At a Glance
- Tasks: Care for diverse wildlife, focusing on reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and fish.
- Company: Join Askham Bryan College's accredited Wildlife Park, dedicated to conservation and education.
- Benefits: Enjoy 35 days annual leave, a generous pension scheme, and free parking.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal welfare and conservation while working with amazing species.
- Qualifications: Level 3 in an animal-related subject; a degree is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 24767 - 24767 £ per year.
Salary: SP17 £24,767 per annum
Contractual hours: 37
Basis: Full Time
Package: 35 Days Annual Leave Plus Bank Holidays / Generous Pension Scheme / Free Parking / Various Staff Benefits
Contract Type: Full Time – 37hrs Permanent
About the role:
Due to exciting new developments, we currently have an opportunity for a Wildlife Park Animal Keeper, (based in the LVI section) to join our Animal Sciences and Conservation Department here at our York campus. Askham Bryan Wildlife Park is a BIAZA Accredited Zoo, consisting of over 100 species, with a dedication to conservation, welfare, education and research.
We are looking for a highly motivated individual who can work with others and is responsible, passionate and knowledgeable about the overall animal management sector and has an enthusiastic approach to animal husbandry and welfare. The candidate will be responsible for the daily care, welfare, and presentation of the Wildlife Park LVI facilities at Askham Bryan College. This role supports high standards of animal husbandry, conservation and education.
Reporting to the Animal Sciences and Conservation Manager, Deputy Manager and LVI Teaching Lead Keeper, responsibilities include:
- The day‑to‑day care and management of the LVI animal section
- General cleaning
- Feeding
- Maintenance
- Record keeping
We are especially interested in someone with a focus on Reptiles, Amphibians, Invertebrates and Fish. Applicants should be educated to at least a level 3 in an animal‑related subject, and a degree in an animal‑related subject would be advantageous.
We reserve the right to close this advert early, if sufficient applications are received.
Interviews: TBC
Start Date: The College operates 2 starter/induction days per month to welcome and onboard new members. These are usually the first Monday and third Wednesday of each month (unless there is a bank holiday).
About the College:
Askham Bryan College is a specialist land‑based college based across the North of England with centres in York, Middlesbrough, Saltaire, Wakefield and Gateshead. We offer a wide‑ranging curriculum to our Further Education students, including Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Management, Countryside and the Environment, Engineering, Equine, Floristry, Motorsport, Outdoor Adventure Sport, Sports Development, Coaching and Fitness, Uniformed Public Services and Veterinary Nursing.
Benefits of working with Askham Bryan College:
- On‑site facilities including a fully functional farm, equine centre, wildlife park and VR suite
- Beautiful grounds for outdoor learning, meetings and well‑being walks
- Generous pension scheme with generous employer contributions
- Options for flexible working arrangements (role dependent)
- On‑site catering including a canteen and shop
- Highly discounted gym membership at the on‑site gym
- Free car parking and cycle to work scheme
- Continuous support from our Recruitment and Employee Lifecycle Partner
- Enhances sick pay and compassionate leave scheme
- Enhanced maternity/adoption pay
Safeguarding Statement:
The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, volunteers and partners to share this commitment. The Governors and Staff at Askham Bryan College regard each learner as a unique individual and therefore seek to support learner development in ways, which will foster security, confidence and independence. We recognise that high self‑esteem, peer support, a secure College environment and clear lines of communication with trusted adults helps all young people and adults particularly those at risk or suffering abuse. These are regarded as central to the wellbeing of the individual and are therefore seen to be an intrinsic part of all aspects of the curriculum and ethos.
Specific measures relating to pre‑employment checks:
We may undertake online searches on internet activity as part of our pre‑recruitment checks. We ask applicants for details of any convictions and cautions, regardless of whether these have been deemed as “spent”. It is a condition of employment that applicants provide these details. We undertake Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Checks for prospective employees. Please note that it is an offence to apply for a regulated role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity involving children or vulnerable adults.
Note on “regulated activity”: You are engaging in a regulated activity if you:
- Will be responsible, on a regular basis in a school or college, for teaching, training instructing, caring for or supervising children or vulnerable adults;
- Will be working on a regular basis in a specified establishment, such as a school, or in connection with the purposes of the establishment, where the work gives opportunity for contact with children or vulnerable adults;
- Engage in intimate or personal care or healthcare or any overnight activity, even if this happens only once.
Animal Keeper LVI employer: Askham Bryan College
Askham Bryan College is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises conservation, education, and animal welfare. With generous benefits including 35 days of annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and opportunities for professional growth, employees are supported in their career development while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of our York campus. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the field of animal management and conservation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Animal Keeper LVI
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the wildlife park before your interview! Familiarise yourself with the species they have, especially reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and fish. This shows your passion and commitment to animal care, which is exactly what they're looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former staff if you can. They can give you insider tips on what the team values most and what the day-to-day looks like. Plus, it’s a great way to show your enthusiasm for the role!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare some thoughtful questions for your interview. Ask about their conservation efforts or how they handle animal welfare challenges. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if this is the right fit for you.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Animal Keeper LVI
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for animal care shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your love for animals and conservation, especially if you have a focus on reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, or fish.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Animal Keeper LVI. Highlight relevant qualifications, like your level 3 education in an animal-related subject, and any hands-on experience you've had in animal husbandry or welfare.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. We want to see your skills and experiences without having to sift through unnecessary fluff!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Askham Bryan College!
How to prepare for a job interview at Askham Bryan College
✨Know Your Animals
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and fish. Be prepared to discuss their care, habitat needs, and any conservation efforts related to these species. Showing genuine passion and understanding will impress the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Bring examples of your previous work with animals, especially if you've had hands-on experience in animal husbandry or welfare. Whether it's through education or practical roles, be ready to share specific stories that highlight your skills and dedication.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the Wildlife Park and its conservation efforts. This shows your interest in the role and the organisation. You might ask about their current projects or how they engage with the community regarding animal education.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with others, be ready to discuss how you collaborate in a team setting. Share examples of how you've worked effectively with colleagues in the past, especially in high-pressure situations related to animal care.
