At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Animal Management Unit, ensuring top-notch animal welfare and engaging student experiences.
- Company: Bishop Burton College, a leader in animal care education.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, health cash plan, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent growth potential and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal welfare while mentoring the next generation of animal care professionals.
- Qualifications: Level 3 in Animal Care, driving licence, and 2 years' experience in animal care.
The predicted salary is between 26347 - 26347 £ per year.
Bishop Burton College – Beverley, UK. Closing date for applications: 4th June 2026. Contact: Rea Kassim (human.resources@bishopburton.ac.uk). Sector: Animal Care. Type: Paid, Full‑time contract. Salary: £26,347. Working hours: 39 hours per week – Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Interview date: Thursday 11th June.
Responsibilities
- Support the day‑to‑day operation of the Animal Management Unit, ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare, husbandry and health and safety are maintained at all times.
- Lead and coordinate a team of staff, supervise students in a practical setting and help deliver an engaging learning environment that blends real‑world experience with academic study.
- Work closely with the Animal Management Curator and Unit Manager to allocate workloads, maintain accurate records and act as Duty Manager when required.
- Support students as they develop industry‑relevant skills while working with a diverse range of domestic, exotic and farm animals.
Essential Skills
- Level 3 in a recognised Animal Care qualification.
- Full UK driving licence.
- At least 2 years’ practical experience in an animal care setting, including staff supervisory or team‑leading responsibilities.
- Good knowledge of relevant legal regulations and animal welfare standards.
- Ability to work in a customer‑facing environment.
- Good proactive problem‑solving skills.
- Able to work collaboratively to support a positive and productive team environment.
- Excellent organisational, reporting and attention to detail skills.
- Strong verbal communication skills, able to communicate effectively with staff, students and stakeholders, adapting approach as required.
- Able to confidently assess animal behaviour and health issues and respond appropriately, especially in emergencies.
- Able to maintain accurate records of animal care, health and behaviour.
- High standard of IT skills including the use of Excel.
- Able to prioritise workload, manage competing demands effectively so deadlines can be met and remain calm under pressure.
- Able to work flexibly to attend college events on weekends and evenings.
- Knowledge of Child Protection issues.
- Able to form and maintain appropriate relationships and personal boundaries with young people.
- Awareness of and commitment to maintaining a safe working environment.
- Willingness to undertake mandatory health and safety training.
- Understanding of personal responsibility for health, safety and wellbeing in the workplace.
- Demonstrates a strong commitment to animal welfare and the wellbeing of staff and students.
- Acts professionally at all times, taking responsibility for decisions and leading by example.
- Promotes safe working practices and ensures compliance with relevant legislation and policies.
- Motivation to work with children and young people.
- Fit for the duties of the post.
- DBS check carried out on appointment.
Desirable Skills
- Level 4 or 5 (HNC/HND/Foundation Degree) in Animal Management or similar; or a degree in Animal Science or Animal Management.
- First aid at work.
- Practical experience in animal husbandry and welfare in an education environment.
- Able to manage students in a learning environment.
- Able to confidently lead shifts and make decisions as Duty Manager.
- Able to be resilient when addressing challenging behaviours and promoting appropriate attitudes.
- Responds positively and effectively to challenging situations and change.
- Emotional resilience in working with challenging behaviours and appropriate authority and discipline.
Benefits
- Local Government Pension Scheme – defined benefit scheme with generous employer contributions.
- 40 days leave including 25 days annual leave, concessionary days and bank holidays; leave pro‑rated for part‑time contracts.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Free car parking.
- On‑site catering facilities.
- Optional health cash plan.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Discounted gym membership at the on‑site gym.
- Dedicated health and wellbeing programme.
- Career development opportunities.
- Free will writing service.
- Generous sick pay and compassionate leave scheme.
- Enhanced maternity/adoption pay.
- Free eye tests for DSE users.
- 15% discount on tickets at East Yorkshire Buses.
Animal Management Unit Team Leader employer: British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
Bishop Burton College is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and engaging work environment for those passionate about animal care. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, the college provides generous benefits such as a local government pension scheme, extensive leave, and career development opportunities, all while fostering a culture of collaboration and professional growth in the picturesque setting of Beverley, UK.
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 Management Unit Team Leader
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the college and its values! Research Bishop Burton College and understand their approach to animal care. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Before the interview, run through common questions with a friend or in front of a mirror. Focus on how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of the Team Leader role, especially around animal welfare and team management.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for animal care! During the interview, share specific examples of your hands-on experience with animals and how you've led teams in the past. This will demonstrate your commitment to the role and the well-being of the animals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to Rea Kassim. It’s a nice touch that shows your enthusiasm for the position and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Animal Management Unit Team Leader
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Animal Management Unit Team Leader role. Highlight your relevant experience in animal care and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Show Your Passion for Animal Welfare:In your application, let us know why you're passionate about animal welfare and education. Share any experiences that demonstrate your commitment to these areas. We love seeing candidates who genuinely care about making a difference!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate well-organised applications that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! This helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your animal care knowledge, especially regarding welfare standards and legal regulations. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about the role and understand the responsibilities that come with it.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Team Leader, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to manage and motivate a team. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a group or handled challenging situations. This will help the interviewers see your potential in leading their Animal Management Unit.
✨Engage with Real-World Scenarios
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to animal care and student supervision. Practice responding to these scenarios, focusing on your problem-solving skills and how you would maintain a safe and productive environment for both animals and students.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong verbal communication is key in this role. During the interview, make sure to articulate your thoughts clearly and adapt your communication style as needed. This will not only showcase your interpersonal skills but also reflect your ability to connect with students and staff effectively.
