Unit Specialist– Pet Welfare & Science Support

Unit Specialist– Pet Welfare & Science Support

Full-Time 39385 - 48137 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Mars, Incorporated and its Affiliates

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Deliver exceptional pet welfare and support scientific research in a dynamic team.
  • Company: Join a purpose-driven company with a global presence and strong values.
  • Benefits: Enjoy private healthcare, generous pension, gym membership, and 24+ days of annual leave.
  • Other info: Opportunities for career growth in a supportive and innovative environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in pet welfare while developing your career in science and behaviour.
  • Qualifications: Experience in animal handling and a keen interest in welfare and behaviour principles.

The predicted salary is between 39385 - 48137 £ per year.

Waltham on the Wolds

£30,200 - £31,400 inclusive of rota allowance + Company performance bonus & Exceptional Benefits

9.5 hours per day on rotation working over 7 days (average of 37.5 hours per week)

Role Purpose

As a Unit Specialist, you will play a key role in delivering exceptional welfare standards while enabling high-quality pet science and research delivery. You will operate as part of a specialist multidisciplinary team supporting welfare, behavioural, veterinary, and scientific outcomes.

What’s in it for you?

  • Private healthcare + equal parental leave
  • Generous pension (up to 9% contribution)
  • Life assurance (4x salary)
  • Gym membership & wellbeing support
  • Annual leave starting at 24 days, rising to 32 with service
  • Career Opportunities, the role offers development into specialist, technical, or science-support career pathways within pet welfare, behaviour and research environments.

Key Responsibilities

  • Welfare & Environment Delivery: Deliver and maintain gold-standard welfare, enrichment, and husbandry.
  • Behaviour & Training Support: Support behavioural assessments, recreation and individual development plans.
  • Health & Welfare Monitoring: Monitor health, behaviour, and wellbeing.
  • Scientific Programme Support: Deliver accurate behavioural observations, data capture, and sample support for research studies.

What We’re Looking For

  • Professional animal handling experience
  • Strong understanding of welfare and behaviour principles
  • High attention to detail and data accuracy with a focus on quality
  • Interest in scientific or technical environments
  • Full UK driving licence
  • Comfortable working outdoors in all weathers

What You Can Expect from Mars

  • Work alongside 130,000+ Associates worldwide guided by our Five Principles
  • Be part of a purpose-driven company shaping “the world we want tomorrow”
  • Access world-class training & development from day one
  • Join a company with an industry-leading salary and benefits package

Unit Specialist– Pet Welfare & Science Support employer: Mars, Incorporated and its Affiliates

At Mars, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that champions the voice of the Pet Parent. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through best-in-class learning opportunities, including access to Mars University, and a competitive salary and benefits package. Join us in a purpose-driven environment where your contributions directly impact pet parent trust and advocacy, all while working alongside a diverse team dedicated to making a difference.

Mars, Incorporated and its Affiliates

Contact Details:

Mars, Incorporated and its Affiliates Recruitment Team

We think you need these skills to ace Unit Specialist– Pet Welfare & Science Support

Animal Handling
Welfare Standards
Behavioural Assessment
Data Accuracy
Scientific Research Support
Attention to Detail
Health Monitoring