Trainer Assessor in Dog Grooming and Animal Care

Location: Rotherham

Salary: £26,278 a year

Vacancy Type: Permanent, Full time (37 hours each week, all year round)

Closing Date: 1st December 2025

Are you a passionate Dog Grooming specialist with a strong understanding of the wider Animal Management sector? Do you thrive on guiding the next generation of professionals to achieve their full potential?

Role Overview

The Group is looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated Assessor/Trainer to join their dynamic Animal Management team. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a vital role in the growth and development of their Dog Grooming and Animal Care provision. You will be integral to supporting their Dog Grooming (predominantly Level 2 and 3) and Animal Care learners, working alongside a supportive team of Lecturers, Tutors, Assessors, and Animal Technicians. Your primary focus will be to assess the competency and knowledge of learners, providing developmental and constructive feedback to foster an environment of excellence. You will set SMART individual targets and proactively track progress to ensure the timely completion of qualifications, both practically and theoretically.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

• Conduct theoretical and practical assessments and observations for Dog Grooming qualifications (Level 2 and 3), utilising an electronic portfolio system.
• Guide learners in developing the essential knowledge, skills, and professional qualities required for the animal management sector.
• Contribute to wider departmental duties including standardisation, curriculum development, and planning; help grow the provision.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with employers to expand learner placement opportunities and grow the college’s dog grooming client base by sourcing suitable dogs for curriculum needs.
• Undertake necessary administrative tasks such as coordinating tests/examinations and maintaining accurate records, including Internal Quality Assurance.
• Collaborate actively within the curriculum team and build strong relationships with key stakeholders (e.g., Personal Development, Maths and English teams).

Skills and Qualifications

• Subject specialist with proven expertise in Dog Grooming and a wide understanding of the Animal Management curriculum.
• Ability to carry out effective assessments, provide quality feedback, and proactively track learner progress; self-sufficient and able to manage diary and work commitments effectively.
• Effective communication skills to handle demanding learners, ensuring all learners achieve their goals; willingness to contribute positively to recruitment, standardisation, and ongoing quality improvement.
• Level 2 (or equivalent) qualification in English and Maths, Level 3 specialist qualification and experience working in the industry with a variety of dog breeds and other animals.
• Achievement of an Assessors Award (CAVA) qualification is essential, with support to obtain it whilst working with us.

Please note: weekend and evening work may be required due to the nature of the college business.

If you are ready to use your specialist skills to shape the careers of future animal management professionals and contribute to the success of the Group, we want to hear from you. We understand that no candidate will perfectly match every qualification or criterion listed. If your experience differs from what we’ve outlined but you believe you can contribute to this role, we encourage you to apply.