Job Description

Job Title: Animal Care Instructor

Salary: 25,000 to 28,000 depending on experience and qualifications

Hour: 08:00 - 16:00PM Monday - Friday. Full Time.

Line Manager: Teaching and Learning Lead. Working directly under the Green Care Lead

Main Purpose:

To deliver engaging and accessible Animal Care learning experiences for pupils with a wide range of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The postholder will oversee the daily care and welfare of animals within the school's animal room, coordinate learning linked to local farms and community partners, and help students develop practical, vocational, and life skills in a safe, nurturing environment.

Duties and Responsibilities

Teaching and Learning

Plan, deliver, and assess high-quality Animal Care lessons and activities appropriate to pupils' abilities and EHCP outcomes. Adapt teaching strategies and materials to meet diverse learning, communication, and sensory needs. Support students in developing skills in animal handling, welv fare, and general husbandry. Contribute to the delivery of accredited qualifications Provide experiential learning through school-based activities and off-site visits to local farms and animal centres.

Animal Husbandry and Welfare

Daily Care: Provide routine daily care for a variety of animals. This includes feeding, watering, and providing appropriate housing. Cleaning and Maintenance: Ensure all animal enclosures, living areas, and equipment are kept meticulously clean, hygienic, and safe according to established protocols and welfare standards. This involves regular cleaning, disinfecting, and changing bedding. Health Monitoring: Conduct daily health checks, observing animals for any signs of illness, injury, or distress. Report any concerns immediately to the Animal Staff. Grooming and Enrichment: Perform routine grooming tasks as needed (e.g., brushing, nail clipping) and provide appropriate enrichment activities to promote physical and mental stimulation for all animals. Handling and Restraint: Safely and confidently handle and restrain animals for routine care, health checks, or educational demonstrations, always prioritising animal welfare and safety. Ensure the health, welfare, and safety of all animals on site in accordance with Animal Welfare legislation and school policy. Manage the daily care routines including feeding, cleaning, and environmental enrichment. Maintain accurate records for all animals including health checks, feeding schedules, and stock inventories. Liaise with veterinary professionals, suppliers, and local partners to ensure best practice.

Health, Safety, and Safeguarding

Maintain safe, clean, and hygienic working conditions in all animal areas. Conduct and review risk assessments for all activities and visits. Comply with all safeguarding, biosecurity, and health and safety regulations. Ensure students understand and follow safe working practices.

Collaboration and Communication

Work collaboratively with teachers, teaching assistants, therapists, and other staff to meet individual learner needs. Develop and maintain links with local farms, animal welfare organisations, and community partners. Communicate effectively with colleagues, students, parents, and external stakeholders.

Administrative Duties

Maintain lesson records, progress data, and evidence of student achievement. Contribute to curriculum planning and development of resources. Support promotional activities for the Animal Care provision, such as open days and community events.

Supervision Received

The postholder will report directly to

The Green Care Lead

Work will be carried out under general guidance but with a degree of independence in day-to-day planning and delivery. Regular line management meetings and professional supervision sessions will provide support and direction.

Supervision Given

May supervise and direct

Teaching Assistants

,

Learning Support Assistants

, and

volunteers

during Animal Care sessions. Provide guidance and instruction to students in practical activities, ensuring safe handling of animals and equipment.

Problems and Decisions

The postholder is expected to use initiative to solve day-to-day operational problems relating to animal welfare, classroom management, and learning delivery. Responsible for identifying and escalating any health, safety, or safeguarding concerns promptly. Exercise professional judgement in balancing students' learning opportunities with animal welfare and safety requirements. Decisions are generally made within established school policies and procedures, referring more complex issues to line management.
Personal Specification

CRITERIA

QUALITIES

Qualifications and training

English and Maths GCSE grade C or above or equivalent. Animal Care related qualification Experience working within a school environment.
Experience

Demonstrable practical experience of handling and caring for a variety of animals Experience in maintaining high standards of hygiene and cleanliness in animal environments. Experience of working within a school environment and assisting children with the handling and care of animals.
Knowledge, skills and aptitude

Animal Welfare:

Good understanding of animal welfare needs and the

Animal Welfare Act 2006

.

Animal Handling:

The ability to confidently, safely, and empathetically handle and restrain a variety of animal species.

Observation:

Excellent

observational skills

to notice subtle changes in animal health, behaviour, and enclosure conditions.

Communication:

Clear, effective

verbal communication skills

for interacting with animals, colleagues, and the public/clients. The ability to follow instructions precisely.

Organisation:

Strong

organisational skills

to manage daily tasks, maintain cleanliness, and keep accurate records.

Hygiene:

A meticulous approach to hygiene and maintaining sterile environments.

Health & Safety:

A solid understanding of health and safety regulations relevant to animal care (e.g., manual handling, COSHH, zoonotic diseases).

Record Keeping:

Basic literacy and numeracy for accurate manual and/or computerised record-keeping.

Physical Stamina:

The physical capability to perform demanding tasks including bending, lifting (potentially heavy animals or equipment), kneeling, and standing for long periods in various environmental conditions.

IT Literacy:

Basic computer skills (e.g., for data entry, email).

Desirable:

Basic knowledge of common animal diseases and preventative measures. Understanding of basic animal nutrition and dietary requirements. Ability to remain calm and professional in difficult or emotional situations.
Personal development and qualities

Genuine Passion & Compassion:

A profound love for animals and a deep commitment to their welfare.

Patience & Empathy:

The ability to remain calm and compassionate, especially with distressed, sick, or nervous animals and their owners.

Reliability & Punctuality:

Highly dependable, trustworthy, and always punctual for shifts.

Diligence & Conscientiousness:

A thorough approach to tasks, with high standards of care and attention to detail.

Adaptability & Flexibility:

Able to adjust to changing priorities, urgent situations, and varying animal needs; willing to work unsocial hours including weekends and holidays as needed.

Resilience:

The capacity to cope with emotionally challenging situations (e.g., animal illness, euthanasia) while maintaining professionalism.

Proactive & Self-Motivated:

A positive attitude, willingness to learn, and the initiative to take on tasks without constant supervision.

Team Player:

Enthusiastic about supporting colleagues and contributing positively to the team environment
Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From 25,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person