Animal Care Assistant
Have you always dreamed about working with animals? Would you love to work with animals such as Wallabies, Ferrets, Reptiles, Amphibians and farm animals? This could be your dream job
Evenings, Weekends and Holiday - occasional sick Cover
Plympton, Plymouth
Bespoke Engaging Education Services Ltd (BEESUK) is a farm-based alternative education provision supporting children and young people through structured, relational and land-based practice. Alongside our charitable arm, Kula Culture CIO, we care for a diverse range of animals integral to our therapeutic and educational work.
We are seeking a reliable and organised Animal Care Assistant to provide early morning, evening, weekend and school holiday cover.
Core Responsibilities
Your primary duties will include:
* Securing animals safely each evening
* Letting animals out promptly and appropriately each morning
This is a welfare-critical role requiring consistency, vigilance and a calm, methodical approach.
Additional Responsibilities
* Feeding and watering in line with established routines
* Conducting basic health and welfare checks
* Maintaining high standards of hygiene
* Checking fencing, gates and enclosures
* Following strict biosecurity procedures
* Securing buildings and site access
Accurate record keeping is essential. You will be expected to:
* Complete daily logs and welfare records
* Record any changes in behaviour, appetite or condition
* Maintain clear and organised documentation
You must have strong organisational skills and the ability to follow structured systems. Any concerns, incidents or emerging issues must be reported promptly to the Farm Manager. Sound judgement and professional communication are critical.
This role involves working independently; reliability and attention to detail are vital.
We Are Looking For Someone Who:
* Has experience in livestock or mixed-species animal care
* Understands routine, containment and biosecurity
* Is physically fit and comfortable working outdoors in all weather
* Is disciplined in record keeping and following systems
* Communicates clearly and escalates issues appropriately
* Is dependable, punctual and trustworthy
Hours
* Early mornings
* Evenings
* Weekends
* School holidays
* Occasional sickness cover
Specific days and times will be agreed in advance.
Safeguarding
As a provision supporting vulnerable young people, this role is subject to enhanced DBS checks and safer recruitment procedures.
This is a practical role carrying genuine responsibility. If you value high welfare standards, take pride in doing things properly, and understand that attention to detail protects both animals and people, we would welcome your application.
About You
Essential
* Positive, encouraging and solutions-focused
* Calm and supportive during challenging moments
* Strong written, IT and verbal communication skills
* Able to follow procedures and contribute to written records
* Believes that behind every behaviour is a reason
* Open to learning trauma-informed and relationship-based approaches
* Comfortable working outdoors and around animals
Desirable
* Experience supporting children or young people
* Farm work or practical site maintenance experience
* Practical skills such as carpentry, plumbing or fencing
* Full clean driving licence
We value attitude, integrity and the ability to inspire as highly as experience.
What We Offer
* A warm, values-led working environment
* Meaningful work supporting young people to overcome barriers
* Training in safeguarding, trauma-informed practice and animal care
* Ongoing supervision and reflective practice
* A term-time working pattern with defined hours
* A unique farm-based setting with a diverse range of animals
* Competitive shift rates
Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment
This role involves working with children and young people. Appointment is subject to:
* An enhanced DBS check
* Satisfactory references
* Safer recruitment procedures
BEESUK is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.
How to Apply
Please send your CV including full contact details of at least two referees, one of whom must be your current or most recent employer, along with a short covering statement outlining:
* Your relevant experience
* Your availability
* Why you would like to join BEESUK
Send to:
Please mark the subject line: Animal Care Assistant
We reserve the right to shortlist and interview suitable candidates as applications are received.
Applications from all backgrounds are welcomed. Informal conversations or site visits can be arranged.
Volunteer roles are also available.
Job Type: Part-time
Benefits:
* Free parking
* On-site parking
Education:
* GCSE or equivalent (required)
Experience:
* Animal Care: 1 year (preferred)
Work authorisation:
* United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person