Job opportunities

Trainee Animal Ranger - Fixed Term 12 month

We're looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Trainee Ranger – Small Hoofstock & Farm to join our Animal Team on a 12-month fixed-term contract.

This role is ideal for someone who already has practical animal care experience and is ready to take the next step in their career. Whether you've gained experience in a zoo, wildlife park, farm park, commercial farm, or through volunteering, we're looking for someone who has the determination to learn, the resilience to work hard, and the attitude to thrive in a busy and rewarding environment.

Working alongside our experienced Rangers, you'll gain hands-on experience caring for a diverse collection of small hoofstock and traditional farm animals while developing your husbandry skills within one of the UK's fastest-growing animal collections.

We believe skills can be taught, but attitude, reliability, and a strong work ethic are what make exceptional Rangers. If you're someone who takes pride in doing a job properly, enjoys working as part of a team, and isn't afraid to roll your sleeves up, we'd love to hear from you.

Working with hoofstock is incredibly rewarding—but we'll be honest—it also involves plenty of mucking out, poo picking, and physical work.

This is not just a zoo role. As a member of the Small Hoofstock & Farm Team, you'll play an important part in the day-to-day running of both our expanding zoological collection and our working farm.

You'll be involved in all aspects of livestock husbandry, including feeding, health monitoring, paddock management, enrichment, enclosure maintenance, and supporting the smooth running of the department. During the winter months, you'll also assist with the care of our seasonal turkey flock, giving you experience across a wider range of livestock.

Some of the livestock within our collection are reared as part of the food chain, and we are proud to maintain the highest standards of animal welfare throughout every stage of their lives. We're looking for someone who understands and respects modern farming practices while sharing our passion for conservation, education, and excellent animal care.

No two days are the same, and you'll have the opportunity to work with an expanding range of species while learning from a knowledgeable, supportive, and passionate team.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with the daily husbandry and welfare of small hoofstock and farm animals.
• Prepare and provide feed according to individual dietary requirements.
• Clean, maintain, and present animal enclosures to a consistently high standard.
• Observe animal health and behaviour, reporting concerns promptly to senior staff.
• Assist with enrichment programmes that encourage positive animal welfare.
• Safely handle and move animals under supervision.
• Maintain excellent standards of hygiene, cleanliness, and biosecurity.
• Assist with paddock maintenance, fencing, enclosure repairs, and general site upkeep.
• Deliver engaging and informative visitor interactions, promoting animal welfare, conservation, and the work of the park.
• Follow all animal welfare, health and safety, and biosecurity procedures.

About You

We're looking for more than qualifications—we're looking for someone with the right attitude.

You are reliable, hardworking, and genuinely passionate about animals. You don't mind getting dirty, enjoy working outdoors in all weathers, and understand that caring for animals means early mornings, weekends, and plenty of physical work.

You're curious, keen to learn, willing to ask questions, and determined to continually improve. You work well as part of a team but can also use your initiative when required.

Above all, you're someone with character, resilience, enthusiasm, and the drive to build a career in animal care.

Essential

• Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Animal Care, Animal Management, Agriculture, or a related subject.
• Practical experience through volunteering, work placements, or employment within a zoo, wildlife park, farm park, commercial farm, or similar animal collection.
• A genuine passion for animal welfare, farming, conservation, and high standards of husbandry.
• A positive attitude, strong work ethic, and the determination to learn and develop.
• Good character, reliability, and the willingness to get stuck in—no matter the task.
• Physically fit and capable of undertaking manual work.
• Comfortable working outdoors throughout the year in all weather conditions.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Flexible and able to work weekends and bank holidays as part of a rota.

Desirable

• Experience working with hoofstock or livestock.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Basic tractor or machinery experience.
• Practical maintenance or fencing skills.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to work within one of the UK's fastest-growing animal collections.
• Hands-on experience with an expanding collection of hoofstock and farm species.
• Ongoing training and mentoring from experienced Rangers.
• Opportunities to develop practical husbandry skills and broaden your experience.
• A supportive team environment where enthusiasm, hard work, and commitment are recognised.