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- Tasks: Care for a variety of animals, ensuring their well-being and supporting educational activities.
- Company: Community-focused FE College with a thriving animal care team.
- Benefits: Generous leave, discounts, pension scheme, and excellent training opportunities.
- Why this job: Combine your passion for animals with a flexible part-time role that fits your lifestyle.
- Qualifications: Level 2 qualification in animal care and relevant industry experience.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and gain valuable hands-on experience.
The predicted salary is between 5307 - 5353 £ per year.
Do you have a passion for animals? Are you looking for a part-time role where you can supplement your existing income or for a role which gives you a great work-life balance? This could be the role for you if you have a level 2 qualification related to animal care and industry experience.
LOCATION: Cambridge
HOURS: 8 per week (working 8 hours Saturday and 8 hours Sunday one week, off the following weekend) or only Saturday or Sunday each week
SALARY: £5,307- £5,353 (£25,549 - £24,758 FTE)
Due to continued growth in both student numbers and our collection of animals we are recruiting for additional Animal Centre Assistants to support us at weekends. Our animal centre at our Cambridge campus runs 7 days per week, 365 days a year - providing excellent care for all of our animal residents. From rodents to goats, insects to snakes we have a wide range of animals in stock, all of whom are integral to the educational journey of our learners.
This role involves providing general day to day care for the animals including handling, cleaning, maintenance, preparation for educational activities and liaising with the team to report any changes in behaviour or condition to ensure that the welfare of the animals is our top priority.
You will be required to work every other weekend throughout the year, on both Saturday and Sunday (one week on, one week off). Alternatively hours may be available for working only Saturdays or Sundays each week, to be agreed with the successful postholders. You will work as part of a friendly team and gain great experience in working with animals.
We are a successful, community-focused FE College based in the East of England. We have a thriving animal care team and in recent years, the department has grown from strength to strength. We offer an incredible training package and a chance to work within tight knit and supportive teams.
Benefits:
- Generous annual leave allowance of 30 days per year for support staff, plus five College closure days, plus Bank Holidays (pro-rata for part-time)
- Fee waivers on some College courses
- A contributory pension scheme with the Local Government Pension Scheme
- Discounts with local businesses
- Access to a cycle to work scheme
- Staff well-being resources, including a well-being committee and access to a free and confidential Employee Assistance Programme
- Comprehensive training and development
- Job share opportunities are available for the right candidates
How to apply:
To apply online or to view all our current vacancies please visit www.cwa.ac.uk. For further information specific to the role, or to arrange a visit please contact Tracey Palmer on tracey.palmer@cwa.ac.uk.
Closing date for receipt of all applications midday, 27 March 2026. Interviews are provisionally planned for Thursday 16 April 2026 at our Cambridge campus.
Applicants are expected to ensure their applications are written in their own words. We reserve the right to use an AI checker on any application. Please note that all interviews are conducted face to face, we are unable to facilitate online interviews.
CWA are a Disability Confident employer and offer a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled candidates who meet all of the essential criteria for a role. We would encourage you to disclose any disabilities and whether or not you wish to be considered under this scheme.
CWA is committed to safeguarding and all staff appointments are subject to satisfactory references and enhanced DBS checks. You will be required to provide references and undertake an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check as well as a barred list check. All shortlisted candidates will be subject to an online search.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 but Exceptions Order may apply. Full details of our Safeguarding Child and Vulnerable Adult Protection policy can be found at Policies (cwa.ac.uk). CWA reserves the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient suitably qualified applications be received prior to the closing date. No agencies please.
Animal Care Assistant (Weekends) in Cambridge employer: College of West Anglia
Contact Detail:
College of West Anglia Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Animal Care Assistant (Weekends) in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the animal care scene in Cambridge! Visit local animal centres or shelters, chat with staff, and learn about their needs. This will not only boost your knowledge but also show your genuine passion for animals during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with professionals in the animal care field on platforms like LinkedIn. Join relevant groups and participate in discussions to make yourself known and potentially uncover job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for face-to-face interviews by practising common questions related to animal care. Think about scenarios you might encounter and how you'd handle them. This will help you feel more confident and ready to impress!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, keep an eye on our current vacancies for any new roles that pop up – you never know what might be available!
We think you need these skills to ace Animal Care Assistant (Weekends) in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Animals: Make sure to express your love for animals in your application. We want to see that you genuinely care about their welfare and are excited about working with them every weekend!
Highlight Relevant Experience: If you've got any experience in animal care or related qualifications, shout about it! We’re looking for candidates who can hit the ground running, so let us know what you've done before.
Be Yourself: We want to hear your voice in your application. Write in your own words and let your personality shine through. Remember, we’re looking for a friendly team player!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of everything and makes sure your application gets to the right place.
How to prepare for a job interview at College of West Anglia
✨Know Your Animals
Brush up on your knowledge of the animals you'll be caring for. Familiarise yourself with their behaviours, needs, and any specific care requirements. This will show your passion and commitment during the interview.
✨Show Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience in animal care. Highlight any relevant qualifications or hands-on work you've done. Specific examples will help demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Teamwork Matters
Since you'll be working as part of a team, emphasise your ability to collaborate effectively. Share examples of how you've worked well with others in past roles, especially in high-pressure situations.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or the types of animals you'll be working with. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.