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About the job
Job summary
The jobholder will be working in a team of veterinary pathologists to deliver pathology and intelligence data for the APHA endemic disease surveillance programs with an emphasis on poultry and gamebirds as well as some wild bird investigations. In addition, the job holder is required to support a range of research and surveillance projects as part of the work of the Pathology & Animal Sciences Department and the wider Agency toward achieving our objectives of protecting public health, preventing farm animal disease and promoting animal health and welfare.
The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is an executive agency of the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, and works on behalf of the Scottish Government and Welsh Government. Our diverse teams of over 2,000 skilled and committed professionals come together to provide research, advice and support to UK Government for safeguarding animal, public and plant health for benefit of the environment and economy.
Job description
You will be working together with fellow pathologists and scientists across the APHA to deliver high quality, inter-disciplinary data for the endemic disease projects in poultry, game, and wild birds. You will be using your veterinary pathology skills to aid in the investigation and identification of endemic, emerging, exotic, and notifiable diseases while supporting the analysis and dissemination of your scientific findings.
Responsibilities will include:
- Conducting gross examination of carcasses and other material submitted by veterinarians from across the agency and private practice.
- Carrying out histopathology of tissues from poultry, game and wild birds and advising on the use of ancillary testing.
- Ability to develop and maintain effective networks and relationships with veterinarians and scientists from the private sector, APHA, other governmental bodies, scientific institutes, and academia across the UK and abroad.
- Communicating quality, evidence-based advice and scientific data through written reports, presentations, and scientific publications.
- Maintaining veterinary and scientific expertise through Continuing Professional Development, whilst also supporting the development of your colleagues.
- Working to various Quality and Health and Safety standards, including ISO9001, ISO17025, Good Laboratory Practice, Animal Scientific Procedures Act (ASPA), Specified Animal Pathogens Order (SAPO), Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens (ACDP) guidance.
Person specification
Experience and skills
- Veterinary degree
- Member, or eligibility for membership, of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).
- Interest in developing a career in avian pathology is essential.
Qualifications
Memberships
Behaviours
We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
Technical skills
We’ll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Veterinary pathology expertise and skills, including post-mortem examinations, tissue sampling and microscopic examination
- Understanding of the poultry and game bird industry
- Investigative, analytical and communication skills
Benefits
In return for your dedication, we will support your ongoing personal development through appropriate training. Inclusion, support and the development of our people matter to us. We aim to support the career and personal wellbeing of everyone in APHA. Our benefits include generous annual leave of 25 days (rising one day per year up to 30 days after 5 years), flexible working, a contributory pension, staff bonuses and recognition, salary sacrifice benefit options, and an employee discount scheme.
Pension and Financial Benefits
Your pension is a valuable part of your total reward package and there are various options including Alpha and Partnership pension schemes in which Defra can invest in providing a contribution to the cost of your pension.
Life Assurance: if you become too ill or die before retirement valuable benefits will be provided to you and your family.
Learning and Development
Access to five days learning and development each year to support professional development through Civil Service Learning. Corporate induction and three days special leave for volunteering.
Examination Leave
Paid leave for exams and revision for approved studies.
Staff Wellbeing
Access to Employee Assistance Programme, available 24/7, providing advice and guidance on both personal and employment issues such as personal wellbeing, career development, legal matters such as landlord / tenant disputes. Access to the Employee Assistance Programme, Occupational Health Service and the Civil Service Sports Council.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Application Process
As part of the application process you will be asked to complete a CV, Personal Statement, Behaviour and Technical statements.
Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
Sift
Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the lead behaviour, Working Together. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift, or progressed straight to assessment/interview.
Sift expected to take place mid-July 2023.
Interview
If successful at application stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on Behaviours & Technical criteria as well as Experience.
Interviews are expected to take place at the end of July 2023, this is subject to change.
A presentation or additional exercise may also be assessed at interview.
Location
Please be aware that this role(s) will be contractually based in an APHA workplace/office. The successful candidate is required to carry out all their duties from a UK location and cannot do so from an overseas location at any time.
Please be aware that this role will be contractually based at APHA Lasswade where the team is located. Due to the nature of the role and the duties, the successful candidate is required to work at this location most of the time. Flexibility in working hours is required if called upon to finish a particular urgent task or in an event of an outbreak.
Reserve List
A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.
Salary
New entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band. The internal roles rules apply to existing Civil Servants, i.e. level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive 10% increase. Either case is determined by whichever is the highest.
Visa Sponsorship Statement
Please take note that Defra does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.
Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA) is a Skilled Worker Licence sponsor and can provide Sponsorship into certain roles, subject to both parties meeting the UK Visa and Immigration requirements. APHA are able to provide sponsorship for the following Standard Occupational Classification code;
- 2216 Veterinarians all jobs
For further information or queries relating to Visa Sponsorship, please contact Jade.Gandhi@apha.gov.uk who will be happy to assist.
Reasonable Adjustment
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:
– Contact Government Recruitment Service via defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
– Complete the Assistance required section in the Additional requirements page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if youre deaf, a Language Service Professional.
Accessibility
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the ‘Contact point for applicants’ section.
Criminal Record Check
If successful and transferring from another Government Department, a criminal record check may be carried out.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure Scotland on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
For further information on the Disclosure Scotland confidential checking service telephone: the Disclosure Scotland Helpline on 0870 609 6006 and ask to speak to the operations manager in confidence, or email Info@disclosurescotland.co.uk
Internal Fraud Database Check
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicants details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5-year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
Full Time Only
This role is full time only. Applicants who wish to work an alternative pattern are welcome to apply however your preferred working pattern may not be available and you should discuss this with the vacancy holder before applying.
Childcare Vouchers
Any move to APHA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
Other Information
The successful candidate will need to comply with a number of health protocols and to have any necessary vaccinations. This will be arranged by the Health Team, Weybridge. The use of protective clothing and Respiratory Personal Protective Equipment (RPPE) will be required.
Due to access requirements to biosecure areas, individuals must be physically able. The work of the post can be physically demanding.
Depending on the areas of work involved you will be expected to undergo a pre-employment medical assessment.
The successful candidate should not keep pigs or poultry or live on premises where there are domestic livestock or poultry. Temporary restriction on contact with poultry, livestock or rodents may apply under some circumstances.
Staff will be required to work rostered on-call duties, weekends, Bank Holidays and occasional evenings. You may be eligible for overtime payments and where overtime is approved you will receive appropriate payment.
National and international travel will be required to attend training courses, meetings and conferences. You must have a valid driving licence or be able to call upon suitable alternate means of transport.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Medical
Nationality requirements
Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
Apply and further information
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Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Jade Gandhi
- Email : Jade.Gandhi@apha.gov.uk
- Telephone : 02080260931
Recruitment team
- Email : defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Further information
Government Recruitment Services via email: defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Click here to visit Civil Service Commission
