safeguarding public and animal health

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Careers

AHVLA provides the opportunity to pursue a variety of career roles. This page outlines some of these roles and their levels. For further details on Pay Band salaries, refer to the Salaries & Benefits page.

• Scientists (Pay Band G and above)
• Animal Technicians (Pay Band F and G) and Farm Managers (Pay Band E and above)
• Administrators (Pay Band G and above)
• Veterinarians (Pay Band C and above)

Other career groups also work at the VLA such as Librarians, Accountants and Mathematicians.

Pay Band G is the first step on the ladder. Staff in Pay Band G and F provide basic support to more senior scientific, veterinary and administrative staff by helping with operational duties involved in the smooth running of the Agency. There are a variety of roles at this level with the scope to move to a higher Pay Band via internal promotion.

Scientists

Pay Band F and G

The work carried out can vary according to experience and the post but contains a substantial training element.

The tasks of a Pay Band G (Laboratory Attendant) include:

• Preparing samples for testing and experimental media.
• Preparing and cleaning laboratory equipment.
• Ordering supplies and updating records.

A Pay Band F (Scientist) can be involved in:

• Molecular genetics work, for example, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE).

• Diagnostic tests requiring a high degree of manipulative skill with a critical approach, reliability and concentration.

• Preparation and reading of tissue cultures and blood samples using complex and sophisticated equipment.

• Assisting at post mortem examinations and analysing the results.

• Collecting data, producing graphs, making calculations and assembling apparatus.

Pay Band E and above

Pay Band E (Scientist) staff and above are also recruited through external recruitment. These positions can involve:

• Providing scientific advice to tackle varied issues relating to animal health and welfare.

• Undertaking tests for research and development projects.

• Managing staff in Pay Band F and G.

This work and that of a higher level varies greatly; in some posts it can be theoretical, in others it is more experimental/research based. Therefore these higher Pay Band posts are advertised individually and detailed job descriptions are available with application forms. It is possible to obtain higher Pay Band posts by internal promotion based on experience and skills.

Animal Technicians & Farm Managers

Pay Band F and G (Animal Technician)

These posts are responsible for maintaining a high standard of animal care and working with vets and scientists who are studying farm animal diseases. Tasks include feeding, watering, cleaning out, disinfecting pens and equipment, record keeping and operating mechanical equipment.

Pay Band E and above (Farm Manager)

These positions can involve:

• Assisting veterinary and scientific staff in their work to improve the health of farm livestock.

• Managing Animal Technicians in Pay Band F and G.

• Keeping accurate records of the above work.

Relevant qualifications or previous experience in the handling and care of large/small animals is an advantage, as would higher qualifications in animal husbandry or qualifications from the Institute of Animal Technicians.

Most Farm Manager posts are filled by internal promotion and external recruitment at this level is infrequent. However, if we were to recruit externally, applicants would be expected to have previous experience in the handling and care of large/small animals and a qualification in animal husbandry.

Administrators

Administrative opportunities are available in areas such as Information Technology, Human Resources, Finance and Procurement. There are also Business Administration Managers in the science departments who work in an office or a laboratory environment.

Pay Band F and G

These positions may involve:

• Responding to enquiries from internal and external customers either by letter or telephone.

• Maintaining file records.

• Processing requisitions from placing the order to chasing deliveries.

• Electronic data entry.

Pay Band E and above

Pay Band E (Administrator) staff and above are also recruited through external recruitment.

These positions can involve:

• Drafting VLA policies.

• Reconciling accounts and monitoring budgets.

• Managing administrators in Pay Band F and G.

Applicants for Pay Band F (Administrator) positions must have five GCSE/GCE (grade A, B or C) or CSE (grade 1) passes or equivalent (one of these should be English Language or English Language and Literature combined) or relevant experience to the post.

It is possible to obtain higher Pay Band posts by internal promotion based on experience and skills.

Applicants for Pay Band E and above (Administrator) positions must have at least two GCE 'A' level passes and three passes at GCSE/GCE passes (grade C and above). One of the qualifications must be in English Language or English Language or Literature combined. Equivalent qualifications including BTEC, SCE and SCOTvec may be accepted as alternatives. Relevant experience to the post is equally considered.

Veterinarians

Veterinarians are recruited at Pay Band C and duties may include:

• The control and eradication of notifiable diseases.

• Diagnostic and consultancy work on notifiable and non-notifiable diseases.

• Epidemiological studies

• Disease monitoring and surveillance.

• Special investigation and surveys.

• The control of zoonoses and public health Liaison work on red meat and poultry meat hygiene.

• The pursuit of improved farm animal welfare.

Applicants must be members of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

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