At a Glance
- Tasks: Care for animals, maintain welfare standards, and assist students during practical sessions.
- Company: Join the Berkshire College of Agriculture's vibrant Animal Management team.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days leave, a generous pension scheme, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible weekend hours with a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a difference in animal welfare while gaining hands-on experience.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualification in a relevant subject and practical animal care skills required.
The predicted salary is between 11019 - 11798 £ per year.
Windsor Forest Colleges group is looking for an Animal Technician to join our Animal Management and Science Department at our Berkshire College of Agriculture campus on a part-time permanent basis working weekends. This part-time role involves working 16 hours per week on Saturdays and Sundays. Pay is on Scale G of the Support Staff pay scale (between G17 £11,019.68 up to G19 £11,798.49 per year).
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain high standards of animal welfare and husbandry.
- Daily checks and record keeping of the animals' health and behaviours.
- Cleaning enclosures, preparing and presenting food, ensuring appropriate bedding and water supply.
- Liaising with veterinarians for routine preventative treatments and medication administration.
- Maintain cleanliness and hygiene of work areas.
- Keep animal records up to date using ZIMS.
- Implement training and enrichment strategies.
- Adhere to Animal Management Centre procedures and protocols.
- Provide guidance to student groups during practical weekend duties.
- Assist in preparation for classes.
Qualifications
- Minimum Level 3 vocational qualification in a relevant subject.
- Strong record keeping abilities.
- Ability to work with minimal supervision.
- Practical skills with various animals are essential.
Safety & Compliance
Safety and security of the Animal Management Centre and compliance with college policies, particularly in health and safety, are paramount.
Safeguarding
The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will undergo enhanced DBS and Barred List checks and other legally required checks.
Benefits
- 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays and college closure days.
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) currently offering 24.3% employer contribution.
- Free on-site parking at all sites.
- Career progression opportunities for ambitious staff.
- Access to a wide range of subsidised leisure courses.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Family friendly policies supporting work life balance.
- Onsite Coffee Shop & Cafeteria.
- Various health & wellbeing benefits including discounted gym memberships, confidential staff counselling and discounted hair and beauty treatments at The Salon at Langley College.
Contact Details:
The Windsor Forest Colleges Group Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Animal Technician (Weekend)
✨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 The Windsor Forest Colleges Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Animal Technician (Weekend)
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 The Windsor Forest Colleges Group!
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 The Windsor Forest Colleges Group. 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 The Windsor Forest Colleges Group. 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 The Windsor Forest Colleges Group
✨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.
