At a Glance
- Tasks: Care for a variety of animals and support students in hands-on learning.
- Company: Bishop Burton College, dedicated to animal welfare and education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a passionate team in a dynamic educational environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal care while inspiring future professionals.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Animal Care qualification and 2 years' experience in animal husbandry.
The predicted salary is between 25847 - 25847 £ per year.
Bishop Burton College is looking for a passionate and dedicated Animal Keeper who is committed to delivering the highest standards of animal welfare while helping to inspire the next generation of animal care professionals. This role would suit someone currently working within a zoo, wildlife park, kennels, rescue centre, farm park, educational animal unit or other animal care environment, who is now looking to take the next step in their career within an educational setting.
You will be confident working with a wide range of species, experienced in practical animal husbandry, and enthusiastic about supporting students during practical learning activities. Based within our specialist Animal Management department, you will play a key role in the day-to-day operation of the animal unit, supporting feeding, enrichment, health monitoring, enclosure maintenance and maintaining exceptional welfare standards across the department. You will also work closely with academic staff to help provide engaging, hands-on and industry-focused learning experiences for students.
Essential Skills- Level 3 in a recognised Animal Care qualification or above
- Full UK driving licence
- At least 2 years’ practical experience in animal husbandry and welfare in an animal establishment working with a range of different species including rodents, reptiles and primates
- Good knowledge of relevant legal regulations and animal welfare standards
- Strong verbal communication skills
- Ability to assess animal behaviour and health issues and respond appropriately
- Ability to maintain accurate records of animal care, health, and behaviour
- A high standard of IT skills to include the use of Excel
- Ability to prioritise workload and manage competing demands effectively so deadlines can be met
- Able to work flexibly to attend occasional college events held on weekends and during the evening
- Able to be resilient when addressing challenging behaviours and promoting appropriate attitudes
- Knowledge of child protection issues
- Able to form and maintain appropriate relationships and personal boundaries with young people
- Willingness to undertake mandatory health and safety training
- Confident when liaising with parents, students and stakeholders
- A willingness to undertake additional training offered at the college
- Motivation to work with children and young people
- Fit for the duties of the post
- DBS check carried out on appointment
- Degree in animal science, biology, or a related field
- First Aid at Work
- Practical experience in animal husbandry and welfare in an education environment
- Awareness of and commitment to maintaining a safe working environment
- Understanding of personal responsibility for health, safety and wellbeing in the workplace
- Responds positively and effectively to challenging situations and change
- Emotional resilience in working with challenging behaviours and appropriate attitudes to use of authority and maintaining discipline
Contact: Rea Kassim (human.resources@bishopburton.ac.uk)
Animal Keeper - Bishop Burton Campus - York Road *Wage amended* employer: British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
Bishop Burton College is an exceptional employer that prioritises animal welfare and education, providing a supportive environment for Animal Keepers to thrive. With a commitment to professional development, employees benefit from ongoing training opportunities and the chance to inspire future animal care professionals in a vibrant campus setting. The college fosters a collaborative work culture, ensuring that staff are valued and empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of students and animals alike.
Contact Details:
British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Animal Keeper - Bishop Burton Campus - York Road *Wage amended*
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the animal care field, whether it's through social media or local events. We all know that sometimes it's not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the college and its animal management department. We want you to show off your knowledge about their work and how you can contribute. Tailor your answers to highlight your experience with different species and your passion for animal welfare.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable talking about your skills and experiences. We want you to feel confident when discussing your practical animal husbandry experience and how it relates 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, we’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who are ready to inspire the next generation of animal care professionals.
We think you need these skills to ace Animal Keeper - Bishop Burton Campus - York Road *Wage amended*
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for animal care shine through! We want to see how dedicated you are to animal welfare and inspiring future professionals. Share your experiences and what drives you in this field.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Animal Keeper. Highlight your relevant qualifications, practical experience, and any specific skills that match the job description. We love seeing how your background aligns with what we’re looking for!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and experiences at a glance.
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, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our college there.
How to prepare for a job interview at British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
✨Know Your Animals
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the various species you'll be working with. Familiarise yourself with their behaviours, dietary needs, and welfare standards. This will not only show your passion for animal care but also demonstrate your commitment to delivering high standards of welfare.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your practical experience in animal husbandry. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've handled different species, managed health issues, or contributed to educational activities. This will help the interviewers see how your background aligns with their needs.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong verbal communication skills are essential for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might even want to prepare a few questions to ask about the college's approach to animal care and student engagement, showing your enthusiasm for the position.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Resilience
Be prepared to discuss how you've managed competing demands in previous roles. Share examples of how you've remained resilient in challenging situations, especially when working with young people. This will highlight your ability to adapt and maintain a positive attitude in a dynamic environment.
