DescriptionEmployerLocation
About the Candidate
We are looking for an experienced and passionate individual who is committed to excellence in animal care and education. You will be a proactive and highly organised professional with a strong sense of responsibility for animal welfare and student development. With excellent communication and leadership skills, you will inspire both students and colleagues, creating a positive and collaborative working environment.
As a changemaker, you will bring fresh ideas, continuously seek improvements, and champion best practice across our animal care provision. You will be confident in leading a team, adaptable in a dynamic environment, and dedicated to creating meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for the industry. Your ability to motivate others, solve problems effectively, and maintain high standards will be key to your success in this role.
About the Role
As the Lead Technician for Animal Care at Sunderland College (Bede Campus), you will play a vital role in supporting outstanding teaching, learning and student experience. You will lead the day-to-day operation of our animal care facilities and offsite provision, ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare, health and safety, and technical delivery. Working closely with curriculum staff, you will help create engaging, practical learning environments while providing expert guidance to both students and colleagues.
Role Responsibilities
1. Lead and maintain exceptional standards of animal welfare, ensuring full compliance with all relevant legislation,policies and ethical guidelines
2. Oversee the daily operation of animal care facilities, including feeding, husbandry, environmental monitoring,cleaning and maintenance
3. Supervise and support the technical team, including task delegation, rota planning and fostering a positive team culture
4. Provide expert technical support for teaching and learning activities, including practical sessions,demonstrations and student-led work
5. Manage resources and inventory, ensuring equipment, consumables and facilities are safe,functional and fully stocked
6. Support student development by supervising practical activities, promoting professional behaviours and contributing to recruitment and engagement event
Qualifications
7. Level 2 or equivalent Maths
8. Level 2 or equivalent English
9. Level 3 industry specific qualifications
Essential Skills & Experience
10. Industry experience of working with a large range of animal species
11. Up to date knowledge of industry standards and practice
12. Experience of managing an animal unit or resource, including management of health and safety
Desirable Skills & Experience – (Optional)
13. Teaching qualification
14. Experience of working with a range of stakeholders to support improvements to the learner journey
15. Experience of working collaboratively with students
What’s in it for you?
16. Join EPNE and you’ll be part of a culture that prioritises your development and wellbeing, which is why all employees receive an extensive benefits package.
17. Enjoy a generous holiday allowance ranging between 35-48 days per year, plus public holidays - (Excluding Term Time Only contracts)
18. Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role)
19. LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme, (dependent on role 15.7% - 28.68%)
20. Access to myLifestyle benefits platform providing retail discounts and more.
21. We offer dental, eye care & health cash plans.
22. Extensive wellbeing support through a digital Wellbeing Hub that offers a broad range of support for physical, mental, and financial wellbeing.
23. Free parking on most campuses.
24. Free Gym access available at Bede Campus
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion
At Education Partnership North East (EPNE), we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences. We know that diverse perspectives strengthen our teams to enhance the education and support we provide to our learners and communities.
We recognise that talented individuals may not always follow a traditional career path and may hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement. If you are excited about the role and believe you can make a positive contribution, we encourage you to apply.
As a Disability Confident Employer and Armed Forces Covenant Member, and with Ofsted Outstanding status across all campuses, we are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and high-performing environment where everyone can thrive.
Safeguarding Statement
Sunderland College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.We particularly welcome applications from under represented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.