Groom

University of Glasgow; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 10,000 - GBP 40,000; Full time

Job description

Job Purpose

Deliver high standards of organisation and cleanliness within the Equine Hospital by performing routine cleaning and maintenance duties. Undertake daily animal husbandry duties under supervision when required and provide a high standard of daily care to all patients.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Day to day husbandry and care of animals using best practice techniques and standards of care. This includes prioritising the tasks that need to be done each day, being organised and problem‑solving issues as and when they arise.

Ensuring all areas of the hospital, examination/treatment rooms, outside areas and isolation units are kept clean and tidy, understanding, and adhering to biosecurity protocols.

Perform basic patient monitoring including demeanour, temperature, pulse, respiration rate, capillary refill time and mucous membrane colour. Recognise abnormalities and know when to report changes to the veterinary nurse or clinician.

Ensure that feeding plans advised by clinicians are adhered to, making sure that overnight rations are prepared so that out-of-hours staff can feed accordingly. Monitor the feed intake of all patients.

Restraining animals with varying temperaments for clinical and nursing staff when performing various procedures. Understanding how to safely handle patients and use restraint methods appropriately. Preparing patients for surgical procedures and assisting with sample/data collection.

Perform basic practical and technical tasks including administering oral medication, disconnecting, and reconnecting intravenous fluids. Setting up equipment as required.

Adhere to hospital protocols to ensure high levels of hygiene are maintained in all areas of responsibility. Ensure health and safety guidelines are always followed.

Ensuring that all animals are appropriately identified and labelled on admission, including their belongings so they can be returned to clients on discharge.

Use a range of equipment including in‑house laboratory analysers as required and accurately report results to more senior staff in charge of the case.

Supervising students while they are handling patients to ensure Health and Safety protocols are being adhered to.

Any other tasks within the level of responsibility to their role as deemed suitable by their line manager.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge/Qualifications

• A1 Either: Ability to demonstrate the competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary knowledge and skills in a similar role. Or: Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 4 in English and Mathematics (National 4) or equivalent and some experience of working in a similar role.

Desirable

• B1 Full, valid UK driving licence would be advantageous but not essential.
• B2 Knowledge of equine behaviour and learning.

Skills

Essential

• C1 Excellent animal handling skills to ensure safety of clients, staff and students.
• C2 Evidenced ability to clean to a high standard.
• C3 Good observation, interpersonal and communication skills.
• C4 Evidenced ability to use initiative.
• C5 Evidenced ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• C6 Basic IT skills.
• C7 Good organisational skills and an ability to prioritise work.
• C8 Ability to be discreet and maintain confidentiality.
• C9 Use of initiative and judgement to resolve routine work problems independently, referring complex problems as appropriate.

Experience Essential

• E1 Experience working in professional yards with at least 10 horses.
• E2 Experience working with fit competition horses, youngstock and stallions.
• E3 Experience of lunging and long reining a wide variety of equines.
• E4 Experience trotting horses up for lameness examinations.

Desirable

• F1 Experience of working in an equine clinical environment.
• F2 Experience in teaching equine husbandry to small groups and individuals.
• F3 Experience of Transporting Horses.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 3, £24,685 - £25,249 per annum, pro rata.

This is a part‑time (7 hours per week) fixed term post until July 2026 for the remaining 5 months of a maternity cover or until the substantive postholder returns.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

• 1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.
• 2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.
• 3 A flexible approach to working.
• 4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under‑represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.

Closing date: 23:45 on Monday 2nd March 2026