At a Glance
- Tasks: Care for small hoofstock and farm animals while learning from experienced Rangers.
- Company: Join Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park, a leading animal care facility in East Anglia.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, ongoing training, and work in a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Enjoy a dynamic role with opportunities for career growth in animal care.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in animal welfare and conservation while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Level 2 or 3 qualification in Animal Care or related field; practical experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park
East Anglia
Closing date for applications is: 8th Aug 2026
Contact: Sophie Ryder (sophie@jimmysfarm.com) Sector: Animal Care Type: Paid Contract type: Full-time
We're looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Trainee Ranger – Small Hoofstock & Farm to join our Animal Team on a 12-month fixed-term contract.
This role is ideal for someone who already has practical animal care experience and is ready to take the next step in their career. Whether you've gained experience in a zoo, wildlife park, farm park, commercial farm, or through volunteering, we're looking for someone who has the determination to learn, the resilience to work hard, and the attitude to thrive in a busy and rewarding environment.
Working alongside our experienced Rangers, you'll gain hands-on experience caring for a diverse collection of small hoofstock and traditional farm animals while developing your husbandry skills within one of the UK's fastest-growing animal collections.
We believe skills can be taught, but attitude, reliability, and a strong work ethic are what make exceptional Rangers. If you're someone who takes pride in doing a job properly, enjoys working as part of a team, and isn't afraid to roll your sleeves up, we'd love to hear from you.
Working with hoofstock is incredibly rewarding—but we'll be honest—it also involves plenty of mucking out, poo picking, and physical work.
This is not just a zoo role. As a member of the Small Hoofstock & Farm Team, you'll play an important part in the day-to-day running of both our expanding zoological collection and our working farm.
You'll be involved in all aspects of livestock husbandry, including feeding, health monitoring, paddock management, enrichment, enclosure maintenance, and supporting the smooth running of the department. During the winter months, you'll also assist with the care of our seasonal turkey flock, giving you experience across a wider range of livestock.
Some of the livestock within our collection are reared as part of the food chain, and we are proud to maintain the highest standards of animal welfare throughout every stage of their lives. We're looking for someone who understands and respects modern farming practices while sharing our passion for conservation, education, and excellent animal care.
No two days are the same, and you'll have the opportunity to work with an expanding range of species while learning from a knowledgeable, supportive, and passionate team.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist with the daily husbandry and welfare of small hoofstock and farm animals.
- Prepare and provide feed according to individual dietary requirements.
- Clean, maintain, and present animal enclosures to a consistently high standard.
- Observe animal health and behaviour, reporting concerns promptly to senior staff.
- Assist with enrichment programmes that encourage positive animal welfare.
- Safely handle and move animals under supervision.
- Maintain excellent standards of hygiene, cleanliness, and biosecurity.
- Assist with paddock maintenance, fencing, enclosure repairs, and general site upkeep.
- Deliver engaging and informative visitor interactions, promoting animal welfare, conservation, and the work of the park.
- Follow all animal welfare, health and safety, and biosecurity procedures.
About You
We're looking for more than qualifications—we're looking for someone with the right attitude.
You are reliable, hardworking, and genuinely passionate about animals. You don't mind getting dirty, enjoy working outdoors in all weathers, and understand that caring for animals means early mornings, weekends, and plenty of physical work.
You're curious, keen to learn, willing to ask questions, and determined to continually improve. You work well as part of a team but can also use your initiative when required.
Above all, you're someone with character, resilience, enthusiasm, and the drive to build a career in animal care.
Essential
- Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Animal Care, Animal Management, Agriculture, or a related subject.
- Practical experience through volunteering, work placements, or employment within a zoo, wildlife park, farm park, commercial farm, or similar animal collection.
- A genuine passion for animal welfare, farming, conservation, and high standards of husbandry.
- A positive attitude, strong work ethic, and the determination to learn and develop.
- Good character, reliability, and the willingness to get stuck in—no matter the task.
- Physically fit and capable of undertaking manual work.
- Comfortable working outdoors throughout the year in all weather conditions.
- Good communication and teamwork skills.
- Flexible and able to work weekends and bank holidays as part of a rota.
Desirable
- Experience working with hoofstock or livestock.
- Full UK driving licence.
- Basic tractor or machinery experience.
- Practical maintenance or fencing skills.
What We Offer
- The opportunity to work within one of the UK's fastest-growing animal collections.
- Hands-on experience with an expanding collection of hoofstock and farm species.
- Ongoing training and mentoring from experienced Rangers.
- Opportunities to develop practical husbandry skills and broaden your experience.
- A supportive team environment where enthusiasm, hard work, and commitment are recognised.
Trainee Animal Ranger - Fixed Term 12 month 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 Trainee Animal Ranger - Fixed Term 12 month
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Local Farms
Don’t be shy about visiting local farms and agricultural businesses — many of them often need extra hands, especially during busy seasons. Take a trip to farmers' markets, community gardens, and agricultural fairs; you’ll make connections and might hear about temporary roles before they’re advertised.
✨Join Agricultural Community Groups
Get involved in local farming networks or online communities dedicated to agriculture. These platforms often share job openings, volunteer opportunities, and events. Plus, building relationships in these circles can lead to recommendations and insider information about temporary gigs.
✨Seasonal Hiring Peaks – Be Prepared
Keep an eye on the seasonal hiring windows; many farms look for temporary workers during harvest time. Be proactive! Reach out to farms directly before peak season and express your interest in helping during those busy periods. It's all about timing!
✨Showcase Your Skills on Our Website
When you find a role you like, make sure to apply through our website! Highlight any relevant skills or experiences, such as volunteering or coursework related to agriculture, which can make you stand out in your application for temporary positions with companies like British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA).
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Animal Ranger - Fixed Term 12 month
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience with Plants:In agriculture, it’s all about hands-on experience, right? Make sure your CV showcases any relevant work you've done with crops, livestock, or even through volunteering. If you’ve held a position that involved tilling the soil or caring for plants, mention specifics so we can see your skills in action!
Highlight Your Physical Stamina:Temporary roles in agriculture can be physically demanding. Don't hesitate to mention any relevant physical capabilities or previous tough gigs you’ve tackled. This gives us confidence that you’re up for the challenges the job might throw at you!
Tailor Your Application to the Weather!:When applying for a temporary gig at British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA), it's super important to let us know your availability, considering that agricultural work can sometimes be influenced by seasons or weather patterns. Make it clear when you can jump in, whether that’s for a few weeks or a month!
Bring along Any Certifications:If you have any cool certificates related to agriculture, like health and safety or machinery operation, be sure to include these in your application. They can really set you apart and show that you’re not just a regular applicant—you're someone who comes prepped and ready to contribute!
How to prepare for a job interview at British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
✨Show Off Your Practical Skills
In the agriculture field, hands-on experience is key. Be ready to chat about any specific tools or machinery you've worked with, whether it’s tractors, irrigation systems, or general farm equipment. If you’ve got experience with crop management or livestock care, flaunt that too!
✨Understand Seasonal Dynamics
Temporary roles in agriculture often revolve around peak seasons, so brush up on how the seasonal cycles affect agricultural work. Familiarise yourself with the planting and harvesting schedules for different crops. This shows that you're not just looking for a job; you understand the industry's rhythm!
✨Flex Your Adaptability
Temporary roles require a bit of flexibility as the tasks can change rapidly. Be ready to discuss past experiences where you had to pivot quickly, whether it was dealing with sudden weather changes or shifting priorities. Employers love seeing that we can adapt and tackle unexpected challenges!
✨Mindful of Safety Regulations
In agriculture, health and safety are paramount. Brush up on relevant safety regulations and be prepared to discuss how you've contributed to a safe work environment in previous positions. Demonstrating your knowledge of these practices will show your commitment to maintaining a secure workplace.
