Animal Keeper

Bishop Burton College; Bishop Burton; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Beautiful Rural Campus

Local Government Pension Scheme

Up to 40 Days' Leave

Birthday Leave

Cycle to Work Scheme

Free On-Site Parking

On-Site Catering Facilities

Health & Wellbeing Programme

Career Development Opportunities

Free Will Writing Service

Generous Sick Pay & CompassionateLeave

Enhanced Maternity & Adoption Pay

Free Eye Tests for DSE Users

15% Discount on East Yorkshire Buses

Job summary

Bishop Burton College invites applications for an Animal Keeper to join our Animal Management team. You will care for animals, support practical lessons, supervise students and visitors, and help maintain high welfare standards on campus and Riseholme College.

The role requires a Level 3 Animal Care qualification and at least two years of hands-on animal husbandry experience. Flexibility to work evenings and weekends is essential.

Qualifications

• This role requires a recognised Level 3 Animal Care qualification and at least two years’ practical experience in animal husbandry and welfare.
• Good communication and organisational skills are essential to work with students and staff.
• Ability to manage records and assist with veterinary appointments when needed.

Responsibilities

• Day-to-day care of animals including feeding, cleaning, enrichment and maintaining enclosures.
• Support practical lessons and supervise students and visitors.
• Maintain accurate records and monitor animal health; assist with routine and emergency veterinary appointments.
• Work flexibly with occasional evenings and weekend shifts as part of a rota; duties may be at Bishop Burton and Riseholme College campuses.

Skills

Animal welfare

Communication

Teamwork

Record keeping

Education

Level 3 Animal Care qualification

Job description

Salary £25,847

39 Hours Per Week

Are you passionate about animal welfare and providing excellent standards of animal care? Bishop Burton College is looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic Animal Keeper to join our Animal Management team.

Our Animal Management department provides students with a practical, industry-focused learning experience within a modern animal unit housing a range of species. You will play an important role in maintaining high standards of animal welfare while supporting students to develop their practical skills and knowledge.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the day-to-day care of animals, including feeding, cleaning, providing enrichment and maintaining enclosures. You will also support practical lessons, supervise students and visitors, maintain accurate records, monitor animal health and assist with routine and emergency veterinary appointments.

We are looking for someone with a recognised Level 3 Animal Care qualification and at least two years’ practical experience in animal husbandry and welfare, working with a range of species, including rodents, reptiles and primates. You will have a sound understanding of animal welfare standards, strong communication and organisational skills, and the ability to work effectively with students with varying needs.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is committed to animal welfare and enjoys working in a practical, educational environment. Flexibility is essential, as the role includes evening and weekend shifts as part of a team rota. Duties may be required at both Bishop Burton and Riseholme College campuses.

If you are enthusiastic about animal care and would like to contribute to an outstanding learning experience for our students, we would love to hear from you.

Bishop Burton College/Riseholme College promote equality, diversity and inclusion ensuring fair treatment, representation, and opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their background or characteristics. We see this as essential for creating inclusive environments and fostering innovation and creativity.

• Beautiful Rural Campus – Enjoy working in a unique countryside environment with excellent facilities.
• Local Government Pension Scheme – A generous defined benefit pension with valuable employer contributions.
• Up to 40 Days' Leave – Including annual leave, bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata for part-time colleagues).
• Birthday Leave – Enjoy an extra day's paid leave to celebrate your birthday (from September 2026).
• Cycle to Work Scheme – Save money and support a healthier, greener commute.
• Free On-Site Parking – No parking costs or long walks to work.
• On-Site Catering Facilities – A variety of cafés and dining options available across campus.
• Optional Health Cash Plan – Helping you claim back the cost of everyday healthcare.
• Employee Assistance Programme – Free, confidential support for you and your family whenever you need it.
• Discounted On-Site Gym Membership – Stay active with reduced membership rates.
• Health & Wellbeing Programme – Dedicated initiatives to support your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
• Career Development Opportunities – We invest in your future with training, qualifications and progression opportunities.
• Free Will Writing Service – Helping you plan ahead with confidence.
• Generous Sick Pay & Compassionate Leave – Providing peace of mind when life doesn't go to plan.
• Enhanced Maternity & Adoption Pay – Extra support for you and your growing family.
• Free Eye Tests for DSE Users – Helping you take care of your eye health.
• 15% Discount on East Yorkshire Buses – Save on your daily commute and leisure travel.

We're committed to creating a workplace where people feel valued, supported and able to thrive, making Bishop Burton College and Riseholme Collegea great place to build a rewarding career.

The college does not hold a sponsorship licence so therefore this post is not open to candidates who require sponsorship under the UK's points-based immigration system.

If you have any queries, please contact the HR Team at [e-mail] or telephone [phone].

Closing date: 19 November

Interview date: 26 November

The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all staff to share this commitment. As this is a position of trust, the successful candidate will be required to disclose any criminal convictions and will be subject to enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), barring (where applicable), reference, qualification and health checks. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The College is an equal opportunities employer.