Job Description:

As a member of the animal trainer team, the role holder will play an important part in ensuring that Waltham Petcare Science Institute continues to deliver the highest possible standards of animal training and enrichment. The role is essential to establish a pet population which is fit for purpose to ensure the delivery of the research programme in line with our caring science approach.

Not only will this position provide the successful applicant with the opportunity to develop their expertise in animal training, animal welfare and behaviour, but it will allow them to develop and demonstrate their skills and competence in building relationships across teams, motivating others and delivering results that add value for the site and the wider business.

What are we looking for?

• A good general education (grade C or above in GCSE or equivalent in maths, English and a science) is essential.
• A higher/professional qualification(s) (e.g. A-level, HND) is desirable.
• A relevant degree, e.g. a BSc in Animal Behaviour or any other animal based qualification is preferable
• An excellent working knowledge of learning theory and principles of animal training is essential.
• An excellent understanding of feline and canine communication and behaviour is essential.
• Practical experience of training animals is essential.
• A flexible working style, good communication and planning and organisation skills and proven ability to work in a team are all essential.

Competencies:

Drives results, Plans and aligns, Customer Focus

Functional technical skills

Manages Conflict

What will be your key responsibilities?

• To deliver trial related training to pets of all species (canine and feline), ages and breed.
• Enable regulated research procedures, by holding pets or cueing pets for position for the personal licensees.
• Perform non-regulated research procedures, e.g. urine collection.
• To deliver life and core skill training to kittens and puppies.
• To accurately record relevant data for measuring training progress in relevant data bases.
• To identify new behaviours of our pets that open up research opportunities in line with the caring science approach and develop training protocols to enable these.
• The role holder must drive their own continuous professional development in the field of pet training.
• Providing direct training of pets with specific training needs
• Training and supporting associates and contract staff in animal training, animal handling and husbandry
• Implementing animal welfare and behaviour programmes
• Acting as a source of expertise in animal training and behaviour
• Contributing to the further development of animal welfare standards, ensuring that the site continues to deliver outstanding care to its animal population.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with over 130,000 diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
• Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.