Animal Health and Welfare Research Centre Zookeeper (Zoo Mammals) and Animal Keeper (Cats & Dogs)
Salary: Up to £24,243 (dependent upon experience and qualifications)
Working Pattern: Full – time (37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year)
Location: Sparsholt Campus
Closing date: 5th June 2025
We are looking to recruit two new keepers to join our dedicated animal keeping team. The AHWRC is BIAZA accredited, zoo licensed and holds a pet shop and dog boarding license.
Zookeeper: The post holder will work under the direction of the AHWRC Head of zoo to help ensure the husbandry and care of the species housed on the zoo mammal section to include porcupine, meerkats, red pandas, corsac foxes, tenrec and lemur species.
Animal Keeper: The post holder will work under the direction of the Head of Companion animals in undertaking the management and husbandry of the companion animal section, in particular the kennel and cattery animals.
The department also participates in a number of commercial activities such as dog boarding & hydrotherapy. You will be essential in the running of the businesses, so customer service experience is necessary.
As a keeper you will have input into the development of the species collection plan and be integral in developing husbandry for the selected new species.
The post holder will:
• Be responsible for the day-to-day husbandry of the animal section.
• Work closely with other AHWRC staff to ensure high standards of animal husbandry. This will be achieved through demonstration of daily cleaning routines and training and supervision of students in practical husbandry sessions.
• Supervise groups of students, instilling correct best practice and provide an engaging and interactive learner experience.
• The candidate will need to support and provide cover on other sections of the AHWRC as and when necessary. Therefore other species knowledge is desirable.
Candidates should be educated to at least level 2 in a relevant vocational subject and be able to demonstrate a professional track record of work within an accredited kennels or cattery.
A flexible approach to a varied workload with a real enthusiasm for the animals you will be working with is essential.
The post holder will be required to work weekends on a rotational basis.
This post is based at the Sparsholt campus. Due to the location of the college, a driving licence would be advantageous.
Closing Date: 5th June 2025
Interview Date: 18th June 2025
College Benefits
• Eligibility to join the Local Government Pension Scheme (a defined benefit pension scheme)
• Death Benefit grant of 3 x salary if in the pension scheme
• Free on-site parking
• Car Share Scheme
• Occupational Sick Pay Scheme
• Occupational Maternity Pay Scheme
• Flexible Working Policy
• Holiday entitlement of 22 days (rising to 25 days after 5 years’ service) plus entitlement along with college closure days at Xmas.
• Access to an employee assistance scheme
• Free Library membership
• On-site gym at the Sparsholt campus
• Gym classes at the Sparsholt campus
• Facility to purchase Sparsholt produce including: plants, fruit & vegetables, fish and game.
• Access to discounted hair treatments at the Andover campus
• Ability to access a range of CPD events and support with undertaking professional qualifications
• Various food outlets and eateries offering good value food and drink at competitive prices
There is a nursery on the Sparsholt campus operated by a commercial provider