Animal Management Maintenance Worker

Reaseheath College; Nantwich; On-site; GBP 14,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading land-based educational institution in Nantwich is seeking a proactive Maintenance Worker for its Animal Management team. The successful candidate will ensure the safety and upkeep of the zoo and outdoor areas. Responsibilities include general maintenance and supporting grounds work. Ideal applicants will have hands-on experience, be reliable, and hold a full UK driving licence. The position offers 35 days annual leave, a generous pension scheme, and on-site gym membership.

Benefits

35 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Two-week festive/New Year shut down

Generous pension scheme

Enhanced sick pay

On-site gym membership

Pluxee reward scheme

Free parking

Qualifications

• Experience in a zoo, farm, or educational environment is ideal.
• Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Carry out general maintenance across the zoo and facilities.
• Undertake grounds work including grass cutting and weed control.
• Support with routine maintenance checks and site tasks.

Skills

Hands-on maintenance or grounds experience

Confidence using hand and power tools

Flexibility and reliability

Team player

Ability to manage workload

Full UK driving licence

Job description

Animal Management Maintenance Worker

Location: Reaseheath College, Rease Heath, Nantwich, CW5 6DF
Salary: £14,867.50 - £21,167.16 per year
Posted: 29 Nov 2025 09:44
Closing date: 4 Dec 2025 23:59
Reference: R101842

Overview

Reaseheath College is one of the UK's leading land‑based colleges, set in the heart of rural Cheshire on a 330‑hectare campus featuring farms, parkland, woodlands, lakes and modern learning facilities. The Reaseheath Mini Zoo is home to over 1,000 animals from around 200 species and supports more than 500 Animal Management students. The zoo plays a vital role in education, conservation, and community engagement, offering industry‑standard facilities and a vibrant, supportive environment.

About the role

We're looking for a practical, proactive, and adaptable Maintenance Worker to join our dedicated Animal Management team. This role is essential to the smooth running, safety, and appearance of our zoo and outdoor animal areas.

Key responsibilities

• Carry out general maintenance across the zoo and surrounding facilities, including minor repairs, tool upkeep, and seasonal site preparation.
• Undertake grounds work such as grass cutting, strimming, weed control, leaf and litter clearance, and pathway upkeep.
• Support with pond cleaning, roof/gutter/drain maintenance, and other routine site checks.
• Assist with PAT testing and ensure safe use and maintenance of tools and equipment.
• Manage collections and deliveries using the zoo van when required.
• Work proactively with the team to maintain high standards of safety, cleanliness, and presentation for visitors, staff, and animals.

The successful candidate will

• Have hands‑on maintenance or grounds experience, ideally in a zoo, farm, or educational environment.
• Be confident using hand and power tools safely and efficiently.
• Be flexible, reliable, and happy to work outdoors in all weathers.
• Be a team player who can also work independently and manage their workload effectively.
• Hold a full UK driving licence and be eligible to drive the vehicles available at the college.

We can offer you

• 35 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• A two‑week festive/New Year shut down.
• Generous pension scheme with an employer contribution of 20.8%.
• Enhanced sick pay of up to 6 months full pay depending on service.
• On‑site gym membership available.
• Pluxee reward scheme.
• Free parking.

Additional requirements

This role constitutes ‘regulated activity’ as defined by the Protection of Freedom Act 2012. The successful candidate will therefore be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check with barred list information prior to starting employment. You must also have the right to work in the UK and will be required to provide evidence to support this. Online checks will be carried out during the recruitment process. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Reaseheath College is committed to achieving its public sector general equality duty, which is set out in the Equality Act 2010. The College has a clear mission and clear values, which incorporate equality, diversity and inclusion. The College staff recruitment and selection process, CPD processes, policies and practice are designed to ensure that when employment decisions are made, they are based solely on the skills and qualities required for the position and comply with all relevant employment legislation and best practice standards.

Disability Support

The College is a Disability Confident Employer and will support any reasonable adjustments you require to perform your best during the recruitment process. You can contact the HR team at [emailprotected] should you require any adjustments during either your application or during the assessment centre.

Recruitment process

We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the advertised close date if we receive a sufficient number of applications. We do not accept applications or speculative CVs through recruitment agencies.