Job opportunities

Animal Keeper - Bishop Burton Campus - York Road

Contract Type: Permanent

Closing Date: 03 June 2026

Working Hours: 39 Hours Per Week

Overview:

39 Hours Per Week, Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 

We are looking for a passionate and dedicated Animal Keeper who is committed to delivering the highest standards of animal welfare while helping to inspire the next generation of animal care professionals.

This role would suit someone currently working within a zoo, wildlife park, kennels, rescue centre, farm park, educational animal unit or other animal care environment, who is now looking to take the next step in their career within an educational setting. You will be confident working with a wide range of species, experienced in practical animal husbandry, and enthusiastic about supporting students during practical learning activities.

Based within our specialist Animal Management department, you will play a key role in the day-to-day operation of the animal unit, supporting feeding, enrichment, health monitoring, enclosure maintenance and maintaining exceptional welfare standards across the department. You will also work closely with academic staff to help provide engaging, hands-on and industry-focused learning experiences for students.

Bishop Burton College offers a unique opportunity to combine industry experience with education, working as part of a supportive and knowledgeable team that is passionate about student success, practical learning and animal welfare. Our specialist facilities, diverse animal collection and strong industry links make Bishop Burton an exciting and rewarding place to work.

If you are looking for a role where you can make a real difference to both animals and young people while developing your career within one of the UK’s leading land-based colleges, we would love to hear from you.

We are looking for the following essential skills:

• Level 3 in a recognised Animal Care qualification or above 
• Full UK Driving licence
• At least 2 year’s practical experience in animal husbandry and welfare in an animal establishment working with a range of different species including rodents, reptiles and primates
• Good knowledge of relevant legal regulations and animal welfare standards
• Strong verbal communication skills
• Ability to assess animal behaviour and health issues and respond appropriately
• Ability to maintain accurate records of animal care, health, and behavior
• A high standard of IT skills to include the use of Excel
• Ability to prioritise workload and manage competing demands effectively so deadlines can be met
• Able to work flexibly to attend occational college events held on weekends and during the evening
• Able to be resilient when addressing challenging behaviours and promoting appropriate attitudes
• Knowledge of Child Protection Issues
• Able to form & maintain appropriate relationships & personal boundaries with young people
• Willingness to undertake mandatory health and safety training
• Confident when liaising with parents, students and stakeholders
• A willingness to undertake additional training offered at the college
• Motivation to work with children & young people
• Fit for the duties of the post
• DBS check carried out on appointment

We are looking for the following desirable skills:

• Degree in animal science, biology, or a related field
• First Aid at Work
• Practical experience in animal husbandry and welfare in an education environment
• Awareness of and commitment to maintaining a safe working environment
• Understanding of personal responsibility for health, safety and wellbeing in the workplace
• Responds positively and effectively to challenging situations and change
• Emotional resilience in working with challenging behaviours and appropriate attitudes to use of authority and maintaining discipline

Interview date: Tuesday 9th June 2026