Thoroughbred horses.
 Provide the highest standards of equine husbandry, stable management and technical support. This will include
but is not limited to: feeding, grooming, mucking out, preparation and cleaning of stables.
 Provide technical support for clinicians including: the setting up and turn round of procedure rooms; setting up
and calibration of diagnostic and other equipment; maintenance, care and cleaning of equipment.
 Assist clinicians with clinical procedures including: holding and restraint of horses; trotting-up, and lunging of
horses; collection of samples; assistance, where required with all diagnostic and research procedures.
 Maintenance of accurate records.
 Maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and organisation.
Competency:
Knowledge and Experience.
Key Tasks:
 Computer literate in the use of Microsoft packages, in particular Word, Outlook and Excel.
 Have a good understanding of equine anatomy and physiology.
 Excellent horse handling skills.
 A good range of practical skills within an equine and / or veterinary environment.
 Ability to assess difficult situations and act accordingly.
 Experience of equine treadmill operations and veterinary-related procedures would be advantageous.
 Experience of working in a physically demanding environment.
Competency :
Planning and Organisation.
Key tasks:
 Maintain equipment / machinery to ensure servicing is carried out at regular intervals and any defects are
recorded, reported and rectified accordingly.
 Ability to organise work as a priority, whilst liaising with other work colleagues.
Competency:
Health & Safety.
Key tasks:
 Adherence to the Health & Safety policy of the Royal Veterinary College.
 Experience and confidence with handling of Young Thoroughbred horses
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.
 Any other duties, as reasonably requested by your line managers
 Able to work on a flexible shift basis Monday to Friday which might include early starts.
 Routine weekend duties are shared with other technicians on a rota basis for which an overtime supplement is
paid.
 On occasion, and with prior arrangement, research work might be conducted at a weekend or outside normal
working hours with time off in lieu.
 During experimental weeks, full time work may be required, with prior given notice, and time off in lieu.