Groom

Adecco are pleased to be recruiting for a Stable Hand / Groom to join Merseyside Police.

The roles is to provide the overall care and maintenance of the Merseyside Police Horses in the Stable facilities over a 24/7 shift pattern. Ensuring that all the animals welfare needs are paramount and achieved to allow the Mounted Departments, maximum Operational availability and potential at all times.

This role is based at the Mather Avenue Training Centre (L18). The rate is £12.01 per hour. This is a temporary post initially until July 2025.

Please note, due to Police Criteria, you can only apply for this role if you have lived in the UK for at least the last 3 years continuously. Anything less will not be considered.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Undertake general Stable duties including feeding, exercising, grooming / bathing, clipping and trimming and preparing Horses for patrolling to ensure that the Horses are in peak condition for operational availability.
• Clean, polish and check for safety all associated Horse equipment including Saddlery, Vehicles, head kits on return from patrol. Ensure that the Animals Monthly assessment records are completed electronically and filed correctly.
• Support officer at School visits and ceremonial events were appropriate.
• Identify symptoms of impending illness and implement emergency procedures, including administering medication, bandages and dressings and inject intra muscular treatment when needed, ensure the health of the animal is paramount at all times. Liaise with Veterinary surgeon and give accurate and clear record of illness/condition. Record any medication given.
• Assist and advise the Police Officers with reference to lameness and any changes in Horses behaviour in the absence of the Manager.
• Undertake Driving duties to transport animals and clean and tidy vehicles thus assisting with operational efficiency.
• Load and unload Horses from the vehicle when required and assist with unloading equipment.
• Operate the horse exercise machine including the loading and unloading and basic maintenance of the machine and the surrounding area, report and faults or potential problems to the Manager.
• Clean stables and prepare bedding to ensure the comfort of the horse throughout the day and night and clean and maintain associated equipment, yards and use tractor to maintain the muckheap.
• Jet wash yard and associated tools, trolleys and wheelbarrows.
• In inclement weather grit and maintain a safe ice free yard, to prevent operational police officers, staff and horses from slipping and receiving a injury.
• Clean & Disinfect Stables and equipment efficiently and effectively to maintain a high standard of cleanliness and to ensure the comfort and health & safety of the Horses Clean & tidy the Feed room, Veterinary room, and round the stable yard.
• Power washing/cleaning of the concrete areas and paths within the Stable complex. Inspecting, cleaning of paths and drains around the Stables complex and exercise area and in inclement weather conditions.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• The Post Holder must display an in-depth knowledge and experience of dealing with Horses and Horse welfare.
• Be experienced in handling and exercising of Horses including grooming, feeding, administer medication and bathing animals and cleaning of Stables and maintenance of associated equipment. Must be aware and be able to use animal restraints when required.
• Must have Knowledge of administering medication to Horses, either orally or via intra muscular injections.
• The Post Holder must be able to relay correct temperature pulse and respiratory rates and be able to recognize Horses when they are off colour or minor changes in their behaviour, early intervention can prevent Horses being off work for long periods.
• Post Holder must be physically fit to handle large Horses and be able to undertake extensive exercising and must be able to turn Horses out to a high standard, clipping and trimming allocated horses.
• Post holder must have knowledge of correctly fitting and safe saddlers and head kits, as the safety of the Police Officers and Horses is paramount.
• The Post holder must display the ability to work unsupervised and alone and work as part of a team to enable efficient service delivery.
• Flexibility over working arrangements as the Post Holder will be required to change working hours at short notice on a shift pattern.
• There will be a requirement to utilize heavy equipment and load and unload and carry stock therefore manual handling ability and experience is essential.
• Ability to deal with emergencies is essential, as situations involving Horses can be unpredictable and spontaneous.
• Excellent communication skills to deal with colleagues, outside agencies i.e. Veterinary Surgeons and visitors and to deal with telephone enquiries.
• The Post holder will be required to use the various Force I.T. Systems on a daily basis.
• The Post Holder must hold a Clean Full Driving License, and a LGV/HGV is desirable.
• Qualification of a minimum British Horse Society Stage 2 / NVQ level 2 or equivalent qualification, as post holder will be on afternoons and nights solely responsible for the horses.

If you have the skills for this position, please apply and should your CV be shortlisted, an Adecco Consultant will be in touch.

Many thanks.

Adecco acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and an employment business for the supply of temporary workers. The Adecco Group UK & Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

By applying for this role your details will be submitted to Adecco. Our Candidate Privacy Information Statement explains how we will use your information - please copy and paste the following link in to your browser https://candidate-privacy