Senior Animal Technologist (ID4838)

Job summary

Are you someone who can lead and manage successfully in a challenging and dynamic environment? Do you have the ability to influence others and guide your team in a shared strategy?

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is an executive agency of the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, and works on behalf of the Scottish Government and Welsh Government. Our diverse teams of over 3,000 skilled and committed professionals come together to provide research, advice and support to UK Government for safeguarding animal, public and plant health for benefit of the environment and economy.

APHA is a brilliant place to work where our people feel valued, have a voice and can be their authentic selves. We value difference and diversity, because it helps us be more innovative and make better decisions.

We are dedicated to being an inclusive employer, offering equitable opportunities for all individuals. Our goal is to build a diverse workforce, and we hope to attract applications from all backgrounds and underrepresented groups.

The Science Directorate (SD) delivers high quality, high impact and highly relevant multidisciplinary science. Our People are diverse, talented, engaged and inspired to deliver innovative outcomes.

This advertised role is to join the Animal Sciences team of 50 multidisciplined technicians, vets, and administrative staff. The department is responsible for delivering animal studies that inform Defra policy, advance scientific understanding and improve animal welfare in the UK and beyond.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of APHA during the Science Capability for Animal Health development. Animal Technicians at APHA have the unique opportunity to specialise in a wide variety of roles, ranging from low to high containment, and from small animals to livestock.

This is a great opportunity to further your career if you have a keen interest in animals and animal science. We have a variety of training opportunities available to support your career at APHA. We are after individuals with a passion for working with animals and promoting their welfare.

Job description

This is a senior animal science post as part of a specialist Animal Sciences team within the Pathology & Animal Sciences Department at APHA. The post is in our biocontainment areas and has responsibility for husbandry, welfare and regulated procedures on farmed livestock, poultry as well as small laboratory animals, for specialist biocontainment (up to Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens - ACDP3, Specified Animal Pathogens Order - SAPO4, GM3) facilities including safety and quality management (Good Laboratory Practice - GLP, Good Manufacturing Practice - GMP and ISO 9001) for the allocated areas and staff management. The work of the post is physically demanding.

Responsibilities will include:

Animal Science and Research
You will work as part of a team with veterinary, scientific and technical staff to deliver a wide range of animal science projects involving a range of important and zoonotic pathogens (e.g. Influenza, tuberculosis (TB), transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE), and other viral or bacterial or parasitic agents) in farmed livestock, poultry or small animals. You will lead in the planning, execution and conduct of studies being carried out various project licences assuring compliance, staffing and timely execution as well as support other project work carried out in their area. Research contribution will primarily be to develop methods which minimise animal suffering and improve welfare, refine all aspects of animal use and performance of scientific procedures. You should have a good understanding of data managing software (Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel) and have a basic understanding of statistical analysis.

You will be responsible for livestock, rodent and specialist biocontainment facilities, develop specialist knowledge and expertise, perform regulated scientific procedures, develop species specialism and environmental enrichment. You may be required to become a Home Office Project Licence Holder and assist in animal project or contract management, data analysis and delivery. You will act as an Animal Sciences On-Call Officer on a duty rota (no more than 1 week in 10) for out of working hours support response to the Department. You will perform and supervise daily husbandry and care of animals in allocated areas, ensuring that relevant documentation is in place and may also be required to assist at post-mortems.

Staff, Facility and Resource Management
You will be allocated an animal facility area and staffing – and will be expected to work in a range of areas and facilities including high disease biocontainment (up to ACDP3/SAPO4). You will provide management and direction to APHA’s Animal Technicians and support staff within the allocated area, line management of staff assigned to work in their areas, functional management of visitors, others working in the facility and supervision of scientific staff and contract staff as appropriate. Participation in staff utilisation meetings to ensure efficient use of resources, succession planning and developing skills, specialism and flexibility across teams. Building/Facility Officer duties including liaison with the maintenance providers to ensure the appropriate monitoring and maintenance of plant including generators, water testing, alarm systems, Building Management Systems and biocontainment controls. You will be responsible for effective use of resources (staff, time, consumables etc) in their area and for effective management oversight of this.

BioEthics, Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body (AWERB):
You will be expected to be an active member of the AWERB, participating in committee meetings (shared between all HEO level posts) as well have input into project licence applications and study reviews with regards to the 3Rs. You will act as Named Animal Care and Welfare Officer (NACWO) and become a Home Office Personal Licence holder. You must support the senior NACWO in producing the NACWO report for the committee. You will coach junior NACWOs with regards to AWERB documentation review and advise them on the 3Rs. Provide leadership and implementation of APHA’s Animal Welfare Standards, interacting with scientists and Named people and be proactive in raising any animal welfare concerns. You will develop a thorough knowledge of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act (ASPA) including the Code of Practice (CoP); inspect animal facilities regularly and advise scientists and others on the compliance under ASPA and the CoP and be responsible for ensuring study pre-start meetings are carried out and the relevant documentation is completed.

Communication
You will be required to have excellent communication skills liaising with a diverse range of people, using all modern communication tools, in writing and verbally. You will use electronic communication tools, including online diaries, SharePoint, Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Access. You will liaise frequently with the other managers and contribute to building a strong team. On rotation, you will act as Chairperson for team meetings and are required to be a proactive member of the Animal Sciences management team and contribute effectively.

Safety
You will be responsible for safety and biocontainment in your area. You will ensure that adequate training and planning for response to emergency scenarios are in place; actively participate in safety inspections and audits. Ensure that appropriate documentation (e.g. Risk assessments, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and log books) are in place. You will be a Departmental Safety Advisor for your area and work closely with the Departmental Safety Officer on safety matters. You will participate in inspections and ensure deadlines for closing actions are met. Provide suitable and sufficient information for all staff using the facility. Provide ad hoc monitoring of staff working in their facility and immediately advise senior management of any concerns. This might include non-compliance with APHA H&S Policy, SOPs and Risk Assessments.

Quality
You will be required to maintain appropriate competence, write and review SOPs and ensure quality compliance in their areas in liaison with the Local Quality Manager and Quality Services Unit. You will participate in internal audits and external inspections, and ensure deadlines for closing actions are met, ensure servicing and calibration of equipment, and arrange for the decontamination and removal of broken or unsafe items and registering new equipment on databases. Required to respond to building and equipment alarms including out of hours as appropriate.

Person specification

You must have demonstrable skills in written and spoken English to enable effective communication about veterinary topics with customers and colleagues and meet one of the following:

• have undertaken undergraduate veterinary training in English;

or

• having a sufficient command of spoken and written English to effectively perform the role being undertaken by a public sector worker in a customer-facing role

or

• have achieved the following scores in the academic international English Language Testing System (IELTS) or equivalent in a single sitting within 24 months at time of application – Overall 7, Speaking 7, Listening 7, Reading 7, Writing 7

Experience and skills

You will need to demonstrate the following:

• Experience of working with animals in research or commercial facilities
• Experience in working with a range of animals
• Knowledge of working in biocontainment

Security Clearance

The Weybridge site is a strategically important national asset due to its role as a reference laboratory supporting the Governments response to national emergencies including disease outbreaks. For this reason, all staff based on the APHA Weybridge site must hold a valid Counter Terrorist Check (CTC) security clearance. Applicants must be currently resident in the UK and have at least three years continuous UK residency in order to start the mandatory Counter Terrorist Check security checks that is required to work at APHA Weybridge. if you cannot meet this criteria CTC clearance will not be possible as this is part of pre-employment checks before taking up the post.

Workplace arrangements

This post requires you to be working onsite at Weybridge five days per week or less if on a job share.

Ways of Working

Periodic travel within the UK and Europe may be required to attend training courses, conferences and scientific meetings. This could include farm or abattoir visits as part of ongoing research or other postmortem facilities. You may have to ensure that no contact is made with farmed animals for a period of 1-2 days or more before visiting these premises and may therefore preclude anyone who lives on a livestock farm.

Out of hours work may be required. When overtime or out-of-hours work is required, APHA Management reserves the right to change overtime patterns to meet requirements. You may be eligible for overtime payments and where overtime is approved you will receive appropriate payment.

The post is full-time, we may consider two part-time staff on a job share basis if continuity can be arranged.

The successful candidate will need to comply with a number of health protocols and wear protective clothing and Respiratory Personal Protective Equipment (RPPE) as required. The work involved in this post can be physically demanding, therefore a level of physical fitness is required. This is due to access requirements to biosecure areas as part of this role.

Restrictions on outside/domestic contact with small animals, mainly rodents and rabbits, may apply.

A valid full driving licence is necessary as you will be required to drive around site to remote facilities.

Health surveillance

The post will also require Health clearance. You will be expected to complete a questionnaire on your general health and have any necessary vaccinations or health surveillance, including Audiology, Drivers Medical, Influenza A Viruses, Rabies, Respiratory & Skin Sensitisers, TB, Tetanus and Zoonotic Viruses. This will be arranged by the Health Team, Weybridge. It may also be necessary to undergo a pre-employment medical assessment.

Licences

Full Driving Licence

Qualifications

Animal Science degree or currently working towards one

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Communicating and Influencing
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Working Together
• Making Effective Decisions

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Communicating and Influencing

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £38,795, Animal and Plant Health Agency contributes £11,238 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

Our offered benefits include:

• A minimum of 25 days of paid annual leave, increasing by 1 day per year up to a maximum of 30.
• An extensive range of learning & professional development opportunities tailored to your role.
• Access to a range of retail, travel and lifestyle employee discounts.
• Staff bonuses and recognition, salary sacrifice benefit options, and an employee discount scheme.
• Three days special leave with pay, per year, for volunteering (pro-rata for part time employees).
• Making it work for you - With so many flexible options, most people can find a work schedule to suit their circumstances.
• We also have a social committee who run team building and fun events at the Weybridge site
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

These are just a few of our benefits we offer. To find out the full range of what we offer refer to the Information Pack attached for more detail.

Learning and Development

Everyone in APHA is supported to develop their skills and capabilities. When you join the Directorate, you will be welcomed into your new team through an induction programme that will provide you with helpful information on the civil service, our work and our policies. Your line manager will also work with you to establish your priorities for the year, developing a performance, learning and development plan tailored to you and your role. This can include a variety of courses, Apprenticeships, paid Masters and PhD and on-the-job training specific to your role.

In return for your dedication, we will support your ongoing personal development through appropriate training. Inclusion, support and the development of our people matter to us. We aim to support the career and personal wellbeing of everyone in APHA.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Ability and Experience.

Application Process

After submission of the first stage of your application you will be invited to complete a Civil Service Numerical Test and Civil Service Verbal Test. If you successfully pass the test, you will be invited to complete the final stage of the application.

Please complete the online tests as soon as possible (within 24-48 hours is recommended), the closing date for the tests is 23:55 on 2nd September 2026. If you fail to complete the online test before the deadline your application will be withdrawn. Guidance for the test will be available when you are invited to take the test. The tests are administered online and accessed via the CS Jobs website.

Do not leave completing the tests until the last minute in case you experience any access or technical issues. There may not be technical support available after business hours and after 2pm on the closing date of 2nd September 2026..

While the tests should work on most operating systems and modern browsers with a good internet connection, we cannot guarantee that every combination will work. At the beginning, the test will check which browser you are using, and alert you if it is likely to be incompatible.

It is highly recommended that you complete the online tests on a desktop computer, not a mobile phone or tablet.

Please note that online tests associated with this vacancy are not subject to time limits; for further information visit the Reasonable adjustments for online tests - a candidate guide

For more guidance about the online Civil Service tests, please see the GOV.UK website: Civil Service online tests - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

You will be directed to the Talogy - True Talent – Scheduled Maintenance Window Webpage for online tests during an outage.

Our online test supplier will be performing scheduled maintenance between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on 23rd August 2026 and again 4 p.m. to Midnight on 30th August 2026. You will be unable to access tests during this period.

If you are in the middle of a test when the maintenance begins, your progress will be paused. You will be able to resume your test from where you left off via your application centre once the downtime has ended. Please note that you will not be able to launch any new tests while the system is offline.

You will also be required to complete the following as part of your application:

• A CV-style application submitted through an online tool accessed through the Civil Service Jobs website. There is no requirement to upload your personal CV.
• A 500-word Personal Statement of how you match the details in the Person Specification – the written evidence you provide must relate to your own experiences. We encourage you to use the full word allowance of the Personal Statement but not to exceed it
• A 250-word Behaviour Statement for the following Behaviour: Communicating & Influencing, following the Behaviour criteria outlined in the Success Profiles: Civil Service behaviours - GOV.UK framework for the grade of the role. Please use the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to provide evidence of the Behaviours in your application.

CV Guidance

Your CV should consist of your career history, including any key achievements and your main responsibilities in each role and be no longer than 2 pages. Your CV will be used to provide further context on your Personal Statement and scored against the essential criteria.

Personal Statement Guidance

When completing your Personal Statement, please read and understand the Person Specification thoroughly, as this is what your written evidence will be assessed against. Please ensure you evidence the key personal qualities and experiences that align with the criteria. Consider the Job Description and look to demonstrate how your previous experience may align with the expectations and be applicable to the role. The written evidence you provide must relate to your own experiences. Your layout is entirely your preference; you may choose narrative, bullets, etc.

Scoring for all criteria of the application is from 1 to 7 – A score of 4 and above in each area will progress to interview unless there is a large number of applications. In this instance, an initial sift will be conducted using the CV style Application form and Personal Statement. The panel may agree a benchmark score higher than 4 with a rationale for the decision. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to interview.

For further guidance and information on how to construct your application (CV style application, Personal Statement and Behaviours), you are encouraged to visit the Civil Service Careers website. How to write your CV , Civil Service Careers

Eligibility

Please take extra care to tick the correct boxes in the eligibility sections of your application form. We understand mistakes sometimes happen but if you contact us later than two working days (Monday-Friday) before the vacancy closes, we will not be able to reopen your application for you. If you do make a mistake, please contact us via Science.DirectorateHR@apha.gov.uk with the vacancy reference number, your applicant reference number, and the closing date.

Interview

If successful at application stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on:

• Your previous experiences relevant to the role requirements outlined in the advert following the Success Profiles: Experience - GOV.UK
• Behaviours (Seeing the Big Picture, Working Together, Making Effective Decisions). The Behaviour criteria outlined in the Success Profiles: Civil Service behaviours - GOV.UK framework for HEO positions. Please use the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to provide evidence of the Behaviours in your interview.
• Strength based questions related to the role requirements following the Success Profiles: Strengths - GOV.UK framework. There is no expectation or requirement for you to prepare for the strengths-based questions in advance of the interview, though you may find it helpful to spend some time reflecting on what you enjoy doing and what you do well.

Your interview will be conducted face to face or on-line. You will be notified of the location when you are notified of the interview/given a link to the on-line interview.

Sift and interview dates to be confirmed.

The interview will follow a blended approach and will last approximately 45 minutes.

A blended interview aims to be more of a conversation at interview, offering a more inclusive approach.

The Strength and Behaviour based questioning explores what the candidate can and has done, but also their potential.

Behavioural questions will explore what you have done in previous jobs or experiences as well as what you have achieved and/or learned.

Strength questions will explore what you enjoy and your motivations relevant to the job role.

This is an example of a strengths-based question:

“It is often said that the customer's needs should come first. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?”

Reserve List

A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.

Near Miss

Candidates who are judged to be a near miss at interview may be considered for other positions in Defra which may be at a lower grade but have a potential skills match.

After the interview

Once all the interviews have been conducted, candidates will be notified of the outcome by email. If you are successful at the interview stage, we will be in touch to offer you a role. Offers will be made in merit order.

Location

As part of the pre-employment process for this post, successful candidate(s) will be able to agree a contractual workplace from those locations listed in this advert. The agreed contractual workplace is then the substantive and permanent place of work for the successful candidate(s).

Where the location is ‘National’ the successful appointee should discuss and agree an appropriate contractual location in line with both Defra’s location policy and site capacity, prior to proceeding with pre-employment processes.

The agreed amount of time spent at a workplace for this post will reflect the requirement for Civil Servants to spend at least 60% of their working time in an organisation workplace with the option to work the remaining time flexibly from home. Working time spent at a workplace may include time spent at other organisational locations including field-based operational locations, together with supplier, customer or partner locations. This is a non-contractual agreement which is consistent with common Civil Service expectations.

Travel costs to non-contractual workplaces will be subject to departmental travel and subsistence policies. Travel costs to contractual workplaces are the responsibility of the employee.

The successful candidate is required to carry out all their duties from a UK location, and cannot do so from an overseas location at any time.

Defra includes the core department, APHA, RPA, Cefas and VMD.

This role is based at APHA Weybridge only due to the nature of the role and the duties required. This post requires you to be working in the Laboratory five days per week or less if part-time on a job share.

Salary

New entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band.

Visa Sponsorship Statement

Please take note that Defra does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.

Criminal Record Check

If successful and transferring from another Government Department, a criminal record check may be carried out.

In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.

Reasonable Adjustment

If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.

If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:

• Contact Government Recruitment Service via defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
• Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.

Accessibility

If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.

Internal Fraud Database Check

Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment.

A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5-year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.

Working Pattern

This role is available on a full-time basis. We may consider two part-time staff on a job share basis, where continuity can be arranged.

We welcome applications from individuals seeking alternative working patterns; however, preferred arrangements may not always be possible. Applicants are encouraged to discuss their preferences with the vacancy holder at interview or offer stage.

NSV

For further information on National Security Vetting please visit the Demystifying Vetting website.

Higher Security Clearance

Please be aware the levels of national security clearance are changing which may impact on the level needed for this role by the time of appointment. All efforts will be made to keep candidates informed of any changes and what that will mean in terms of vetting criteria. For more information please see our vetting charter (opens in a new window).

The Weybridge site is a strategically important national asset due to its role as a reference laboratory supporting the Governments response to national emergencies including disease outbreaks. For this reason, all staff based on the APHA Weybridge site must hold a valid Counter Terrorist Check (CTC) security clearance. Applicants m