POSITION DESCRIPTION

Business Services
Chief Operating Officer Portfolio

Animal Technician/Senior Animal Technician

POSITION NUMBER 0056785

UOM 4 - $71,099 - $75,458 per annum (pro rata for part-time)

PROFESSIONAL
UOM 5 - $76,886 - $88,312 per annum (pro rata for part-time)
CLASSIFICATION
Level of appointment will be determined by the selection panel based on
STANDARD/SALARY
qualifications and experience of the applicant.

SUPERANNUATION Employer contribution of 17%

WORKING HOURS Full Time (1 FTE)

BASIS OF EMPLOYMENT Continuing

Go to http://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers, under Current staff

HOW TO APPLY
or Prospective staff, select the relevant option (‘Current
Opportunities’ or ‘Jobs available to current staff’) and search for
the position by title or number.

CONTACT Catheryn O’Brien

FOR ENQUIRIES ONLY Tel +0425 720099
Email catheryn.obrien@unimelb.edu.au
Please do not send your application to this contact

For information about working for the University of Melbourne, visit our website:
about.unimelb.edu.au/careers
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

The University of Melbourne would like to acknowledge and pay respect to the Traditional Owners of the
lands upon which our campuses are situated, the Wurundjeri and Boon Wurrung peoples, the Yorta Yorta
Nation, the Dja Dja Wurrung people. We acknowledge that the land on which we meet and learn was the
place of age-old ceremonies, of celebration, initiation and renewal, and that the local Aboriginal peoples
have had and continue to have a unique role in the life of these lands.

THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE

Established in 1853, the University of Melbourne is a leading international university with a tradition of
excellence in teaching and research. The main campus in Parkville is recognised as the hub of Australia’s
premier knowledge precinct comprising eight hospitals, many leading research institutes and a wide-range
of knowledge-based industries. With outstanding performance in international rankings, the University is at
the forefront of higher education in the Asia-Pacific region and the world.

The University of Melbourne employs people of outstanding calibre and offers a unique environment where
staff are valued and rewarded.

Find out more about the University’s strategy, ‘Advancing Melbourne’, at

https://about.unimelb.edu.au/strategy/advancing-melbourne

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER PORTFOLIO

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) Portfolio enables quality outcomes for students, staff and partners by
delivering University-wide services and operational support to meet the organisation's evolving needs and
strategic goals. The portfolio also works in partnership with teams across the University to drive innovation,
transformation and improved performance, within and across functions. It is responsible for functions
relating to the University’s finances, property, technology, legal and risk management, student and
academic support, research and innovation services, operational performance, business services and
sustainability.

The COO Portfolio is comprised of seven sub-portfolios:

• Business Services
• Chief Finance Officer Group
• Legal and Risk
• Office of the COO
• Operational Performance Group
• Research, Innovation and Commercialisation
• Student and Scholarly Services

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BUSINESS SERVICES
Business Services provides a full range of class leading information technology, facilities management,
finance, HR and health and safety services to all operating entities of the University.

Melbourne Bioresources Platform

The Melbourne Bioresources Platform is University wide platform that houses and cares for small laboratory
species to assist researchers studying basic biological function and disease. The platform brings together
all the small animal facilities on campus and combines the resources and expertise of many highly skilled
staff. The aim is to offer a high standard of service to researchers combined with best practice in animal
care and welfare.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

The University is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from all
forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, bullying, vilification and victimisation. The University makes
decisions on employment, promotion, and reward on the basis of merit.

The University is committed to all aspects of equal opportunity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace and
to providing all staff, students, contractors, honorary appointees, volunteers and visitors with a safe,
respectful and rewarding environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, vilification
and victimisation. This commitment is set out in the Advancing Melbourne strategy that addresses diversity
and inclusion, equal employment opportunity, discrimination, sexual harassment, bullying and appropriate
workplace behaviour. All staff are required to comply with all University policies.

The University values diversity because we recognise that the differences in our people’s age, race,
ethnicity, culture, gender, nationality, sexual orientation, physical ability and background bring richness to
our work environment. Consequently, the People Strategy sets out the strategic aim to drive diversity and
inclusion across the University to create an environment where the compounding benefits of a diverse
workforce are recognised as vital in our continuous desire to strive for excellence and reach the targets of
Advancing Melbourne.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Position Purpose:

The Animal Technician/Senior Animal Technician will be primarily responsible for basic husbandry and the
provision of day-to-day case of research animals across Melbourne Bioresources Platform facilities.
Reporting to the Animal House Manager, this position will assist in the implementation of various breeding
strategies requires t provide researchers with the numbers and genetic type of animals required.

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The position will work closely with key stakeholders and assist investigators with standard manipulative
techniques commonly used with research animals. Subject to appropriate competencies and training, the
position may also assist with specialised techniques.

The Animal Technician/Senior Animal Technician will closely observe animals under their care to detect
any changes in their health and wellbeing, appearance or behaviour and notify researchers and
veterinarians of any changes in a timely manner.

Reporting line: Animal Facility Manager

No. of direct reports: 0
No. of indirect reports: 0
Direct budget accountability: $0

Key Dimensions and Responsibilities:

Task level: Moderate
Organisational knowledge: Moderate
Judgement: Moderate to Significant
Operational context: Parkville
OH&S and compliance: All staff are required to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and
that of other personnel who may be affected by their conduct. These include general staff responsibilities
and those additional responsibilities that apply for managers, supervisors and other personnel. Specific
responsibilities for the role are available at http://safety.unimelb.edu.au/topics/responsibilities/.
Staff must comply with all relevant requirements under the University’s risk management framework
including legislation, statutes, regulations and policies.

Core Accountabilities:
• Provide appropriate levels of care and husbandry to research animals that meets the highest
standards.
• Implement the various breeding strategies required to provide researchers with the numbers and
genetic type of animals.
• Assist investigators with standard manipulative techniques used commonly with research animals.
May be required to assist with specialized techniques once trained.
• Closely monitor animals to detect changes in their health, wellbeing, appearance or behaviour and
communicate any changes to researchers and MBRP veterinarian in a timely manner.
• Monitor the environmental conditions of the animal room in accordance with set parameters.
• Maintain appropriate records regarding the breeding of animals their use and health status which
includes the use of the animal facility management database.
• Work as part of a team to ensure the smooth functioning of the work group.

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 • Assist with the review and development of SOPs under general direction.
Additional responsibilities expected as Senior Animal Technician:
• Oversee and ensure junior staff are appropriately trained and provided with resources to meet the
required standards of animal care.
• Assist researchers with high level of competence in all experimental procedures commonly required
in a biological resources facility.
• Actively participate in operational problem solving and continual improvement initiatives and take
responsibility for providing advice and leadership in the Animal Facility Manager’s absence.
• Maintain current knowledge and understanding of, and ensure compliance with NHMRC, State
Government, OGTR and DAWR regulatory controls.
• Work collaboratively with key stakeholders to ensure their requirements are being met.

Selection Criteria:
Education/Qualifications
1. Completion of a Diploma level qualification in Applied Science, Animal Technology or similar field,
with relevant work experience in a similar role, or an equivalent combination of relevant experience
and/or education/training.
Knowledge and skills:
2. Demonstrated commitment to upholding the values, vision and mission of the organisation by acting
in the employer’s best interest; displaying service excellence by exceeding expectations and taking
ownership of the delivery; and proven willingness to work collaboratively, connecting with people
and building professional working relationships.
3. Well-developed written communication skills with proven ability to prepare patient notes,
correspondence and tasks to a high standard, ensuring a high level of consistency, accuracy and
attention to detail at all times.
4. Proven commitment to work with animals in research settings with the ability to exercise sound
judgement to ensure animal health and welfare requirements are met.
5. Proven experience and the ability to perform all the basic manipulative techniques used in a
research setting including a range of methods of substance delivery and sample collection.
6. Well-developed understanding of the various breeding strategies which can be employed in a
research setting.
7. Demonstrated ability to take initiative, work under direction and work flexibly in a changing
environment with capacity to learn new skills and take on new tasks as required.
8. Proven ability to work autonomously, flexibly and effectively as part of a team to achieve goals and
objectives.
9. Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills both written and verbal, with proven ability
to build rapport and maintain productive working relationships with a broad range of stakeholders.

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 10. Demonstrated understanding of the rules and regulations of the codes and practices relating to
animal research in Australia and its application and implications.

In addition to those essential criteria shown above, the following criteria are required to be
appointed as Senior Animal Technician
11. Completion of a degree in a relevant field, or completion of an advanced diploma qualification in a
relevant field with subsequent relevant work experience or an equivalent combination of relevant
experience and/or education/training.
12. Extensive practical experience with the care and breeding of mice in a research setting, with an
excellent understanding of the varying strategies that can be deployed.
13. Significant experience with common mouse based experimental techniques used in a BRF and an
ability to perform those techniques with a high level of competence.
14. An ability to mentor junior staff in workplace requirements including interaction with the research
staff as well as the basic husbandry of animals.
15. Demonstrated understanding of procedures required to maintain the health of the mouse colonies,
and familiarity with early signs of disease.
16. Familiarity with the regulatory system governing research including the “Code”, Prevention of
Cruelty to Animal Act, OGTR and DAWR strictures, as well as UoM OHS guidelines.

Other job related information:

• This position will be required to comply with regulatory requirements around working with GM
organisms and animals subject to quarantine.
• This position will be required to participate in a flexible rotating roster including out of span hours,
weekends and public and University holidays.
• This position will require physical activity including manual and animal handing.
• This position will be primarily based in Parkville, Melbourne. As the University is located across
multiple sites, this position may be required to work from other animal facilities and sites from time
to time.