Job Purpose

Deliver high standards of organisation and cleanliness within animal facilities by performing routine cleaning and maintenance duties. Undertake daily animal care duties under supervision when required.  The post holder must adhere to departmental biosecurity policies as required.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1.      General cleaning, housekeeping and upkeep of the animal facility to maintain excellent levels of hygiene and animal health. This includes responsibility for laundry, reporting when domestic supplies and consumables are low, receiving deliveries and replenishing stocks.

2.      Perform cleaning and sterilisation of animal cages and equipment by operating large washers, autoclaves and fumigation/decontamination chambers.

3.      Preparation of procedure rooms/operating theatres and sterilisation of equipment and consumables for use in aseptic scientific procedures.  Replenishing sterile supplies.

4.      Disposal of waste material, special waste and animal carcases, in a compliant and safe manner.

5.      Carry out basic equipment maintenance according to routine instructions and report any equipment failures to senior staff. Includes completing basic paperwork and maintaining operation logs.

6.      Driving University vehicles for transporting animals and consumables as required.

7.      Under supervision, perform daily welfare check on animals according to a strict Standard Operation Procedure (SOP) and ensure food and water are provided. Includes completing and documenting that morning and/or afternoon checks have been completed. Must report any signs of ill health to a senior member of staff.

8.      Awareness of, and adherence to, of the University’s and Departmental Standard Operating Procedures for operational and quality assurance purposes and to ensure compliance with the Health and Safety at work Act and other relevant legislation.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge/ Qualifications

Essential

A1 Either: Ability to demonstrate the competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary knowledge and skills in a similar role. Or: Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 4 in English and Mathematics (National 4) or equivalent, and some experience of working in a similar role.

A2 Security clearance for working in animal facilities (will be arranged before appointment).

A3 Full, clean driving licence.

Desirable:

B1 Experience with manual handling and maintenance of equipment.

Skills

Essential:

C1 Competent IT skills.

C2 Ability to use specialised equipment.

C3 Basic understanding of, and ability to apply, health and safety procedures in the workplace.

C4 Good observation, communication and reporting skills.

Experience

Essential:

E1 Working as part of a team.

E2 Experience with record keeping and data recording using spreadsheets.

Desirable:

F1 Work experience with animals.

F2 Work experience in driving within a work environment (e.g. delivery).

F3 Experience using specialised sterilisation equipment.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 3, £22,995 - £23,581 per annum.

This post is full time (35 hours p/w) and open-ended. The successful applicant will be subject to security checks by Agenda Screening Services.

Closing Date: 2 March 2025 @ 23.45