Head of Companion Animals

This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.

Head of Companion Animals / Animal Health and Welfare Research CentreRole is Fixed Term for 12 Months (Fixed Term Maternity Cover)Salary: Up to £30, 921 (dependant on qualifications and experience) Working Pattern: Full time (37hrs per week)The Role: We are seeking maternity cover for our Head of Companion Animals in our Animal Health and Welfare Research Centre (AHWRC). The AHWRC is a leading practical teaching facility that holds a 5 star pet shop licence, two fully licenced boarding Kennels, a zoo licenced and is BIAZA accredited. The companion animal section has multiple areas with a variety of species to include cats, dogs, ferrets, chinchilla, guinea pigs, rabbits, and a variety of rodents both exotic and domestic. You will work closely with the AHWRC manager on collection planning, enclosure design and animal husbandry. There are also multiple opportunities for CPD within the college As head of companion animals, you will take responsibility for the smooth and effective running of the College's Animal Companion Animal Section. You will be in charge of our external boarding kennels and hydrotherapy area, therefore, previous experience in these settings and with a variety of domestic species is desirable.The role also focusses on student care and providing high quality teaching and engagement to students. A desire to teach the next generation of animal carers is essential. The successful candidate will manage a dedicated and skilled team of Animal Keepers, and ensure that our Companion Animal Centre has the highest welfare standards for student learning.The ideal candidate will have a positive attitude and outstanding customer service and communication skills. They will also hold relevant Animal industry related qualifications and have proven extensive skills required to manage a successful team. The successful applicant will work Monday-Friday, including being on call for weekends on a rota basis. Holiday is to be taken outside of term time (only). To apply, please complete an application form Closing Date: 23 March 2025Interviews are anticipated to be held in week beginning 31 March 2025We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received. College Benefits • Eligibility to join the Local Government Pension Scheme (a defined benefit pension scheme) • Death Benefit grant of 3 x salary if in the pension scheme • Free on-site parking • Occupational Sick Pay Scheme • Occupational Maternity Pay Scheme • Flexible Working arrangements • 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. • Access to an employee assistance scheme • Free Library membership • On-site gym at the Sparsholt campus • Gym classes at the Sparsholt campus • Facility to purchase Sparsholt produce including: plants, fruit & vegetables, fish and game. • Access to discounted hair 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 This post is based at the Sparsholt campus so a full clean driving licence is desirable