Overview
Are you friendly and well organised with an eye for detail? We’re seeking a practical, hard-working animal loving person to join our super team on the frontline of delivering animal health services from our busy postal laboratory in rural Northumberland. No previous experience is necessary as full job training will be given, just a willingness to learn and a proactive and enthusiastic approach to practical work is required. Must be physically fit to be on your feet for a few hours doing a repetitive physical activity. A passion for horses, chickens and/or farm animals is an advantage to his role.
Hours: 40 hours per week Monday to Friday 9am-5pm
Permanent full-time role upon competition of 6-month probation
The successful applicant will be required to work within a small team to assist in the general running of Westgate Laboratories’ postal worm egg count service.
Responsibilities
- Inputting customer data for sample preparation
- Preparing faecal samples for analysis & microscope work to analyse samples
- Reporting results via an online data base and using the Xero accounting programme
- Supporting other members of the team where necessary
- Posting return packs out to customers
- Stock preparation as needed
- Developing an understanding and performing the full range of tests performed at Westgate, including worm egg counts, pinworm tests, liver fluke and lungworm tests, sedimentation tests and larval culturing.
- Dealing with general enquiries by email and telephone
- Working 1 or 2 Saturdays per year to cover bank holidays
Plus a possibility of
- Working towards your SQP qualifications
- Attending shows and events to represent Westgate Labs and promote sustainable parasite control
Person Specification:
- Excellent attention to detail; able to work accurately
- Ability to prioritise own work and remain effective under pressure
- Proactive and enthusiastic work ethic
- Flexible approach to work
- Ability to follow directions and work methodically
- Computer literate and proficient in the use of Microsoft Office packages Word and Outlook and on the internet
- Good administrative and organisational skills
- Good interpersonal skills and ability to work well on own initiative and as part of a small team
- The nature of the job makes it a physical one especially when the lab is busy with a good proportion of each day spent on feet at the sink and preparing samples. Applicants need to be aware of and prepared for this. As the lab is based in rural Northumberland, not on a bus route, access to own transport would be beneficial.
How to apply
Please provide a covering letter and CV, highlighting relevant skills and experience and describing what attracts you to apply for the role. It would be helpful if you could indicate an approximate start date if you were to be successful, to: Operations Director, Sarah Mitchinson [email protected]
Timelines
- Closing date for applications: 12 noon, 15th July 2026
- Phone interviews: week commencing 20th July 2026
- In person interviews: Friday 31st July 2026
Pay: From £26,400.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
