Shortlisting for this role will be based solely on the information provided in the application form. CVs will not be considered during the shortlisting process. Please ensure that your application clearly demonstrates how you meet the essential and desirable criteria outlined in the person specification.
Bishop Burton College
Beverley, UK
Closing date for applications: 17th Jul 2026
Contact: Rea Kassim (human.resources@bishopburton.ac.uk)
Sector: Animal Care
Type: Paid contract, full-time
Salary: £26,347 per annum
Working Hours: 39 Hours per week (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday; Friday & Saturday days off each week)
Overview
Animal Management Unit Team Leader – responsible for supporting the effective operation of the unit, ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare, husbandry and health and safety, leading and coordinating a team of staff, supervising students and delivering an engaging learning environment. Working closely with the Faculty Animal Management Curator and Unit Manager, the role includes allocating workloads, maintaining accurate records, and acting as Duty Manager when required. The position is a trust role requiring disclosure of criminal convictions and enhanced DBS checks. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The College is an equal opportunities employer.
Are you an experienced animal care professional with a passion for leadership, education, and animal welfare? Bishop Burton College is looking for a dedicated Animal Management Unit Team Leader to play a key role in the day-to-day management of our thriving Animal Management Unit.
Main Duties
- Support the Animal Management Curator and Unit Manager to effectively manage the Animal Unit, ensuring compliance with relevant animal welfare legislation, health and safety requirements, and college policies.
- Act as ‘Duty Manager’ in the absence of the Animal Management Curator and Unit Manager.
- Support the Animal Management Curator and Unit Manager to manage the Animal Unit staff team effectively, ensuring clear communication of expectations and promoting a positive, collaborative working environment.
- Responsible for the daily allocation and coordination of workloads of the Animal Unit staff team to ensure effective and efficient operation of the facilities.
- Carry-out general animal husbandry duties (including cleaning, feeding, watering, providing enrichment and enclosure maintenance), maintaining high standards of welfare in the animal unit.
- Ensure the consistent application of animal welfare and wellbeing standards by actively guiding, supervising, and supporting staff, students, and stakeholders across the Animal Unit.
- Act as the primary liaison between academic requirements and the operational delivery of the department, ensuring effective communication and alignment between curriculum needs and day-to-day unit activities.
- Maintain accurate records relating to animal care and student management, welfare, health treatments, and unit activities in line with reporting requirements.
- Take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and others who may be affected by their actions at work and to comply with all relevant health and safety legislation, College Health & Safety Policy, and all associated policies and procedures, and will report any hazards, incidents or near misses in accordance with agreed procedures.
- Take part in all staff College events, some of which may occur on evenings and weekends.
- Perform such other duties as reasonably correspond to the general character of the post and are commensurate with its level of responsibility.
Essential Criteria
- Level 3 in a recognised Animal Care qualification
- Full UK driving licence
- At least 2 years’ practical experience in an animal care setting, working with a range of different species with some staff supervisory or team leading responsibilities
- Good knowledge of relevant legal regulations and animal welfare standards
- Ability to work in a customer-facing environment
- Good proactive problem-solving skills
- Able to work collaboratively to support a positive and productive team environment
- Excellent organisational, reporting and attention to detail skills
- Strong verbal communication skills, communicate effectively with staff, students, and stakeholders, adapting approach as required
- Ability to confidently assess animal behaviour and health issues and respond appropriately especially in emergencies
- Ability to maintain accurate records of animal care, health, and behaviour
- A high standard of IT skills to include the use of Excel
- Ability to prioritise workload, manage competing demands effectively so deadlines can be met and remain calm under pressure
- Able to work flexibly to attend College events held on weekends and during the evening
- Knowledge of Child Protection Issues
- Able to form & maintain appropriate relationships & personal boundaries with young people
- Awareness of and commitment to maintaining a safe working environment
- Willingness to undertake mandatory health and safety training
- Understanding of personal responsibility for health, safety and wellbeing in the workplace
- Demonstrates a strong commitment to animal welfare and the wellbeing of staff and students
- Acts professionally at all times, taking responsibility for decisions and leading by example
- Promotes safe working practices and ensures compliance with relevant legislation and policies
- Motivation to work with children & young people
- Fit for the duties of the post
- DBS check carried out on appointment
Desirable Criteria
- Level 4 or 5 (HNC/HND/Foundation Degree) in Animal Management or similar or a degree in Animal Science or Animal Management
- First aid at work
- Practical experience in animal husbandry and welfare in an education environment
- Ability to manage students in a learning environment
- Able to confidently lead shifts and make decisions as ‘Duty Manager’
- Able to be resilient when addressing challenging behaviours and promoting appropriate attitudes
- 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
Benefits
- Local Government Pension Scheme – defined benefit scheme with generous employer contributions
- 40 days leave including 25 days annual leave, concessionary days and bank holidays; all leave is pro‑rata for staff employed on a part‑time contract
- Cycle to work scheme
- Free car parking
- A range of on‑site catering facilities
- Optional health cash plan
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Discounted gym membership at the on‑site gym
- Dedicated health and wellbeing programme
- Career development opportunities
- Free will writing service
- Generous sick pay and compassionate leave scheme
- Enhanced maternity/adoption pay
- Free eye tests for DSE users
- 15% discount on tickets at East Yorkshire Buses
The college does not hold a sponsorship licence, so this post is not open to candidates who require sponsorship under the UK’s points‑based immigration system.
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