Veterinary Surgeon
– Small Ruminant Artificial Breeding Technologies (MOET and Laparoscopic AI)
Main Location: East Mains, Ormiston, East Lothian, Scotland, EH35 5NG
Department: Team Leader
Reporting to: Veterinary Team Leader and CEO
MAIN PURPOSE
We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our veterinary team, to help provide our expanding artificial breeding services.
Animal Breeding Europe Limited is a multi-centre, UK-based company servicing the national and international agricultural sectors with advanced reproductive technologies. We provide artificial breeding services throughout the UK and Ireland from our three centres (Edinburgh, Malvern, Belfast). Our services include artificial insemination, diagnosis of infertility, embryo transfer and IVF/IVP in sheep, goats and cattle.
This is an excellent opportunity, be it to further your interest in reproductive technologies or small ruminants, or to have a career change and diversify away from clinical veterinary practice. We are rapidly growing business, and for the right candidate there will be excellent prospects to meet the needs of your specific interests.
Leading one of several small teams working within the largest framework of ART teams providing nationally service, you will be required to have excellent interpersonal skills. You will be an MRCVS and experience in small ruminant surgery would be of benefit. The highly seasonal nature of the work means that the post may suit an individual who wishes to combine a full-time role with other work / travel outside of the peak season. This position will require the applicant to work in both UK and Ireland and, on occasion, internationally.
MAIN DUTIES
The successful candidate will be provided with training in artificial breeding services, as follows:
- Inducing and monitoring general anaesthetic procedures in sheep and goats
- Semen collection and handling, semen freezing and thawing, semen assessment and its practical application within an AI programme
- Ram fertility examinations and ewe reproductive health advice
- Advanced reproductive technologies including laparoscopy, artificial insemination, OPU, embryo recovery and transfer.
- Specific pre- and post- operative care and advice to clients
Previous training in Ai or ET would be advantageous but no necessary.
It is understood that the initial training period may take 1 – 2 years before the successful candidate will be able to provide these services on a commercial basis and become a registered Team Leader.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Key Skills
- Excellent communication skills
- Good organisational skills
- Good interpersonal skills to be able to get along with others both internal and external to the organisation
- Ability to prioritise and multi-task in the face of many responsibilities/duties
- Accurate attention to detail
- Team Player
- People Management
- Time Management
Qualifications and Experience
Working as part of a small team, you will be required to have excellent interpersonal skills. You will be an MRCVS and experience in small ruminant surgery would be of benefit. Practical experience in Ai or ET would be advantageous but no necessary.
Hours of work
The normal hours of work are 36.5hrs per week, usually based around usual office hours of 8.30am – 5pm Mon – Thurs and 8.30 – 4pm on a Friday. Work can be seasonal and additional hours may be required in the high season which can be taken as days off in lieu, during the low season. No payment will usually be made for overtime.
Travel
The post is based in Edinburgh. The job holder should hold a full, clean driving licence.
There may be a requirement for travel and any accommodation while working away will be paid for along with reasonable expenses submitted in line with the expenses policy.
Remuneration
This is a full-time, salaried position for which the salary will be dependent on experience. The remuneration package includes 25 days leave and 8 days bank holiday, death in service benefit and a 4% pension contribution which will increase dependant on length of service.
Please send a covering letter and CV to:
Or post to: Geraint Thomas, Animal Breeding Europe, East Mains, Ormiston, East Lothian. EH35 5NG.
Animal Breeding Technician (Edinburgh and Malvern centres)
Location: EH35 5NG and HR8 1RZ
Department: Sheep Breeding
Reporting to: Centre Managers and CEO
MAIN PURPOSE
We are seeking an experienced individuals to join our busy team. The successful candidates will be responsible for:
- Supporting the day to day activities to ensure the smooth operation of our on farm services
- Providing support to vets on Artificial Insemination and Embryo transfer
- Ensuring all records associated with AI are recorded and maintained .ie. Donor & recipient paperwork and drug records
- Provide assistance to our vet teams
- Assisting with invoices for completed AI and ET work
- Logging and sign for sheep medicines
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Key Skills
- Excellent communication skills
- Good organisational skills
- Good interpersonal skills to be able to get along with others both internal and external to the organisation
- Ability to prioritise and multi-task in the face of many responsibilities/duties
- Basic knowledge of computer applications
- Accurate attention to detail
- Team Player
- Good Time Management
Qualifications and experience
No experience necessary, full training will be given. A passion and knowledge of the UK sheep industry and pedigree livestock would be advantageous. The successful applicants will need practical experience in sheep farming and handling.
Hours of work
This is a highly seasonal activity for which support is required from July to the end of October each year. The work is scheduled centrally and due to the intensive nature of the work, technicians are often required to work up to 14 hours per day for a scheduled number of days that will not normally exceed 10 consecutive days in any one stretch. On centre days can often be within the normal hours of work which are 36.5hrs per week.
The highly seasonal nature of the work means that the post may suit an individual who wishes to combine a full time role with other work / travel outside of the peak season.
Travel
AB Europe will provide a vehicle (usually a transit van) for on-farm schedules. Technicians must have a full, clean driving license.
Remuneration
This is a seasonal part time position, paid hourly, with the opportunity to develop into a full time role within the company or can be contracted out an AB Europe specialist consultant basis at a rate depending upon experience. AB Europe will reimburse the costs of travelling, hotel and out-of-pocket expenses that is reasonably incurred in providing these services. Payment will be issued following receipt of an authorized invoice.
Please send a covering letter and CV to:
Or post to: Geraint Thomas, Animal Breeding Europe, East Mains, Ormiston, East Lothian. EH35 5NG.
Closing Date: 24th June 2024
Expected start date: August 2024