Technical Officer – Animal Science

Essential Qualifications and Skills

Candidates must have:

• A Primary Honours Degree (Level 8) as specified in the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) or equivalent in the areas of animal science or veterinary nursing or equivalent.
• Demonstrable skills and competencies in live animal handling, husbandry and care.
• At least three years relevant postgraduate experience at an appropriate level.
• Ability to take initiative, give leadership and work with people.
• Good organisational, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to provide on the job learning and coaching of other staff.
• Good technical knowledge in designate area including the preparation, storage and use of animal materials for teaching purposes.
• Good knowledge of Health and Safety legislation and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Evidence of personal development through further skills development.

Desirable Qualifications and Skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Office and database systems

Overview of the Role

The Technical Officer will work in the Department of Veterinary Medicine in the Faculty of Science and Health and will provide technical support to the Department reporting to the Head of Department and under supervision of the Senior Technical Officer.

Out of hours work (evenings or weekends) may be required.

Duties

• The following indicate some principal duties and responsibilities that may be assigned:
• Organising, preparing and setting up for practical classes, demonstrations, assessments, practical examinations, project and research work in laboratory and other areas.
• Installing and testing of software, making software available to appropriate users, ensuring anti-virus software is installed and kept up to date, network management where appropriate.
• To be present, as required, at each laboratory or workshop class, including night classes, if necessary, for the entire duration of the class, to provide technical assistance as required, to provide demonstrations etc.
• Provide technical assistance to lecturers and students on safe operation and use of equipment and materials.
• Repairing, maintaining, securing and storing of laboratory/computer equipment, and consumable materials.
• Designing, modifying, building, testing, installation of equipment/hardware as appropriate, or teaching and research needs.
• Establishing and maintaining stock control of equipment and consumable materials.
• Consulting with suppliers of equipment and consumable materials, obtaining technical specifications, quotations and ordering new equipment and consumable materials, taking delivery of equipment and materials, checking and installing as appropriate.
• Advising on specifying requirements for new and updated laboratories, workstations, workshops, etc.
• Preparing and updating technical instruction manuals as required.
• Managing, administration of computer/information technology and visual aids facilities.
• Assisting Head of School/Department/Function/Faculty with budget control and estimates for annual running and development costs.
• Arranging for safe disposal of used materials, e.g. biological, chemical and materials containing toxic, hazardous and volatile materials.
• Organising and scheduling work of laboratory staff.
• Monitoring, testing and recording of condition of safety equipment to comply with Health and Safety Regulations and other Regulations specific to work developing, updating, etc. of hazard analysis documentation.
• Carrying out of safety audits in all areas of operation in co-operation with other grades of staff.
• Ensure that laboratories, materials and equipment are kept clean, tidy and in good order.
• Attend school or other meetings as required from time to time.
• To participate in all committees/groups of which the appointee is a member or to which the appointee is assigned.
• Providing and contributing to reports as required from time to time.
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development.
• Undertake such other appropriate duties as may be assigned by the university authorities.

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