At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team as an Animal Technician, caring for animals and ensuring their welfare.
- Company: Windsor Forest Colleges Group is a top education provider in the South-East.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, career progression, and various health perks.
- Why this job: Make a difference in animal care while gaining hands-on experience in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must have a Level 3 vocational qualification and strong practical skills with animals.
- Other info: Part-time role, 16 hours per week on weekends, fixed-term until August 2025.
Windsor Forest Colleges group is looking for an Animal Technician to join our Animal Centre team at Berkshire College of Agriculture (BCA) on a fixed-term, part-time basis working at weekends.
As an Animal Technician at BCA, you will be responsible for maintaining high standards of animal welfare and husbandry for all animals under our care. This includes daily checks and record-keeping of the animals' health and behaviours.
Key tasks involve:
- Attending to the husbandry requirements such as cleaning enclosures, preparing and presenting food, ensuring appropriate bedding and water supply, and liaising with veterinarians for routine preventative treatments and medication administration as per the animal centre protocols.
- Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene of work areas and accommodations.
- Keeping up-to-date animal records using ZIMS and other methods.
- Implementing training and enrichment strategies for the animals.
- Adhering to all Animal Management Centre procedures and protocols.
- Providing guidance to student groups during practical weekend duties.
- Assisting in preparation for classes.
Safety and security of the Animal Management Centre and compliance with college policies, particularly in health and safety, are paramount.
In terms of personal specifications, the job demands strong practical skills with various animals. The candidate should possess a minimum Level 3 vocational qualification in a relevant subject, strong record-keeping abilities, and the capability to work with minimal supervision.
This role is part-time, working 16 hours per week at weekends on a fixed-term contract until 31/08/2025.
About Us: The Windsor Forest Colleges Group (TWFCG) is a leading education provider in the South-East. Our staff work across 4 main campuses at Langley, Windsor, Strodes-Egham and Berkshire College of Agriculture-Maidenhead. Our teams place the learner at the heart of all we do and in our state-of-the-art learning environments, we are proud to deliver education and training to a diverse group of students and businesses each year.
Our staff benefit from:
- 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Career progression opportunities for ambitious staff
- Access to a wide range of subsidised leisure courses
- Access to excellent defined benefit pension schemes
- Free on-site parking at all sites
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Family friendly policies to support Work Life Balance
- On-site Coffee Shop & Cafeteria
- Various health & wellbeing benefits including discounted gym memberships, confidential staff counselling and discounted hair and beauty treatments at The Salon at Langley College
Please be advised that the vacancy will close on 4th July 2025. Interviews will be held week commencing 21st July 2025. To apply please visit our careers page and complete the online application form. Please ensure you pay particular attention to the supporting statement of the online application form making sure to include details of how you meet each of the essential criteria listed on the person specification. Applications will be shortlisted on a rolling basis, and we reserve the right to interview and appoint before this closing date. We therefore encourage you to apply at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment.
The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all its staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS and Barred List check along with other legally required checks which are an essential part of the safeguarding process.
Contact Detail:
Windsor Forest Colleges Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Animal Technician - Weekends
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific animal welfare standards and husbandry practices relevant to the role. This knowledge will not only help you during the interview but also demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high standards of care.
✨Tip Number 2
Gain hands-on experience with a variety of animals, if possible. Volunteering at local animal shelters or farms can provide you with practical skills and insights that will be valuable in your application and interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former employees of the Windsor Forest Colleges Group. They can offer insider tips about the work culture and expectations, which can give you an edge during the selection process.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your record-keeping abilities and any experience with animal management software like ZIMS. Being able to articulate your familiarity with these tools will show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
We think you need these skills to ace Animal Technician - Weekends
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Animal Technician position. Make sure you can demonstrate how your skills and experiences align with the tasks mentioned.
Tailor Your Supporting Statement: Pay special attention to the supporting statement in the online application form. Clearly outline how you meet each of the essential criteria listed in the person specification, using specific examples from your experience.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Ensure that your CV and application highlight your Level 3 vocational qualification in a relevant subject, as well as any practical skills or experiences you have working with animals. This will help you stand out as a suitable candidate.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread it for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Windsor Forest Colleges Group
✨Know Your Animal Welfare Standards
Familiarise yourself with the key animal welfare standards and husbandry practices relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss how you would maintain these standards in your daily tasks, as this will demonstrate your commitment to animal care.
✨Showcase Your Practical Skills
Highlight any hands-on experience you have with various animals. Be ready to provide examples of your practical skills, such as cleaning enclosures or preparing food, as this is crucial for the role of an Animal Technician.
✨Emphasise Record-Keeping Abilities
Since record-keeping is a significant part of the job, be sure to mention your experience with maintaining accurate records. Discuss any systems you've used, like ZIMS, and how you ensure data accuracy and compliance with protocols.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle emergencies. Think about past experiences where you had to make quick decisions regarding animal welfare and be ready to share those stories.