Animal Welfare & Science Technician

Coastland College; Dorchester; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave (25 days plus BH

LGPS pension

On-site parking

On-site gym

Employee discounts

Job summary

Coastland College in Dorchester, Dorset is seeking two Animal Technicians to support our diverse animal collections and students. You will care for over 120 species, help with welfare improvements and contribute to an exceptional learning environment.

The role offers a permanent, full-time contract with opportunities for CPD and teacher training, a supportive team, and a range of staff benefits including generous annual leave and on-site facilities.

Responsibilities

• Care for two animal collections including domestic, farm, avian and aquatic species.
• Support welfare improvements and contribute to an exceptional student experience.
• Participate in CPD opportunities and initial teacher training qualifications.

Job description

EmployerCoastland CollegeLocationDorchester, DorsetContract TypePermanentHoursFull TimeSalary£25,199 per annumPosted22nd October 2026Start DateTo Be ConfirmedExpires27th October 2026 11:59 PMContract TypePermanentStart DateTo Be ConfirmedJob ID1580961Job ReferenceREQ0123Are you keen to work with a range of domestic, farm and exotic animals?Are you looking to share your passion for working with animals with our students and staff?Are you a welfare-focussed, hardworking and engaging individual?If you can answer yes to all three of those questions, then you should apply for one of our two Animal Technician posts!Our Animal Technicians work across two exciting animal collections on the Kingston Maurward estate; which house over 120 different domestic, farm, herptile, avian and aquatic species! No two days are the same when working with our students and animals, but that’s what makes the role so interesting!As our collections continue to grow, you can be part of the real-time, animal-related developments; working alongside our Animal Collection Manager. You will make welfare-enhancing changes to our animals – whilst delivering an exceptional student experience to our keen students! There will also be opportunities to undertake animal-related CPD and initial teacher training qualifications.What we offer:Whatever your reasons for wanting to join our college community, we promise you a warm welcome and a highly supportive, flexible approach to your work - designed to help you reach your full potential. We also offer many great benefits, all with the aim of supporting your health, wellbeing and personal development:Generous annual leave entitlement of 25 holiday days, plus bank holiday increasing by 1 day per annum up to a maximum of 5 years (30 days). Prorated to your part time hours.Additional 3 efficiency closure days over Christmas and an additional 4 days over EasterGenerous Pension Scheme through the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).Access to Optima Health - our FREE confidential emotional support and practical advice schemeDedicated CPD learning days to support learning and developmentFamily friendly policiesA person-centred annual appraisal focusing on your wellbeing and CPDFree on-site parkingFree on-site gymEmployee discounts at on-site facilities such as Signature Hair & Beauty Salon, The Avenue Restaurant and The Bay Theatre.Wide range of Health and Wellbeing initiatives to support staff including Corporate Eyecare voucher scheme, free and confidential staff counselling and a trained team of Mental Health First Aiders.The important bit:Coastland College is committed to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults and so an online search will be conducted for the successful candidates. All new employees to the College are required to complete and obtain an enhanced DBS disclosure. A copy of our Safeguarding Policy can be found on the College website.Please see our Job Description, Person Specification and Conditions of Service for more information about the role and what it’s like to be part of our team.We’re here to help you:If you have a medical condition or a specific need for an adjustment to our processes, and you believe this may affect your ability to be at your best – please let us know so we can talk about how we can best support you and make any adjustments that you may need.Don’t meet every single requirement?We recognise that talent comes in various forms and so are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive and sustainable environment for all, that celebrates diversity. If you are excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement on the job description or you are seeking an alternative working pattern, please apply anyway – you may just be the person we are looking for. All we ask is that you make this clear in your application so that we can take this forward to the next stage of the selection process. In your application, please feel free to note which pronouns you use.We do not engage with recruitment agencies for this role. Any CVs received from agencies will be considered as unsolicited and the property of the Coastland College, with no obligation to pay agency fees.What we stand for:Here at Coastland College, we have one purpose which stands as an ever-present and unchanging reminder of why we’re here: to inspire our students and apprentices for individual success beyond expectation, ensuring that they are future-ready and prepared for today and tomorrow’s world.We’re proud of who we are and the ambitious, dedicated teams who always strive to bring out the very best in our students. Recruiting more brilliant individuals who share our values and passion is so important to us, so do our values speak to you?We are Connected: Inspired by our heritage, we play a key part in a collaborative ecosystem – where everyone has a platform to grow, contribute and make an impact beyond borders.We are Courageous: In our relentless pursuit of excellence, we embrace challenges both big and small – we have the determination to succeed, through deep-rooted curiosity and resilience.We are Dynamic: We embrace innovation, technology, industry advances and hands-on learning, in everything we do – helping and challenging employers to ensure they thrive in their sector.We are Empowering: We create opportunities for all; our staff, our students, our community, the economy and the world – opening doors and helping everyone achieve their full potential.We are Welcoming: We celebrate diversity, ensuring a safe, inclusive, supportive and sustainable environment for all – a space where everyone is valued and treated with respect.Safeguarding Statement:Safeguarding StatementCoastland College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants should be aware that safeguarding checks will be undertaken as part of the recruitment process. The successful applicant will be required to apply for an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check and to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK.This role involves regular contact with children and young people and is considered regulated activity under the relevant safeguarding legislation. The successful candidate will be expected to uphold the highest standards of child protection and follow all statutory guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education.The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Applicants must declare all relevant convictions and cautions that are not protected under the Exceptions Order 1975 (amended 2013 and 2020). Guidance on which convictions must be disclosed can be found in the Ministry of Justice’s guidance on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and the DBS filtering rules.