At a Glance
- Tasks: Care for animals and ensure an amazing experience for visitors and learners.
- Company: Join Northumberland College, a top-performing land-based college in a stunning countryside setting.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, flexible working, and extensive wellbeing support.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to inclusivity and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal welfare while inspiring the next generation.
- Qualifications: Level 3 or above in an animal-related qualification required.
The predicted salary is between 27189 - 27189 £ per year.
Location: Northumberland
Salary: £27,189 per annum pro rata
Post Type: Part Time
Hours per Week: 18.5
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 23.59 hours BST on Wednesday 08 July 2026
Reference:
About The College
Kirkley Hall Campus is Northumberland College’s second largest site and a centre of excellence for land-based, animal and outdoor education. Set within 400 acres of stunning Northumberland countryside, the campus provides access to specialist, industry-standard facilities that support practical, hands-on learning.
Our Journey & Values
As an employer, we prioritise cultivating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, where our staff can thrive and grow. We recognise that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to investing in their professional development and overall wellbeing.
About The Candidate
As Deputy Head Keeper you will be part of the Management team here at Northumberland College zoo contributing to both the commercial and curriculum offer we provide while placing welfare at the heart of all we do.
About The Role
This role will see you day to day maintain and look after the species in our care while ensuring our learners and guests have the best experience.
Role Responsibilities:
- Manage, drive forward and maintain one of the sections here at the zoo
- Contribute and support the Head Keeper with our welfare strategy
- Deputise on a weekend rotation and holidays as duty manager overseeing the commercial side of the zoo
Qualifications:
- Level 3 or above in animal related qualification
Essential Skills & Experience:
- At least 1 year experience of working in a commercial animal business
- At least one year experience in a paid environment working with young adults and children
Desirable Skills & Experience (Optional):
- Supervising small team of staff day to day basis
What’s in it for you?
- Enjoy a generous holiday allowance ranging between 35-48 days per year, plus public holidays (excluding Term Time Only contracts)
- Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role)
- LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme, depending on role
- Access to myLifestyle benefits platform providing retail discounts and more
- We offer dental, eye care & health cash plans
- Extensive wellbeing support through a digital Wellbeing Hub that offers a broad range of support for physical, mental and financial wellbeing
- Free parking on most campuses
- Free Gym access available at Bede Campus
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion
At Education Partnership North East (EPNE), we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences. We know that diverse perspectives strengthen our teams to enhance the education and support we provide to our learners and communities.
We recognise that talented individuals may not always follow a traditional career path and may hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement. If you are excited about the role and believe you can make a positive contribution, we encourage you to apply.
As a Disability Confident Employer and Armed Forces Covenant Member, and with Ofsted Outstanding status across all campuses, we are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and high-performing environment where everyone can thrive.
Due to the nature of this post, you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure Check. We believe in equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to PREVENT and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Head Keeper
✨Get Your Hands Dirty in the Community
Nothing beats on-the-ground experience when it comes to agriculture. Volunteer at local farms or join community gardening projects to meet industry folks. They often have inside info on part-time gigs that might not even be advertised yet!
✨Tap Into Agriculture Networks
Join local agricultural societies or online forums specific to your area. These communities are goldmines for part-time opportunities and can connect you with farmers and organisations looking for helping hands.
✨Seasonal Availability Is Key
Make sure you know when the busy seasons are! Many farms ramp up hiring during planting and harvest times. Keep an eye out for those windows and shoot your applications off early through our website to increase your chances.
✨Show Off Your Passion!
Bring your enthusiasm to the table. During interviews or interactions, share any relevant coursework or experiences you’ve had in agriculture. Whether it’s a school project or a home garden, showing that you're keen can set you apart when competing for that part-time role with Northumberland College.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Head Keeper
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV, make sure to shine a light on any agriculture-related experience you've got, whether it's from coursework, volunteer work, or hands-on jobs. Don't forget about specific skills like crop management or knowledge of sustainable practices; those are real winners for Northumberland College!
Show Off Your Passion:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for agriculture come through! Talk about why you're passionate about working in this field and what makes you excited about the opportunity at Northumberland College. We love hearing personal stories that connect you to the agriculture world!
Tailor Your Application:Avoid the one-size-fits-all approach. Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter for the part-time role at Northumberland College. This might mean adjusting the wording to reflect the specific tasks and responsibilities mentioned in the job listing, ensuring you clearly fit the bill.
Include Certifications or Courses:If you have any relevant certifications or courses related to agriculture, make sure to include those! Whether it's a short course in sustainable farming or a certification in organic agriculture, these can really boost your application. It shows you're dedicated to the field and continuously learning!
How to prepare for a job interview at Northumberland College
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Given the agriculture field, it's vital we understand farming techniques, equipment, and even pest management strategies. Be ready to discuss specific practices you've encountered or used—perhaps your experience with certain crops or technologies in farming.
✨Showcase Your Practical Experience
Employers want to see that we can apply our knowledge in the field. If you've had hands-on experience—like internships, volunteering on a farm, or even personal projects—talk about them! Share what you learned and how it shaped your understanding of agricultural processes.
✨Flexibility & Commitment—Key for Part-Time Roles
Part-time roles often require a bit of juggling. Be ready to show your willingness to adapt your schedule for peak seasons or specific needs that come up. Discuss your availability openly, and highlight your enthusiasm for being part of the team.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In agriculture, we might face situations that test our problem-solving skills. Expect questions like how we'd handle a pest outbreak or deal with unpredictable weather. Practise articulating your thought process and solutions, as it shows we can think on our feet.
