Animal Care - Support Worker

Brandon Trust; Bristol; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

DBS checks covered by us

Rotas planned in advance

Wagestream earnings access

Discounts and perks

Job summary

Brandon Trust in Bristol is seeking an Animal Care Support Worker to join Elm Tree Farm & Grimsbury Farm. The role combines practical animal husbandry with person-centred support for adults with learning disabilities and autism.

37.5 hours per week, on a 7-day rolling rota, with full-time permanent status and generous on-site benefits. The post requires a positive, patient approach, safeguarding awareness and teamwork.

Qualifications

• Experience or strong interest in animal care and welfare.
• Enjoys practical, hands-on outdoor work.
• Passionate about supporting people to learn and grow.

Responsibilities

• Support people with learning disabilities and autism in animal care, farming and wellbeing activities.
• Encourage independence, confidence and participation in day-to-day farm life.
• Assist with daily livestock care, feeding, cleaning, health checks and welfare routines.
• Maintain animal welfare standards and follow care procedures.
• Keep animal housing and equipment clean, safe and well-organised.
• Record information accurately and report changes or concerns.
• Support visitors and community activities to create positive experiences.

Skills

Animal care experience

Outdoors work

Team player

Communication

Education

Level 2 Animal Care qualification

Job description

The following content displays a map of the jobs location - Bristol

Job Reference brandontrust/TP/19748/1716

Contract Type:

Permanent - Full Time & Part-time

Full Time

Working Hours:

37.5 hours a week over a 7-day rolling rota

Location:

Bristol

Closing Date:

03/09/2026

Job Category:

Region / Division:

Bristol

Business Unit:

Job Introduction

Animal Care Support Worker

Location: Elm Tree Farm & Grimsbury Farm, Bristol
Salary: £24,853 - £25,166 per annum
37.5 hours per week
Full-Time Permanent
Flexible working across a 7-day rolling rota and across our Bristol and South Gloucestershire sites

This isn't a traditional animal care/horticultural role. You'll use your practical skills to support adults with learning disabilities and autism through meaningful farm-based activities.

Help people thrive whilst caring for animals

Do you have a passion for animal care and enjoy supporting people to learn new skills, build confidence and achieve their goals?

We're looking for an Animal Care Support Worker to join our Animal Care team across Elm Tree Farm and Grimsbury Farm. This rewarding role combines practical animal husbandry with person-centred support, helping people with learning disabilities and autism take part in meaningful farm activities that promote wellbeing, independence and personal development.

Working as part of our Animal Care team, you'll support a range of livestock and smallholding activities whilst creating safe, engaging and enjoyable opportunities for the people we support. No two days are the same, and you'll play an important role in helping both animals and people thrive.

What you'll be doing

• Supporting people with learning disabilities and autism to take part in animal care, farming and wellbeing activities.
• Encouraging choice, independence, confidence and participation in day-to-day farm life.
• Assisting with daily livestock care, feeding, cleaning, health checks and welfare routines.
• Supporting animal welfare standards and following agreed animal care procedures at all times.
• Helping maintain clean, safe and well-organised animal housing, equipment and workspaces.
• Recording information accurately and reporting any changes, concerns or incidents appropriately.
• Supporting visitors, customers and community activities to create positive experiences across the farms.
• Following health and safety procedures and helping maintain a safe environment for people, animals and colleagues.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues across the Animal Care and Enterprise teams.
• Participating in weekend, bank holiday and rota-based working to support animal welfare needs.

What we're looking for

You might already be working as a Support Worker, Animal Care Assistant, Farm Worker, Stable Hand, Animal Technician or in another animal care role. We also welcome applications from people with animal care experience who are passionate about supporting others.

We'll be looking for someone who:

• Has experience or a strong interest in animal care and welfare.
• Enjoys working outdoors in a practical, hands-on environment.
• Is passionate about supporting people to achieve meaningful outcomes.
• Has a positive, patient and encouraging approach.
• Understands the importance of safeguarding, health and safety and animal welfare.
• Is reliable, flexible and able to work as part of a team.
• Has good communication and record-keeping skills.
• Holds a Level 2 Animal Care qualification or equivalent experience (desirable).
• Has experience supporting people with learning disabilities and autism (desirable).

What we offer

• DBS checks covered by us
• Rotas planned in advance where possible
• Access to Wagestream, so you can track your earnings and access pay early
• Shopping discounts including Blue Light Card, EE perks and Costco membership
• Recommend a Friend scheme
• Wellbeing helplines and Health Cash Plan
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• A supportive team and a role where you can make a genuine difference

Everyone is welcome

At Brandon, we believe diversity makes us stronger. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and experiences.

As a disability-inclusive employer, we are committed to creating an accessible recruitment process and workplace where everyone can thrive. We actively encourage applications from disabled people and those with lived experience of disability. If you require any reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, we'll be happy to support you.

We are proud to create opportunities where everyone feels valued, respected and empowered to succeed.

Closing Date: 3 September 2026

This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check and satisfactory pre-employment checks.