Assistant Scientific Officer
Hillsborough
£12.59 per hour
37 hours a week
Duties:
The post holder will report to the Dairy Technical Manager. The key roles of the post are as described below:
• Follow scientific protocols and standard operating procedures to ensure scientific work is undertaken in an accurate and timely manner.
• Accurate recording of scientific data relating to livestock and crops. This will be achieved by manual data recording, through the operation of complex and expensive scientific instruments, electrical, mechanical, and electronic equipment, harvesting equipment, and multiple types of sampling and sensor equipment. Many of these systems are controlled by/downloaded to computer systems that you will be required to operate.
• Operate electrical and mechanical equipment, especially harvesting equipment and sampling equipment.
• Inputting data to computerized databases, especially Excel. Generate reports from computerized data, especially Excel spreadsheets, and maintain accurate written and electronic records.
• Ensuring that livestock are offered the correct diets at the correct time in an accurate manner. Feeding/assisting with feeding of livestock, including feeding concentrates to livestock.
• The post will require regular handling of farm livestock, taking direct animal measurements, and measurements via experimental sensors. It will also involve collection and preparation of a wide range of biological samples (including blood, urine, faeces, milk, rumen fluid, meat, grass, silage, slurry).
• The role often involves physical work, which will be undertaken in livestock houses, and in fields, such as bedding livestock with straw/sawdust and power washing of enclosed animal housing. This work is undertaken throughout the year under a wide range of climatic conditions.
• Working with the entire livestock team to ensure the health and welfare of animals is maintained, including identifying, reporting, and sometimes treating sick animals.
• Driving farm vehicles and operating farm equipment to facilitate experiments, as and when necessary. The post may on occasions involve travelling to farms to collect samples and data. A valid driving licence is essential.
• To fulfil the role the post holder will be required to obtain a Personal Animal License in compliance with ASPA regulations.
• Completing all work in line with AFBI accepted quality standards and both technical and scientific operating procedures (ISO9001).
• Work as a member of a team, valuing the contribution of others and forming co-operative working relationships with all colleagues. Work independently when required.
This list is not exclusive, and the successful candidate will be required to carry out other duties as allocated by management.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must, by the closing date for applications provide evidence in their application form that they meet the following eligibility criteria.
1. 5 GCSEs (or equivalent*). 3 out of the 5 must include Science, Maths & English at grades A-C
2. Experience of working with livestock, which could include cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and horses
3. Experience working in a scientific environment
4. Demonstrable experience using the Microsoft Office suite of programmes to include Word and Excel (equivalent IT packages will be considered).
5. Possess a full UK manual Category B driving licence which enables the postholder to drive company vehicles. Under DDA any reasonable adjustments will be considered at offer stage.
6. Available for overtime on rota basis