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Form of work
SalaryAnimal Technical Officer
- Employment Type: Full time (38 hours per week)
- Duration: 2 year contract
- Remuneration: Level 4 $$82,435 - $86,959 (depending on experience) + 17% super + leave loading
- Location: Kensington, NSW
Animal Services is responsible for supplying animals and managing the majority of facilities used for animal research on UNSW's Kensington & Randwick campuses.
The Animal Services unit has an overall objective and responsibility to deliver the highest standards of animal welfare and ethical conduct under conditions of current best practice and regulatory compliance while meeting the needs of UNSW researchers.
Why your role matters
The Animal Technical Officer position focuses on supporting the effective operations of the facilities for housing animals as well as participating in routine animal care and husbandry. The role includes oversight of a nominated area(s) and the support of activities that promote animal wellbeing, workplace health and safety, security, regulatory compliance, and specific pathogen free status.
The role will report to the Animal Services Manager and has nil direct reports.
Responsibilities
- Perform routine animal husbandry including cage/pen changing, monitoring and routine animal welfare checks.
- Participate in the animal health monitoring program, under the oversight of the Animal Care Team and Animal Services senior management, including investigating animal ill health, conducting post-mortem examinations, and the collection and shipment of samples for screening to maintain SPF status.
- Oversee the receipt of shipments of mice from external suppliers, ensuring that animal welfare checks are performed, that records are completed, and stakeholders notified of any concerns.
- Ensure that equipment and infrastructure is maintained in good order and where necessary initiate repairs and maintenance with appropriate oversight of the Animal Services Manager.
- Act as contact person for an assigned area for planned works and liaise with EM contractors and service technicians for the maintenance and repairs of plant and equipment.
- Assist with regular inspections by animal ethics, GTRC or workplace safety committees and with OGTR and/or DAFF audits and participate in resolution of correct actions and compliance reporting.
- A tertiary qualification in animal care or animal science, preferably at diploma level or above, and relevant work experience, or an equivalent level of knowledge gained through any other combination of education, training and/or experience.
- Demonstrated experience, skill and care in the handling and husbandry of a range of animal species.
- A sound understanding of research animal facility operation under conditions of specific pathogen free husbandry and level 2 Physical Containment (PC2), compliance with The Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes, and relevant parts of other regulatory frameworks.
- Proven ability to prioritise the needs of an area and to respond to operational challenges in a timely manner with good attention to detail and problem-solving skills commensurate with the level of responsibility.
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience with common animal facility and animal research equipment and an understanding of general maintenance requirements.
- Demonstrated strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Proficiency in a range of computing skills including Microsoft Office suite, databases, Outlook, and demonstrated ability to learn and implement new systems.
Benefits and Culture:
People are at the core of everything we do. We recognise it is the contributions of our staff who make UNSW one of the best universities in Australia and the world.
Our benefits include:
- Career development opportunities
- 17% Superannuation contributions and additional leave loading payments
- Additional 3 days of leave over December/January holiday period
- Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness)
To Apply: If this is of interest to you, please submit your CV and Cover Letter outlining how you meet the Skills and Experience outlined in the position description.
Contact: Amy Denney: Talent Acquisition Coordinator e:
Please note applications sent directly to the contacts above cannot be accepted.
Applications close: 11.55pm, 24th January 2024
UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.
