Job Description

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS ROLES DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF SPONSORSHIP.

Animal Care and Welfare Manager

About the Role

We are looking for a dedicated and experienced Animal Care and Welfare Manager to lead and develop our animal provision. This pivotal role ensures the highest standards of animal welfare, in line with the Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare, while managing a team of staff and volunteers and supporting educational and therapeutic programs.


You will be responsible for maintaining exceptional standards of care, fostering a culture of safety, compliance, and excellence in order to support meaningful learning experiences for students with special needs.


This is an exciting opportunity to work with a variety of animals. The College currently has donkeys, goats, sheep, hens and a range of small furries.


The successful candidate will be enthusiastic, self-motivated, and empathetic, with a genuine passion for animal welfare. You will need a calm and adaptable approach, excellent leadership skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively. Flexibility and commitment are essential, as you will oversee 7-day animal care on a rota basis, ensuring smooth and consistent operations across the provision.

Key Responsibilities

Responsibilities include daily care routines, health monitoring, coordinating veterinary visits, maintaining hygiene standards, and preparing animals for educational and therapeutic sessions. The role also involves ensuring compliance with licensing regulations, managing inspections, and maintaining accurate records.

Enthusiastic, self-motivated, and empathetic individuals with a genuine passion for animal welfare. Calm and adaptable approach, able to lead and manage multiple priorities. Experience working with a range of animals including equines/ donkeys, is highly desirable. Commitment to safety, compliance, and excellence in animal care. Ability to work collaboratively within a team of staff and volunteers. An interest in the delivery of animal assisted therapy

Why Join Us?

Make a meaningful impact on the wellbeing of animals, students, and the wider community. Build and lead a dedicated, passionate team in a supportive, inclusive environment. Work with a variety of rescue animals and contribute to their care.

Commitment to Safeguarding

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.


Shaftesbury Millie College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and staff. It is the responsibility of all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All posts are subject to an enhanced DBS check and will follow our rigorous safer recruitment processes.


Shaftesbury Millie College strives to be a diverse and inclusive community and welcomes applications from people from all backgrounds.

Application Process

Please provide a supporting statement with the application form.

JD & Application Form on request please contact Cenan Chappell cchappell@shaftesburygroup.org

Closing date

: 20th October 2026

Interview Dates:

To be confirmed


Early applications are strongly encouraged, and we reserve the right to close the advert should we feel able to appoint an appropriate candidate before the above dates.


Visits to the setting are welcomed, and encouraged, by arrangement.