Lead Animal Care Technician

Job Details

This role is responsible for the overall operations of the Niall Bromage Freshwater Research Unit (NBFRU) as part of NATIH, delivering technical and scientific support, fish care and welfare in compliance with all relevant legislation. Within this role the post holder will have responsibility for leading a small team who are responsible for animal care and maintenance of the NATIH experimental hatchery facilities.

The post holder will be responsible for conducting a range of services and delivering across several research projects and objectives. The role and responsibilities will be to focus on the delivery of a range of academic and contract research needs where appropriate. The post holder will be required to develop a degree of specialism in the care and maintenance of a range of freshwater vertebrate and invertebrate species.

This role will work closely with the site’s Named Animal Care and Welfare Officer (NACWO) keeping them fully briefed on incoming project work and adhering to Home Office legislation. The post holder will also support the NATIH Manager in the generation of additional business, through the marketing and advertisement of the Institute’s freshwater expertise and capabilities, attending events and networking opportunities showcasing the NBFRU work, generating additional contract research income with external businesses and companies.

Description of Duties

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the organisation and operation of the animal facility delivering the highest standards of animal care, study support and breeding colony management
• Ensure the appropriate resources are available to meet the needs of NATIH and the research community
• Liaise with the Institute of Aquaculture Research Teams to organise and plan the breeding of all freshwater experimental species
• Liaise with the on-site Named Animal Care and Welfare Officer (NACWO), Named Veterinary Surgeon and Researchers to assist and arrange work schedules for all activities including surgical procedures
• Determine priorities and allocate resources at NBFRU to meet planned objectives and requirements of NATIH
• Ensure the site is adequately staffed, including coverage for out of hours and weekend operations

Compliance with relevant legislation

• Liaise with the on-site NACWO, NATIH Manager and deputy establishment licence holder regarding Home Office compliance
• Ensure that the field station is fully compliant with other statutory requirements such as Scottish Government with particular reference to Marine Scotland and Scottish Aquaculture legislation
• Ensure that the field station is fully compliant with Health & Safety legislation

Financial Management

• Ensure the NBFRU operates effectively within any budget constraints, ensuring costs associated with project work is fully aligned to the appropriate research grants and the maintenance of accurate financial records
• Support the NATIH Manager in identifying additional business income through promoting the communication and marketing of NATIH and freshwater expertise at key events and through the Institute’s communication plan
• Work with the NATIH Manager, RIBE and Finance to ensure advice provided to researchers and external clients on costings for grants and research studies working with NBFRU staff is accurate and up to date
• Ensure robust systems are in place for stock control/purchasing ensuring adherence to the University’s financial procedures
• Advise on the future requirements and costs for general and specialist equipment and space for the technical service area

Facility management and Health and Safety

• Ensure that a high standard of hygiene control is in place within the NBFRU fish facilities by training and implementing Standard Operating Procedures
• Liaise with the Health and Safety Officer and Estates and Campus Services to ensure that all equipment and facility maintenance is performed to keep the fabric and equipment in good order
• Ensure that all the Faculty’s safety policies are implemented and followed
• Review systems and processes in own work area analysing areas for improvement and recommend revised working practices, systems, equipment or processes to the NATIH Manager and IoA Executive Committee

Requirements

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level or equivalent in aquatic animal husbandry, specifically of freshwater species
• Strong experience working within an aquatic facility

Knowledge & Experience

• Proven experience of leading a small team
• Have a general knowledge of The Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 any other legislation relating to the management of aquatic facilities and accompanying guidance notes, recommendations and codes of practice
• Well-developed knowledge of Health and Safety regulations and procedures
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of the aquaculture sector, particularly Salmonids
• Substantial prior work experience relevant to the role
• Experience of managing aquatic research projects

Skills & Attributes

• Ability to work independently and also as part of a team
• Proven analytical and technical/scientific problem-solving capability
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to communicate clearly with people at all levels
• Hold a full driving licence
• A flexible and service orientated approach to working
• Attention to detail in order to prevent fish losses and contribute to the delivery of high-quality reports for external clients

Desirable Criteria

Qualifications

• Substantial experience working in an animal research environment

Knowledge & Experience

• Experience of working with a number of freshwater species
• Experience in writing Risk Assessments and Standard Operating Procedures
• Experience of Project Management and working to budgets
• Experience in training staff and students in animal handling and management

Skills & Attributes

• Well-developed understanding of industry relevant software and databases relevant to stock management
• Understanding and knowledge of capital and revenue budgets

Contact Information

https://emea3.recruitmentplatform.com/apply-app/pages/application-form?jobId=QUUFK026203F3VBQB7V79V7...