Responsibilities
- Enhance the management of specific taxa within the animal collection, including the development of husbandry and related policies and procedures.
- Liaise with the Learning and Assessment Management (LAM) team to plan practical animal industry experience relevant to the needs of the learner.
- Oversee the standards of husbandry and monitor the quality of animal care, enrichment and record‑keeping.
- Maintain the provision of all food, bedding and equipment required by the animals by ordering everyday stock on a routine basis.
- Source, research and acquire new animal species where required for effective delivery of the curriculum, and responsibly export and rehome animals that become surplus to the collection’s requirements.
- Design and source animal enclosures in line with industry guidelines.
- Maintain all enclosures, caging and equipment relating to animal welfare.
- Liaise with veterinarians where required.
- Maintain all areas of animal housing and activities within them in line with current Health and Safety Legislation and the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
- Maintain the security and welfare of the animals, the animal housing and all related areas at all times.
- Oversee appropriate staffing levels by arranging staff rotas and holiday requests.
- Ensure continuous husbandry and welfare coverage for all animals in the collection, including managing last‑minute rota changes and providing shift cover when required.
- Maintain the safety and wellbeing of the animal technician team.
- Provide supportive team leadership, including the management and mentoring of staff.
- Work collaboratively with the College's Preparation for Work and Life team to develop and manage a small collection of animal species in the department.
- Maintain industry links that enhance management of the collection and delivery of the department's courses.
- At times the post holder may be expected to work under the rules of the Lone Worker system, working independently while alone on college premises.
- Note: The responsibilities listed are not exhaustive and may vary from time to time to ensure the efficient and effective running of the Animal Centre and learning programmes.
Qualifications
- Minimum of an L2 Animal Care qualification and at least one year of experience in the animal care industry.
- Educated to L2 Animal Care or an equivalent qualification, or possess substantial relevant industry experience.
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage own job tasks.
- Experience working within a Higher Education or Further Education environment desirable but not essential.
- Strong knowledge of animal health and welfare standards and best practices.
- Enthusiastic team‑player attitude.
- Willingness to contribute to the training of the next generation of animal care professionals.
- Critical thinking skills to encourage questioning and learning in a practical environment.
Additional Requirements
Applicants must provide satisfactory references. A DBS Enhanced Disclosure is required as a condition of employment. Students, children and vulnerable adults safeguarding checks will be conducted in line with KCSIE and relevant guidance.
Working Hours
6 hours per week across Monday and Tuesday.
Equal Opportunities
SGS is an Equal Opportunities and Disability Confident employer and welcomes applications from all sectors of the community.
Benefits
- Opportunity to make a positive impact within the community and on learners' lives.
- Competitive Pension Scheme – access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with generous employer contributions.
- Generous annual leave entitlement plus eight bank holidays – 25 days (increasing to 30 days after five academic years).
- Extensive professional development with ongoing support for personal and professional growth.
- Family‑friendly policies and commitment to flexible working practices.
- Discounted shopping benefits, cycle‑to‑work scheme and Technology Salary Sacrifice Scheme.
- Free annual eye test.
- Access to various external health and wellbeing resources.
- Subsidised on‑site catering services.
