At a Glance
- Tasks: Support animal care and welfare while helping students gain practical skills.
- Company: Plumpton College, a leader in land and environmental education.
- Benefits: Up to £28,039 salary, 26 days leave, gym access, and professional development.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with a strong focus on wellbeing and community.
- Why this job: Make a difference in animal welfare and inspire the next generation of animal professionals.
- Qualifications: Level 3 in Animal Management and practical experience required.
The predicted salary is between 28039 - 28039 £ per year.
Plumpton College is a leading provider of land and environmental education in the UK, situated in the heart of the South Downs National Park. We offer a wide range of vocational and academic courses for students of all ages studying from level 1 to Masters degree and across nineteen subject areas including agriculture, animal management, veterinary sciences, horticulture, equine studies, wine, and environmental studies.
Our approach is underpinned by our core values — Professional, Ambitious, Passionate, Supportive, Progressive, and Enterprising — which guide everything we do. We are proud to foster a culture that expects high standards, encourages innovation, and prioritises the learner experience.
About The Role
We are seeking a committed and enthusiastic Animal Technician to support the day-to-day operation of the Animal Education Centre and contribute to the delivery of an outstanding student experience. This role is central to maintaining excellent standards of animal welfare and husbandry while helping students develop practical, industry-relevant skills in a safe and engaging learning environment. The working pattern for this role is currently Thursday to Monday; however, this may be reviewed in line with business needs.
You will:
- Support the daily care, welfare, health monitoring and enrichment of the animal collection
- Ensure high standards of animal husbandry and compliance with animal welfare legislation, licence conditions and industry best practice
- Supervise and support students in practical sessions, including weekends and holiday periods
- Deliver and manage practical classes, gather evidence and assess students within the practical environment
- Maintain accurate records relating to animal welfare, centre operations and student progress
About You
You will bring:
- A Level 3 qualification in Animal Management or a related subject
- Practical experience of working within an animal unit or similar environment
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise work effectively
- Confidence working independently and supporting students in a practical setting
- Good communication, IT, literacy and numeracy skills, with a flexible and professional approach
You’ll Benefit From
We offer a competitive salary and a generous benefits package, including 26 Days’ annual leave plus bank holidays and efficiency days. The role is eligible for the Local Government Pension Scheme, including employer contributions and life assurance. Staff also benefit from high-quality CPD and professional development opportunities. As a Disability Confident Committed employer and signatory of the Menopause Pledge, we are proud to support an inclusive working environment.
New colleagues benefit from a structured induction, a supported four-month probationary period, and a strong coaching culture led by in-house Level 5 trained coaches. Employees also enjoy lifestyle and wellbeing benefits, including eligibility for a TOTUM and Blue Light Card, free eye tests, free use of our onsite gym, cycle-to-work scheme, electric vehicle salary sacrifice, discounted Plumpton produce and courses, free onsite parking, and access to our Employee Assistance Programme.
Our commitment to wellbeing and community is further demonstrated through active EDI and Sustainability committees, regular staff events and social activities throughout the year.
We reserve the right to interview or close the vacancy early should we receive a high volume of applications. Early applications are strongly encouraged.
Plumpton College is committed to the promotion of equal opportunities and is dedicated to pursuing non-discriminatory policies and practices and eliminating unfair discrimination on any basis. Plumpton is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of learners and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Animal Technician employer: British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is an exceptional employer, offering a fulfilling role as a Storesperson at the iconic Edinburgh Zoo. With a strong commitment to wildlife conservation, RZSS fosters a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing through generous benefits such as a competitive salary, extensive annual leave, and access to a healthcare plan. Employees also enjoy unique perks like free entry to both the Highland Wildlife Park and Edinburgh Zoo, making it a rewarding place to grow professionally while contributing to a meaningful mission.
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 Technician
✨Connect with Local Farmers and Co-ops
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We think you need these skills to ace Animal Technician
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in agriculture, it's crucial to highlight any hands-on experience you have in farming, crop management, or sustainable practices. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're after, so be specific about the responsibilities you've had and any tools or techniques you've used.
Certifications Matter:In agriculture, relevant certifications can really give your application a boost. If you have any qualifications related to agricultural practices, pest management, or environmental regulations, make sure to mention them! They're great indicators of your commitment and expertise in the field.
Tailor Your CV to the Agriculture Sector:Your CV should reflect your passion for agriculture. Structure it to emphasise your field experience and any relevant projects you've been involved in. Don't forget to highlight your soft skills, like teamwork and communication, which are essential in this sector.
Passion is Key in Your Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time position, we want to feel your enthusiasm for agriculture in your cover letter. Share why you're drawn to this industry and mention any long-term goals you have that align with what British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
✨Get Familiar with Agricultural Technologies
Make sure you're up to speed with the latest agricultural technologies and tools that are commonly used in the field. Whether it’s precision farming tools or crop management software, being able to discuss these effectively during your interview with British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) will show that you're technically savvy and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Showcase Your Practical Experience
Since agriculture is a hands-on industry, be prepared to share any practical experiences you've had. This could be through internships, volunteer work, or even personal projects. Discussing specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them can really impress the interviewers, especially in a full-time role at British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA).
✨Understand the Sustainable Practices
Sustainability is a hot topic in agriculture right now, so it's important to understand current practices and regulations in the industry. Familiarise yourself with concepts like crop rotation, organic farming, and environmental impact. Having informed opinions on these topics can set you apart from other candidates during your interview.
✨Practice Common Industry Scenarios
Expect to tackle a few scenario-based questions that mimic real-life challenges in agriculture. For instance, you might be asked how you would handle a pest infestation or manage resources during a drought. Practising these scenarios will help you respond confidently and showcase your problem-solving skills during the interview with British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA).
