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Salary
Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
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Business area
Type of role
Veterinary Services
Working pattern
Number of jobs available
Contents
Location
About the job
Job summary
This is a job for a veterinarian with a strong interest in pathology, endemic disease surveillance and livestock diseases.
The jobholder will be working in a team of pathologists, conducting histopathological examination of tissues and providing expert diagnostic advice to a network of vets and scientists engaged in the investigation of new, emerging and notifiable diseases of livestock in Britain.
The job is based in the Animal and Plant Health Agencys Weybridge campus in Surrey. The jobholder will be focussed on surveillance for disease in livestock, but there will be opportunities to engage with other surveillance and research projects conducted by the Pathology Department. The Pathology Department works with scientist from across the UK and abroad, from a range of disciplines, to deliver a broad portfolio of surveillance and research projects, largely focussed on infectious diseases of livestock. The jobholder will be working in a supportive team environment, developing specialist skills in pathology.
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
The jobholder will mainly be conducting histopathological examination of tissues and providing expert advice to a network of vets and scientists engaged in the investigation of endemic, new, (re)emerging and notifiable diseases of livestock in Britain. They will also be contributing to the delivery of scientific projects shared between the pathology department and other departments at the APHA. Generating and disseminating quality scientific data and evidence-based advice will be a key part of the role. It is expected that the jobholder will be continually seeking to develop their skills as a pathologist and support the development of those around them.
Responsibilities will include:
- Conducting gross and microscopic examination of fixed specimens submitted by veterinarians via the regional laboratory network.
- Providing advice on the investigation and diagnosis of diseases of cattle, sheep and pigs.
- Contributing to the delivery of interdisciplinary surveillance and research projects.
- Collaborating with scientists from governmental and non-governmental scientific and academic institutes across the UK and abroad. Communicating quality, evidence-based advice and scientific data through written reports, presentations and scientific publications.
- Maintaining your veterinary and scientific expertise through Continuing Professional Development and 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
- Membership, or eligibility for membership, of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).
- Interest in developing a career in pathology and research 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, including post-mortem examinations, tissue sampling and microscopic examination
- Understanding of cattle, sheep and pig production in the UK and the main disease problems encountered in these species
- Investigative, analytical and communication skills
Benefits
£10,870 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
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.
We have a Staff Recognition Scheme with our in-year awards rewarding exemplary work. This post offers the successful candidate the opportunity to receive an additional pay supplement of up to £3,000 upon appointment depending on job-relevant experience. There is a further pay supplement of up to an additional £3,000 which may be offered based on candidates experience and annual competency assessment. These allowances do not form part of the Terms of Employment.
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 and one Behaviour statement.
Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
As part of the assessment process you will be asked to give examples of Behaviours, Experience & Technical skills using Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR) (https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/careers-advice/interview-advice/the-star-method).
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 end of August 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 start of September 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 Weybridge 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 and Higher Security Clearance
Employment into Civil Service is governed on grounds of Civil Service Nationality Rules (CSNR) and subject to UK Immigration Rules, including the new points based immigration system.
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. Due to CSNR changes, APHA are able to provide sponsorship for role into the following Standard Occupational Classification codes;
- 2216 Veterinarians all jobs
Once you have been in the UK for 18 months you would be required to complete higher security checks for this role.
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 and Barring Service 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.
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 on occasions.
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.
Travel will be required to attend training courses and undertake farm visits. 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@cabineoffice.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.
