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: Competitive salary, private healthcare, generous pension, and gym membership.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth in specialist and technical pathways.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal welfare while advancing your career in science.
- Qualifications: Experience in animal handling and a passion for welfare and behaviour.
The predicted salary is between 43785 - 53515 £ 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
Mars in Melton Mowbray is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. With competitive salaries, private healthcare, and ample opportunities for career advancement, employees are encouraged to grow and thrive in their roles while working with state-of-the-art technology in the FMCG sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Unit Specialist– Pet Welfare & Science Support
✨Connect with Local Farmers and Co-ops
Don't underestimate the power of local connections in agriculture. Get involved in local farmers' markets or agricultural co-ops. These are great places to meet potential employers and get the inside scoop on job openings before they're even advertised.
✨Get Involved in Agricultural Events
Keep an eye out for agricultural fairs, conferences, and workshops in your area. These events are golden opportunities to network with industry professionals and showcase your passion. You might even stumble across job boards or companies actively looking to hire!
✨Volunteer for Relevant Experience
Consider volunteering with organisations focused on agriculture, sustainability, or community gardening. This not only boosts your CV but also expands your network. You never know who might be watching your hard work and dedication!
✨Keep an Eye on Job Listings at Industry-Specific Websites
Be sure to check out agriculture-focused job boards and websites regularly. Companies like Mars often post opportunities on their own sites before anywhere else, so don’t miss out! Apply directly through us to increase your chances!
We think you need these skills to ace Unit Specialist– Pet Welfare & Science Support
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in agriculture, it's crucial to highlight any hands-on experience you have in farming, crop management, or sustainable practices. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're after, so be specific about the responsibilities you've had and any tools or techniques you've used.
Certifications Matter:In agriculture, relevant certifications can really give your application a boost. If you have any qualifications related to agricultural practices, pest management, or environmental regulations, make sure to mention them! They're great indicators of your commitment and expertise in the field.
Tailor Your CV to the Agriculture Sector:Your CV should reflect your passion for agriculture. Structure it to emphasise your field experience and any relevant projects you've been involved in. Don't forget to highlight your soft skills, like teamwork and communication, which are essential in this sector.
Passion is Key in Your Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time position, we want to feel your enthusiasm for agriculture in your cover letter. Share why you're drawn to this industry and mention any long-term goals you have that align with what Mars does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mars
✨Get Familiar with Agricultural Technologies
Make sure you're up to speed with the latest agricultural technologies and tools that are commonly used in the field. Whether it’s precision farming tools or crop management software, being able to discuss these effectively during your interview with Mars will show that you're technically savvy and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Showcase Your Practical Experience
Since agriculture is a hands-on industry, be prepared to share any practical experiences you've had. This could be through internships, volunteer work, or even personal projects. Discussing specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them can really impress the interviewers, especially in a full-time role at Mars.
✨Understand the Sustainable Practices
Sustainability is a hot topic in agriculture right now, so it's important to understand current practices and regulations in the industry. Familiarise yourself with concepts like crop rotation, organic farming, and environmental impact. Having informed opinions on these topics can set you apart from other candidates during your interview.
✨Practice Common Industry Scenarios
Expect to tackle a few scenario-based questions that mimic real-life challenges in agriculture. For instance, you might be asked how you would handle a pest infestation or manage resources during a drought. Practising these scenarios will help you respond confidently and showcase your problem-solving skills during the interview with Mars.
