Animal Attendant

Animal Attendant

Full-Time 33622 - 37319 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
The City Of London

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Care for a variety of animals at Heathrow, ensuring their health and welfare.
  • Company: Join the City of London Corporation's dynamic team at the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, training opportunities, and a chance to work with exotic species.
  • Other info: Flexible shifts, significant career growth, and a vibrant workplace culture.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in animal welfare while working in a unique airport environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience with domestic pets and captive animals, plus a relevant qualification.

The predicted salary is between 33622 - 37319 £ per year.

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the team at the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre. The City of London Corporation's Heathrow Animal Reception Centre (HARC) provides care and accommodation to the huge variety and quantity of animals that pass through Heathrow airport each year. The HARC team are at the forefront of enforcing the welfare of animals in transport legislation and ensuring that animal health and public protection is upheld.

This is an exciting time to join this busy team as an Animal Attendant, as we see more pets and other animals at the airport than ever. Typical daily duties include kennel and cattery husbandry, conducting welfare checks and ensuring compliance with animal health and welfare regulations. Caring for exotic species on site is also a key task, with several reptiles and other taxa regularly accommodated on site. Non-typical days are often extraordinary, with zoo animals and other special arrivals also needing care.

You must have a qualification in a relevant animal related subject or equivalent experience and be able to demonstrate at least 3 years’ experience working with domestic pets and one other group of captive animals. Significant training is also available as the role includes liaising with pet owners, working on the airport, using machinery to transport large shipments, safe handling of hazardous species and more. You must hold a driving license and be able to work within a regulatory environment, checking documentation against multiple legislative requirements.

We are looking for dynamic individuals with high attention to detail, who can demonstrate strong customer service and great interpersonal skills, alongside their animal welfare skills and knowledge. We are recruiting two positions to start as soon as possible. As you would expect working at one of the world’s busiest international airports, there are significant working hours outside the normal 9-5. The role averages 35 hours per week across a 7-week shift rota, with shifts providing 24-hour cover, 365 days a year.

You will be required to undergo security clearance and be vaccinated against rabies for this role, which the City of London will organise and provide. HARC is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This role requires an Enhanced DBS Disclosure & Barring Service check and a 5-year background check will be completed by site by an external company to work in a CAA facility.

If this role is advertised as a secondment, secondments are subject to the agreement of your department releasing you, therefore, you need to discuss this with your line manager prior to applying. The purpose of this will be to discuss what, if any, impact your secondment might have on the service and service delivery should your application be successful, and how this might be addressed.

The City of London Corporation is currently undergoing a programme to ensure that our pay and reward practices are competitive and equitable across the whole organisation, to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive in the work that we do.

To apply online please click the Apply online button below. Please ensure to include your experience of working with domestic pets and one group of captive animals in your supporting statement. Alternatively, please contact 020 7332 3978 (24 hr answerphone) quoting reference number OENV1378 if you experience any difficulties. A minicom service for the hearing impaired is available on 020 7332 3732.

The City of London Corporation is committed to Equal Opportunities and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We reserve the right to close the advert earlier should we receive a high number of applications. Because our roles are so varied, we don’t have a ‘one size fits all’ policy for workplace attendance. How many days a week you’ll be required to attend your workplace will depend on the requirements of your role. It’s important that you understand the requirements before applying to ensure you are able to meet them. We are committed to considering requests to work flexibly and job share. Requests will be considered by the recruiting manager in line with our policies and business needs.

Animal Attendant employer: The City Of London

The City of London Corporation is an exceptional employer, offering a competitive salary and generous benefits including 24 days of annual leave and a robust pension scheme. Our work culture prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, providing opportunities to contribute to the conservation of beautiful public spaces in the vibrant community of West Ham Park. Join us in making a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive and dynamic work environment.

The City Of London

Contact Details:

The City Of London Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Animal Attendant

Connect with Local Farmers and Co-ops

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Get Involved in Agricultural Events

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Keep an Eye on Job Listings at Industry-Specific Websites

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We think you need these skills to ace Animal Attendant

Animal Welfare Knowledge
Experience with Domestic Pets
Experience with Captive Animals
Attention to Detail
Customer Service Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Regulatory Compliance

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 The City Of London does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.

How to prepare for a job interview at The City Of London

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 The City Of London 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 The City Of London.

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.

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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 The City Of London.