At a Glance
- Tasks: Care for animals while teaching students about animal management and welfare.
- Company: Askham Bryan College, a leader in animal sciences and conservation.
- Benefits: 35 days annual leave, generous pension, free parking, and gym discounts.
- Other info: Join a supportive team in a beautiful outdoor learning environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal care and inspire the next generation of animal lovers.
- Qualifications: Level 3 in an animal-related subject; degree preferred.
The predicted salary is between 25462 - 27580 £ per year.
Location: York
Contract Type: Full Time – 37hrs, Permanent
Salary: SP18 £25,462 – SP21 £27,580 per annum
Job reference: NR00258
Date posted: 03/06/2026
About the role:
Due to new exciting developments, we currently have an opportunity for a Teaching Animal Keeper to join our Animal Sciences and Conservation Department at our York campus. We are looking for a highly motivated individual who is capable of working with others and is responsible, passionate and knowledgeable about overall animal management, and has an enthusiastic approach to animal husbandry and welfare. The Teaching Animal Keeper plays a key role in delivering high-quality animal care alongside practical education and training at Askham Bryan College.
The post holder will be responsible for the daily husbandry and welfare of the animal collection whilst actively teaching practical lessons and assessment for students across animal management and related land-based courses. The role supports the College’s mission to provide outstanding, hands-on education within a professional working environment.
Reporting to the Animal Sciences and Conservation Manager, Deputy Manager, and Teaching Zoo Lead Keeper, responsibilities include the day-to-day care and management of the animal section, general cleaning, feeding, maintenance and record keeping of the animal species. The candidate will be part of the Zoo team and should have a focus on mammals and birds.
Requirements:
Applicants should be educated to at least a Level 3 in an animal-related subject; a degree in an animal-related subject would be advantageous.
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 employer contributions
- 35 days annual leave, plus 8 bank holidays, plus Christmas shutdown
- 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
- Enhanced sick pay and compassionate leave scheme
- Enhanced maternity/adoption pay
Safeguarding and Pre-employment Checks:
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 regard each learner as a unique individual and therefore seek to support learner development in secure, confidence-building ways. Online internet activity searches may be undertaken as part of pre-recruitment checks. Applicants must provide details of any convictions and cautions, regardless of whether they are considered “spent”. Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks are conducted. It is an offence to apply for a regulated role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity involving children or vulnerable adults.
Animal Teacher Keeper Zoo employer: Askham Bryan College
Askham Bryan College is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With generous benefits including 35 days of annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and opportunities for flexible working arrangements, staff are supported in achieving a healthy work-life balance while contributing to meaningful educational experiences in animal management. Located in the picturesque York campus, employees enjoy beautiful grounds and state-of-the-art facilities, making it an ideal environment for those passionate about animal care and education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Animal Teacher Keeper Zoo
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the zoo and its team! Visit the place if you can, chat with current staff, and soak up the atmosphere. This shows your genuine interest and helps you understand their culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your animal management knowledge. Be ready to discuss specific species and their care, as well as any teaching methods you might use. We want to see your passion shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your hands-on experience! Whether it’s volunteering at a local shelter or working with animals in a different capacity, share those stories. We love to hear about your practical skills and how they relate to the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it gives you a chance to highlight why you’re the perfect fit for the Teaching Animal Keeper role.
We think you need these skills to ace Animal Teacher Keeper Zoo
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for animal care and education shine through. We want to see that you’re not just qualified, but genuinely excited about working with animals and teaching others.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in animal management and teaching. We love seeing how your background aligns with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your skills and achievements!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This helps us quickly see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and gives you a chance to explore more about us and the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Askham Bryan College
✨Know Your Animals
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the animals you'll be working with. Understand their behaviours, habitats, and care requirements. This will not only impress your interviewers but also show your passion for animal welfare.
✨Showcase Your Teaching Skills
Since this role involves teaching, prepare to discuss your teaching methods and experiences. Think of examples where you've successfully engaged students or taught complex concepts in an easy-to-understand way. Be ready to demonstrate how you can make learning about animal management fun and interactive.
✨Highlight Teamwork Experience
The job requires collaboration with other staff members, so be prepared to share examples of how you've worked effectively in a team. Discuss any challenges you've faced and how you overcame them together, showcasing your ability to contribute positively to a team environment.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, the team, and the college's approach to animal care and education. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you determine if it's the right fit for you.
