DescriptionEmployerLocation
About the College
Sunderland College has been delivering highly successful courses for more than 20 years and is one of the largest providers of post-16 education in the North East with approximately 14,300 students.
The College has two campuses across the city of Sunderland, offering a wide range of academic and vocational provision for school leavers and adults. The College aims to develop and positively shape lives, communities, and the economy through teaching, learning and development of skills. Our students consistently achieve outstanding results and Sunderland College has been ranked in the top 25% in the country for student achievement rates. In October 2024, we were ranked as Ofsted outstanding, and we are proud of our diverse student and staff community that provide our students with bespoke education pathways to help them achieve their future career goals.
About the Candidate
We are currently seeking someone who is not just passionate about animal care, but who is also a changemaker in their industry. Whether it’s ensuring every animal feels safe and valued or going the extra mile to support the wider care team, you believe in making a positive difference every day.
The successful candidate for the animal technician role will approach their work with courage, unafraid to ask questions or try new ways to improve animal welfare. Excellence is your standard, from maintaining clean and enriching animal environments, keeping accurate records and monitoring animal health. You will value teamwork and continuous learning to support your growth within the role.
The successful candidate will also be confident in supporting students, eager to share your knowledge and experience to help nurture the next generation of animal care professions.
About the Role
The role is 0.5 FTE (2.5 days per week) and is based at Sunderland College, Bede campus. The campus provides outstanding animal care and management resources and works in partnership with local industry to provide additional farm-based resources.
The role is part time, ideal for someone who wants to contribute to a forward-thinking team while maintaining work life balance. The role includes a range of development opportunities. We are committed to your growth, offering access to industry updates, teacher training and assessor qualifications where appropriate.
If you are someone wants to make a positive difference, we would love to hear from you.
Role Responsibilities
Under the line management of the lead technician your responsibilities include
•Hands on involvement assisting in daily routine of in animal husbandry to support the effective running of the animal unit to support educational activities
•Ensure the highest standards of animal care and welfare are maintained in accordance with relevant regulations and guidelines
•Monitor animal health, welfare and behaviour, reporting any signs of illness or injury to the lead technician
•Reporting any technical issues associated with equipment or the resource and liaise with appropriate staff to resolve
•Foster a culture of collaboration, professionalism and respect within the animal room team promoting a positive working environment.
•Assist in planning and set up of practical sessions and support students and faculty team utilising the animal rooms for educational purposes.
Qualifications
•L3 qualification or above in a relevant subject
•Level 2 maths grade 4 or above
•Level 2 English grade 4 or above
Essential Skills & Experience
•Minimum of 2 years industry experience
•Experience of working with a wide range of animal species providing a high level of care
•Experience of supporting others to develop their animal care skills
•Up to date knowledge of industry standard practice
•Ability to work collaboratively with students and colleagues
•Excellent communication skills
Desirable Skills & Experience – (Optional)
•Commitment to work towards a level a qualification in teaching and learning
•Previous experience of working in the FE sector
What’s in it for you?
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.
•Enjoy a generous holiday allowance ranging between 35-48 days per year, plus public holidays - (Excluding Term Time Only contracts)
•Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role)
•LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme, (dependent on role 15.7% - 28.68%)
•Access to myLifestyle benefits platform providing retail discounts and more.
•We offer dental, eye care & health cash plans.
•Extensive wellbeing support through a digital Wellbeing Hub that offers a broad range of support for physical, mental, and financial wellbeing.
•Free parking on most campuses.
•Free Gym access available at Bede Campus
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.