Pets are our passion, safety is our promise and progress is our pledge. We work smarter, not harder. As a result, we’re widely known as a ‘Best Place to Work’. We make some of the world's most popular and trusted food brands and are committed to advancing the science, health and food products for pets.  

Animal Attendant

Position Summary

At Purina, it's no secret that pets are our passion. It drives everything we do. In fact, our commitment to dogs, cats and their owners has made us a world leader in pet care and we're proud of that. If you share our passion and are looking for a new opportunity and this role is what you’re looking for then we want to hear from you. An exciting opportunity currently exists for an Animal Attendant to join our facility.

Snapshot

Location: Blayney | Permanent

• Apply online: me@Nestlé | My Career & Development | Career Opportunities
• Applications close: 1st November 2024
• Hiring Manager: Kavindi Perera
• For more information or confidential enquiries, contact Ruba Sawaqed
• Nestlé encourages promotion from within.

This position is responsible for organising and performing the necessary work related to the care and palatability or nutritional testing of animals under general supervision. This will entail working with cats and dogs of different breeds and life stages.

Reporting to the Facility Manager, essential functions of the role will include:

• Knowledge of and compliance with the Animal Research Act and all procedures and protocols in the Nestlé Purina R&D Petcare Manual
• Adherence to Nestlé Quality Management Systems (QMS) and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)
• Performing nutritional or palatability tests according to facility procedures
• Accurately and reliably recording data as outlined by the requesting project scientist
• Organising incoming food for trials
• Daily provision of food, water, cleaning, and interaction with animals
• Performing grooming and routine husbandry as needed
• Obtaining animal body weights/Body Condition Scoring (BCS) as required
• Implementing socialization programs for animals as well as observing animals' behaviour, and their interactions with people and one another.
• Assisting with care of puppies or kittens, and monitoring their growth as needed
• Ongoing monitoring of animal health and wellbeing, and escalating any signs of illness or unusual behaviour
• Collection and testing of urine and faecal samples
• Maintaining accurate animal records as required
• General facility and equipment cleaning and maintenance activities, including performing minor troubleshooting of facility equipment
• Reporting any broken or damaged equipment, item, or physical area
• Performing all necessary cleaning and sanitation duties
• Communicating with the visiting veterinarian and assisting with minor veterinary procedures (e.g. exams, blood collection)
• Maintaining a safe, tidy, and hygienic work environment

Additional responsibilities include:

• Actively participate in ongoing training and skill development
• Participate in Scientist/Visitor Orientations
• Assist with training of new team members
• Additional duties as assigned    

As a key role within our team, the following selection criteria are essential for success:

• Proven work experience in the handling of both dogs and cats (minimum 2 years of animal handling experience)
• Certificate in Animal Studies (at minimum) – veterinary nursing experience or qualification would be highly regarded
• Advanced training or experience in animal science, veterinary technology, or animal handling, grooming, or behaviour (preferred but not required)
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team
• Demonstrated flexibility, organisation, and attention to detail
• Effective written and verbal communication, and good interpersonal skills
• Good literacy and numeracy skills
• Computer literacy
• Motivation to contribute to the success of the team
• Willingness and ability to undertake physical work, often outside and in all seasons
• Willingness and ability to work a rotating roster which includes weekends

Applicants must have full Australian working rights

Benefits

You will have the chance to work with an outstanding and highly engaged team, build and grow your career with an inclusive, global FMCG leader.

In addition, we offer:

• Varied career experiences and personalised development support
• Diversity and Inclusion initiatives and program
• Discounted Nestlé products
• Competitive remuneration package
• Employee Assistance Program

Nestlé is 308,000 employees strong and are driven by the purpose of enhancing the quality of life and contributing to a healthier future. With more than CHF 91.4 billion sales in 2018, we have an expansive presence with 413 factories in more than 85 countries. We believe our people are our most important asset, so we'll offer you a dynamic international working environment with constant opportunities for development. Want to learn more? Visit us at www.nestle.com.