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Job description

The post holder will report to the ASU Assistant Manager/Manager. There is currently one full-time vacancy within the ASU. The post will be based at AFBI’s Animal Services Unit at VSD, Stormont. The unit consists of various animal buildings including BCL2 and BCL3 containment facilities. Projects include trials about vaccines, microbiome and animal nutrition. Projects span multiple work areas, branches and divisions within AFBI, and incorporate external specialist partners. The ASU is managed by the unit Manager, while all research programmes are managed by other senior staff within the Branches in VSD. The ASU currently has a manager, assistant manager, 5 industrial staff and an AO. Together, this team has responsibility for the coordination and delivery of all research activity conducted by the ASU, both at VSD, and on occasion at other AFBI sites.

Responsibilities

• High welfare standards must be maintained for livestock, including accurate record-keeping of health information, treatment with veterinary medicines, and procedures. Regular checks and care are crucial for animal welfare.
• Adhere to health and safety policies, maintain records on chemical usage and report incidents to ensure a safe working environment. Regular training and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) are essential.
• Daily pre-operation checks and proper use of machinery, ranging in size from 4-wheel drive tractors, Counterbalance Forklift, Tractor and loader to Skid-Steer Loader and ATVs.
• Driving AFBI vehicles together with attached assorted trailers (licence permitting) on farm and public roads.
• Operate a range of farm equipment to include Slurry Tanker, Cattle Trailers, Flat Bed Trailers, Bale Trailers, FYM Spreader, Fertiliser Spreader, Field Rollers, Mowers, Bale Lifters, Sprayers, Straw Chopper and Post Driver.
• Manual work including lifting and carrying. Also using brush, shovel, power hose, strimmer, lawn mower, leaf blower and chainsaw, for example.
• Repair, erection and dismantling of temporary and permanent fences.
• Assist scientific staff in the handling of livestock for the purposes of taking measurements and animal health procedures.
• Maintenance of farmyard housekeeping including disinfection of farm buildings, animal buildings etc. using tractor operated equipment plus power washers.
• Complete training and obtain a personal animal license in compliance with ASPA guidelines.
• Keeping appropriate records both paper and electronic of completed work.
• Ensure proper use of and maintain appropriate levels of consumables and other resources.
• Complete mandatory training as appropriate: theory, practical and eLearning.
• This list is not exhaustive, and the successful candidate will be required to carry out other duties as allocated by management.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• 2 GCSEs including English Language and Maths (grades A star-C) or higher OR) a recognised level 2 or higher in agriculture or equivalent in a relevant area.
• Demonstrate, by way of examples, at least 12 months' experience of working with livestock.
• Demonstrate, by way of examples, experience in operating and driving tractors and PTO shaft driven machinery in a farming environment.
• Hold a full valid UK (or exchangeable) driving licence from the list for manual vehicles, enabling the licence holder to fulfil the duties of this role. As per the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA), reasonable adjustments will be considered.

Further Information

NICS Application form only, Vacancy closing date Friday 28th November 2025 at 12 noon. Working during weekends, holiday periods etc is also required to meet business needs. Able and willing to undertake overtime during weekends, holiday periods, early mornings and into the evenings on a rota basis.

Application Information

Visit the recruitment service website www.nicsrecruitment.org.uk or Write to HRConnect PO Box 1089, Beacon House, 27 Clarendon Road, Belfast, BT1 3BG (Please quote reference number: IRC320519.)