Animal Collection Manager

Activate Learning; Banbury; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A pioneering education group in the UK is seeking an experienced Animal Collection Manager to ensure the welfare of the animal collection at their Banbury campus. The role involves overseeing day-to-day operations, managing training for students, and fostering relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Ideal candidates will hold a relevant degree and possess leadership skills, with a strong emphasis on conservation education. This permanent, full-time position offers competitive benefits and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Monthly Staff Appreciation Awards

Wellbeing & Resources Groups

Free eye tests and will writing

Access to a Health Cash Plan

Continuous professional development opportunities

Tailored induction programs

Teacher pension scheme

Up to 6 weeks paid leave

Flexible working options

Annual incremental salary progression

Free parking at all campuses

Qualifications

• Senior keeper status and managerial experience desirable.
• Working knowledge of requirements handling identified species.
• Experience of husbandry and management of animal exhibits.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day welfare of animal collection.
• Support delivery of training to students in practical settings.
• Manage relationships with stakeholders in education and commercial sectors.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Leadership skills

Experience with diverse taxa

Education

Relevant degree

Job description

Animal Collection Manager

Activate learning now have an exciting opportunity to join our Lifestyles team as an Animal Collection Manager and Trainer.

Responsibilities

In this role you will have overall day‑to‑day responsibility for the welfare of the collection; ensuring animal welfare is paramount and in accordance with current legislation and policies. You will uphold the aims of the animal collection and develop the resources through a robust collection plan working closely with the Team Lead, Lead IQA's and Curriculum Manager.

You will represent the Animal Management team with internal and external stakeholders and communicate effectively with commercial, estates and teaching teams, whilst also providing management and support for the Animal Keeping team to deliver on practical husbandry with a collection that is fit for teaching and commercial purposes.

In addition, you will support the delivery of training to students at the college, predominantly in a practical setting facilitating outstanding standards of animal care with our teaching staff.

This is a permanent, full‑time role at our Banbury College Campus.

Qualifications and Experience

What do you need to be successful as an Animal Collection Manager at Activate Learning?

The successful candidate will have a relevant degree, along with senior keeper status desirably with managerial experience. You will have working knowledge of requirements handling the identified species, along with experience of a diversity of taxa, husbandry and management of animal exhibits and facilities within a commercial or learning environment. An understanding of the importance of conservation education within the role of a modern educational collection is also essential.

You will have excellent communication skills and the ability to engage with students and technicians at all levels to ensure you are maximising individual strengths to set them up for success. Strong leadership skills and the ability to build strong working relationships across teams and external stakeholders will be required.

About Us

Activate Learning is a pioneering education group with a global reach, committed to transforming lives through our approach to learning. We see our employees as individuals, empowering them to make the right choices for their ambitions and careers. We value our people as vital to our continued success and aspire to a diverse, open and inclusive environment that provides the motivation for everyone to pursue their career goals and flourish.

When you work for Activate Learning, you’re working for an organisation that provides you with the advantages of a large employer, a trusted partner in your career development, and a transformational way of working whilst also investing in building a community environment for everyone.

Benefits

• Monthly Staff Appreciation Awards: Celebrating staff for their dedication and accomplishments aligned to our award‑winning Learning Philosophy.
• Wellbeing & Resources Groups: Comprehensive range of resources, guides and tools to support staff wellbeing.
• Company benefits: Including free eye tests and will writing, plus access to a Health Cash Plan covering optical, dental, health screening, and therapy treatments for you and your dependents.
• Learning and Development: Continuous opportunities for teachers' professional growth and skill enhancement through our in‑house L&D team.
• Teaching Support: Tailored Three‑day induction program, and development programs for teaching staff.
• Pension Schemes: Teacher pension scheme for AL teaching staff.
• Generous Annual Leave: Up to 6 weeks paid leave.
• Flexible Working: Options include hybrid and remote, term time only, and flexible working patterns.
• Competitive salaries: Annual incremental progression and a twelve point pay scale for teachers.
• On‑Site Facilities: Free parking at all campuses, refectories, hair and beauty salons & gym access.

Additional Information

Applicants should apply at the earliest opportunity; closed vacancies will prevent application form submission.

Applications are reviewed and shortlisted on a rolling basis, we reserve the right to interview, appoint and close adverts.

Note: Some positions may require a legally mandated health surveillance check for exposure to hazardous conditions.

Activate Learning is committed to safeguarding and expects all our staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo a DBS check at the appropriate level.

Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK, we do not sponsor work permits. Work permits from other organisations are unacceptable as proof of right to work in the UK.

Applications are encouraged from all candidates who meet or exceed minimum criteria, regardless of age, disability, gender, orientation, race, religion, or ethnicity. Activate Learning is committed to employing people with disabilities and will ensure our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible. If you require any reasonable adjustments either at application or interview stage, please contact the talent team directly.

Recruitment agencies who submit unsolicited CVs to any partner or employee at Activate Learning have no authority to enter an arrangement. Recruitment agencies engaging with Activate Learning Talent Team will be on our PSL.

We reserve the right to bring forward the closing date of the adverts should we receive a sufficient level of interest!