Animal Keeper / Companion Animals

The Role: We are looking to recruit an experienced small mammal keeper for our companion animal team. The post holder will work under the direction of the Head of Companion animals in undertaking the management and husbandry of the companion animal section, in particular the small mammal section. The small mammal team is diverse and includes a huge range of animals including ferrets, chinchilla, guinea pigs, rabbits, and a variety of rodents both exotic and domestic. The section is expanding into native species and you will be part of implementing and running these native species conservation projects. The post holder will:

• Be responsible for the day-to-day husbandry of the companion section animals.
• Work closely with other AHWRC staff to ensure high standards of animal husbandry. This will be achieved through demonstration of daily cleaning routines and training and supervision of students in practical husbandry sessions.
• Supervise groups of students, instilling correct best practice and provide an engaging and interactive learner experience.
• The candidate will need to support and provide cover on other sections of the AHWRC as and when necessary. Therefore, other companion animal knowledge on species such as cats and dogs is desirable.
  
  Candidates should be educated to at least level 3 in a relevant vocational subject and be able to demonstrate a professional track record of work within an accredited facility.
A flexible approach to a varied workload with a real enthusiasm for the animals you will be working with is essential. The post holder will be required to work weekends on a rotational basis. Due to the location of the college, a driving licence would be advantageous.

Salary: Up to £23, 088 per annum pro rata (dependent upon qualifications and experience) Working Pattern: Full time (37 hours per week) with a need to be flexible to cover needs of the centre,
• Eligibility to join Pension Scheme (a defined benefit pension scheme)
• Death Benefit grant of 3 x salary if in the pension scheme
• Free on-site parking
• Car Share Scheme
• Occupational Sick Pay Scheme
• Occupational Maternity Pay Scheme
• Flexible Working Policy
• Holiday entitlement of 22 days (rising to 25 days after 5 years' service) plus Public and Bank Holidays along with college closure days at Xmas.
• Ability to Purchase Additional Annual Leave via a salary sacrifice arrangement
• Access to an employee assistance scheme
• FREE On-site gym at the Sparsholt campus
• Free gym classes at the Sparsholt campus
• You Make the Difference Staff nomination scheme
• Facility to purchase Sparsholt produce including: plants, flowers, fruit & vegetables, fish, venison and turkey.
• Access to discounted hair and beauty treatments at the Andover campus
• Ability to access a range of CPD events and support with undertaking professional qualifications
• Various food outlets and eateries offering good value food and drink at competitive prices
There is a nursery on the Sparsholt campus operated by a commercial provider