Job Description

Do you have a passion for animals? Are you looking for a part-time role where you can supplement your existing income or for a role which gives you a great work-life balance? This could be the role for you if you have a level 2 qualification related to animal care and industry experience.

JOB TITLE: ANIMAL CARE ASSISTANT

LOCATION: WISBECH

HOURS: 8 PER WEEK ON AVERAGE (ALTERNATE WEEKENDS OF WORKING BOTH SATURDAY AND SUNDAY)

SALARY: 5,308 - 5,353 PER ANNUM (24,549 - 24,758 FTE)

Due to continued growth in both student numbers and our collection of animals we are recruiting for additional Animal Centre Assistants to support us at weekends.


Our animal centre at our Wisbech campus runs 7 days per week, 365 days a year - providing excellent care for all of our animal residents. From rodents to goats, insects to snakes we have a wide range of animals in stock, all of whom are integral to the educational journey of our learners.


This role involves providing general day to day care for the animals including handling, cleaning, maintenance, preparation for educational activities and liaising with the team to report any changes in behaviour or condition to ensure that the welfare of the animals is our top priority.


Our animal care courses ensure that our students leave us with the scientific, practical and administrative skills they need for their careers in animal care. We are passionate about our animals and the education and training we provide to our students- the next generation of animal care specialists.


You will be required to work every other weekend throughout the year, on both Saturday and Sunday (one week on, one week off). Alternatively hours may be available for working only Saturday's or Sunday's each week, to be agreed with the successful postholders.


You will work as part of a friendly team and gain great experience in working with animals.


We are a successful, community-focused FE College based in the East of England. We have a thriving Animal Care team and in recent years, the department has grown from strength to strength. We offer an incredible training package and a chance to work within tight knit and supportive teams.

BENEFITS

We offer an excellent package including a generous annual leave allowance of 30 days per year for support staff,

plus

five College closure days,

plus

Bank Holidays (pro-rata for part-time), fee waivers on some College courses, a contributory pension scheme with the Local Government Pension Scheme, discounts with local businesses and access to a cycle to work scheme. CWA focusses on staff well-being and utilises both internal and external resources, such as a well-being committee and access to a free and confidential Employee Assistance Programme as well as comprehensive training and development.


Job share opportunities are available for the right candidates.


To apply online or to view all our current vacancies please visit www.cwa.ac.uk.


For further information specific to the role, or to arrange a visit please contact Donna Woodruff on donna.woodruff@cwa.ac.uk


Closing date for receipt of all applications: 12noon, Friday 21 November 2025


Interviews are provisionally scheduled for 27 November 2025 at our Wisbech campus.

Applicants are expected to ensure their applications are written in their own words.

We reserve the right to use an AI checker on any application.

Please note that all interviews are conducted face to face, we are unable to facilitate online interviews.

CWA are a Disability Confident employer and offer a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled candidates who meet all of the essential criteria for a role. We would encourage you to disclose any disabilities and whether or not you wish to be considered under this scheme.


CWA is committed to safeguarding and all staff appointments are subject to satisfactory references and enhanced DBS checks. You will be required to provide references and undertake an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check as well as a barred list check. All shortlisted candidates will be subject to an online search.


This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 but Exceptions Order may apply.


Full details of our Safeguarding Child and Vulnerable Adult Protection policy can be found at Policies (cwa.ac.uk).


CWA reserves the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient suitably qualified applications be received prior to the closing date.

No agencies please