Role
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Large Animal technician in the School of Veterinary Medicine (University of Surrey), supporting our clinical skills-based teaching programmes.
You will be part of a team of technical staff delivering a high standard of Animal welfare and husbandry along with technical support for teaching activities, in our purpose-built facilities. Working predominantly with horses, cattle & sheep, so experience, good handling skills and knowledge is essential for the role.
£14.97 per hour.
£1.81 per hour holiday pay.
28.8 hours per week over 7 days - exact days & times to be confirmed.
This is a temporary role to start as soon as possible until the 30th of June 2026.
Duties and responsibilities
* Maintain high standards of care, welfare and security of large animals housed within the Veterinary Skills Centre (VSC) in accordance with statutory regulations, local policies and RCVS guidelines.
* Provide technical teaching support to staff and students working with the large animals by demonstrating/assisting in practical techniques.
* Daily care and husbandry of animals housed within the VSC. This range of animals may include equines, cattle, sheep, and poultry.
* Maintain the cleanliness and biosecurity of the VSC building in accordance with policies developed with the Veterinary Skills Centre Manager.
* Maintain accurate health and movement records for all large animals housed within the VSC.
* Assist in production of clinical skills training models and upkeep of the clinical skills areas.
* Assist in other areas of the veterinary school when required.
Skills and experience
You will have either a relevant degree with farm and equine experience or 3 years relevant experience in ideally an Equine environment, Large animal environment or veterinary clinical environment, you will also have a solid understanding of relevant health and safety issues.
Accountability
* The post holder is expected to abide by all relevant laws and regulations relating to the health & safety, welfare and movement of the large animals. Failure to comply could have a detrimental impact on the welfare of animals kept within the VSC including loss and/or the spread of disease between animals or handlers, including staff, students and visitors.
* The post holder as part of a team is responsible for maintaining a safe working environment within the VSC building, ensuring that the environment and procedures undertaken therein are in accordance with FHMS Health & Safety policies as well as local guidance from the Veterinary Skills entre manager.
Dimensions of the role
* The post holder may be required to participate in weekend and bank holiday duties and University open days under supervision.
* The post holder should be physically fit and willing to work outside in adverse weather conditions.
* The post will include manual handling tasks including lifting/carrying of hay, straw, animal feed and equipment, with the use of lifting aids.
* The post holder will be expected to wear a uniform and personal protective equipment (PPE) including boiler suits, steel toe cap boots/wellingtons, hats or masks (where appropriate). Full uniform will be supplied. There are restrictions on type & amount of jewellery that can be worn across the Vet School.
* The post holder will be required to have Farm and Equine experience.
Location
School of Veterinary Medicine
Additional information
If you are enthusiastic, keen to join a School of Veterinary Medicine that is motivated to do things differently and open up a world of new possibilities, we would be delighted to hear from you. For an informal discussion about the either role, please contact:
Clare Casey-Simmons, Large animal facility manager
Job Types: Part-time, Temporary
Contract length: 4 months
Pay: £14.97 per hour
Expected hours: 28.8 per week
Work Location: In person