ANIMAL CARE TECHNICIAN PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS ROLE DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS FOR SPONSORSHIP. An exciting opportunity has now arisen for an enthusiastic and experienced individual to join the Livability Millie College Enterprise team as our Animal Care Technician. Livability Millie College is a post 16-25 education setting helping young people with a range of learning and physical disabilities in Dorset and the local area, bridging the gap between education and employment. It is a one-of-a-kind work environment, set on a 350-acre countryside site near Poole. The college s curriculum is directly aligned to its natural environment and the enterprise activities that operate there, including animal care, catering and retail, conservation and horticulture. Students are supported with personalised learning programmes which build confidence and independence, underpinned by a focus on wellbeing. The college is located on our wonderful nature reserve and a key feature of the college is the focus on enterprise activities, ensuring that our students learn, develop and embed their skills in the world of work. As Animal Care Technician, you will be responsible for ensuring the smooth running of all animal care on site, liaising with the education team to maintain clean, safe and accessible animal accommodation. You will also facilitate learning opportunities and support the college s animal strategy. You will ensure that high standards of animal care and cleanliness are maintained, and that staff and volunteers are well trained and experienced to manage the care of the animals throughout the year. You will maintain clear records of cleanliness, and use the checklists and records provided to ensure that all animal care is completed effectively each day, as part of the support of Millie College to the RSPCA guide to animal care and welfare. The successful candidate will be a dedicated, enthusiastic, self-motivated person with a passion for animal welfare and supporting the learning of students in our unique college environment. You will need to be confident in the welfare, husbandry, and handling of a range of animals, and will take responsibility for identifying any areas of learning and growth within your role. This role requires a calm working approach, the ability to multi-task and be responsive to change, and flexibility and commitment as weekend work will be required on a rota basis. The Animal Care Technician will need an awareness of health and safety to carry out risk assessments and identify suitability of activities and animals for the students. As part of the Enterprise Team, you will assist in identifying commercial opportunities linking to your department and ways in which the local community might engage with both the animals and site. Main Duties Have oversight of all animals and their housing across Shaftesbury Millie College Maintaining records for health & safety and compliance. Regularly inspect the grounds, paddock/enclosure areas for any health and safety concerns and ensure that they are maintained to a high standard at all times. Consistent communication with Education Enterprise Manager to ensure effective enterprise delivery. Identifying any repairs or replacements of broken equipment and fencing, ensuring routine checks are in place. Highlight any routine veterinary and farrier care to keep all animals in good health and completing paperwork and ensuring animals have up-to-date vaccinations. Support our growing excellent working partnerships with external bodies to support the growth and development of the college and its animal care programme including local authorities, RSPCA, DEFRA, RSPB, Dorset Chicken Rescue etc. Be responsible for alerting the Maintenance Team in cases of site or buildings damage and any need for removal by contractors. Support on the ordering of materials and equipment for the Animal Care operation. To undertake any other duties which may be required by the Enterprise Lead or the Education Enterprise Manager To comply with all relevant Health and Safety procedures. To be prepared to work out of hours as/if necessary and regular weekend work as directed and agreed with your line manager. To be prepared to work at other local sites. To agree to work to all existing and future Shaftesbury/ School policies. To maintain the Christian aims of Shaftesbury. Commitment to Safeguarding This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Shaftesbury Millie College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and staff. It is the responsibility of all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All posts are subject to an enhanced DBS check and will follow our rigorous safer recruitment processes. Shaftesbury Millie College strives to be a diverse and inclusive community and welcomes applications from people from all backgrounds. Requirements Full drivers licence and access to own car. Application Process An application form, CV and a covering letter must be submitted. Please contact Cenan Chappell, cchappell@victoria.poole.sch.uk Closing date: 25 September 2025 Interview Dates: W/C 29th September 2025 (suitable candidates may be invited to interview earlier) Early applications are strongly encouraged, and we reserve the right to close the advert should we feel able to appoint an appropriate candidate before the above dates. Visits to the setting are welcomed, and encouraged, by arrangement. For further information or if you have any questions, contact: cchappell@victoria.poole.sch.uk