The Opportunity

This is an excellent opportunity to be part of the amazing work we do at our Woodend Farm Facility as a full-time permanent Farm Animal Technician.  You will be working 7.35 hours per day, Monday to Friday and be flexible to work weekends and public holidays on a rotating roster basis.  You will mostly be working at Woodend but may be required to travel to our Animal Facility at Parkville from time to time. It is essential that applicants must have a current drivers’ licence to be able to travel to both facilities. (Note: there is no public transport available to reach the Woodend Facility).

The Role

Reporting to the Senior Operator, you will be joining an experienced, dedicated small team and play an integral part in breeding, holding, care and husbandry of live-stock as well as some small animals. There will be an opportunity to gain skills required for high-level technical, operational and administrative tasks to produce life-saving antivenoms.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Responsible for the day-to-day operations and scientific procedures ensuring they are performed to a high ethical standard in accordance with the Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes (“the Code”) and that all legal and regulatory guidelines are followed
• General animal husbandry, which includes cleaning, care and monitoring the health and welfare of the animals
• Assist in the maintenance of facility equipment and infrastructure, including cleaning, to ensure the effectiveness and safety of operations
• Follow and undertake relevant protocols in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and/or Procedures for Test to obtain test results or biological samples for quality control and internal stakeholders
• Compliance with regulations including animal ethics, Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR), Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE) & Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
• Maintain accurate records, both written and electronic, in a timely manner
• Play an active role in ensuring Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) guidelines are always met

Your skills and experience

• Certificate or Diploma qualification in animal technology or other related fields, or an equivalent combination of demonstrated experience (at least 5+ years) and/or education/training in animal husbandry
• Previous experience with the handling of large farm animals including horses, cattle and sheep is preferable.
• Demonstrated technique competencies is highly desirable – IP, IM, & IV injections and IV bleeds in various animals
• Understanding or knowledge of quality methods and (Good Manufacturing Processes) GMP principles
• Sound knowledge of relevant legislation including:
  • Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 Vic and Regulations 1997
  • Regulatory bodies: Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) & Department of Agriculture, Water & Environment (DAWE), Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA)
  • Industry Standards: Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes (8th Edition), Code of Practice for the Housing & Care of Laboratory Mice, Rats, Guinea Pigs and Rabbits (2004)
• Ability to learn and pick up new processes and procedures quickly and effectively
• Understanding of animal-based quality assurance programs
• Exceptional written and oral communication coupled with ability to prioritise and complete tasks within scheduled deadlines
• Intermediate proficiency in the use of MS Office suite of programs
• Note:  It is an inherent requirement of this position to be vaccinated against COVID, Q Fever and Tetanus, and not have allergies that would preclude you from performing critical animal facility duties. Proof of vaccination will be required, or vaccinations will be provided by Seqirus if successful for the position. In addition, you must hold a current Australian drivers’ licence to be able to operate farm machinery equipment and vehicles

How to apply

Apply now if you are looking to work with a dedicated team in a growth company.   Please include your CV and cover letter in one document and quote job R-165810.  Applications close Thursday, 28th April 2022.

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