At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead animal care operations and inspire students in a dynamic learning environment.
- Company: Join Northumberland College, an Ofsted Outstanding institution with a new state-of-the-art campus.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, flexible working, and extensive wellbeing support.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to excellence and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on animal welfare and student development in a supportive community.
- Qualifications: Experience in animal care and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30468 - 32318 £ per year.
Location: Northumberland
Salary: £30,468 to £32,318 per annum
Post Type: Full Time
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 23.59 hours BST on Monday 13 April 2026
Reference: 0213-26
About The College
Northumberland College is Ofsted Outstanding and is currently building a multi-million, state‑of‑the‑art new college campus in Ashington which is due to open in 2026. The successful candidate will be based at the new college where a purpose‑built construction, housing, advanced manufacturing and engineering centre will be located. Curriculum spans technical, vocational further and higher education and includes large apprenticeship provision and dedicated centres for young people with SEND.
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.
Taking Teaching Further & Additional Incentives
If you’re making the move into further education teaching, you may be eligible for the Taking Teaching Further (TTF) programme, a funded route to help industry professionals retrain as FE teachers. In addition, for roles in high‑need subjects or regions, you may also benefit from the government’s targeted retention incentive payments, worth up to £6,000 for eligible teachers in their first five years and teaching certain shortage subjects.
About The Candidate
We are looking for an experienced and passionate individual who is committed to excellence in animal care and education. You will be a proactive and highly organised professional with a strong sense of responsibility for animal welfare and student development. With excellent communication and leadership skills, you will inspire both students and colleagues, creating a positive and collaborative working environment. Your ability to motivate others, solve problems effectively, and maintain high standards will be key to your success in this role.
About The Role
As the Lead Technician for Animal Care at Sunderland College (Bede Campus), you will play a vital role in supporting outstanding teaching, learning and student experience. You will lead the day‑to‑day operation of our animal care facilities and offsite provision, ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare, health and safety, and technical delivery.
Role Responsibilities
- Lead and maintain exceptional standards of animal welfare, ensuring full compliance with all relevant legislation, policies and ethical guidelines.
- Oversee the daily operation of animal care facilities, including feeding, husbandry, environmental monitoring, cleaning and maintenance.
- Supervise and support the technical team, including task delegation, rota planning and fostering a positive team culture.
- Provide expert technical support for teaching and learning activities, including practical sessions, demonstrations and student‑led work.
- Manage resources and inventory, ensuring equipment, consumables and facilities are safe, functional and fully stocked.
- Support student development by supervising practical activities, promoting professional behaviours and contributing to recruitment and engagement events.
Qualifications
- Level 2 or equivalent Maths.
- Level 2 or equivalent English.
- Level 3 industry specific qualifications.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Industry experience of working with a large range of animal species.
- Up‑to‑date knowledge of industry standards and practice.
- Experience of managing an animal unit or resource, including management of health and safety.
Desirable Skills & Experience – (Optional)
- Teaching qualification.
- Experience of working with a range of stakeholders to support improvements to the learner journey.
- Experience of working collaboratively with students.
What’s in it for you?
- Enjoy a generous holiday allowance ranging between 35‑48 days per year, plus public holidays.
- Generous family leave and flexible working options.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
Lead Technician Animal care (Bede Campus) in North East employer: Northumberland College
Contact Detail:
Northumberland College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Technician Animal care (Bede Campus) in North East
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the animal care field, attend industry events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the college and its values. Understand their commitment to animal welfare and education, and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for animal care during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles, whether it’s improving animal welfare standards or enhancing student learning experiences. Let your enthusiasm shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Northumberland College.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Technician Animal care (Bede Campus) in North East
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Animal Care: When writing your application, let your love for animal care shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your commitment to animal welfare and how you've made a difference in previous roles.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to match the job description. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the responsibilities of the Lead Technician role, showing us why you're the perfect fit!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon, so we can easily see your qualifications and enthusiasm for the position without getting lost in lengthy paragraphs.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. This way, you can ensure all your details are submitted correctly and you won’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Northumberland College
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of animal care standards and practices. Familiarise yourself with the latest industry trends and regulations, as well as the specific needs of the species you'll be working with. This will show that you're not just passionate but also well-informed.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Technician, you'll need to inspire and manage a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, whether it's through effective delegation or fostering a positive work culture. Highlight your ability to motivate others and create a collaborative environment.
✨Engage with Practical Scenarios
Expect to discuss practical situations during your interview. Think about how you would handle specific challenges related to animal welfare or student engagement. Being able to articulate your problem-solving approach will demonstrate your readiness for the role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the college's future plans for the animal care programme or how they support staff development. It shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.