Practical Instructor in Animal Management

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Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Practical Instructor in Animal Management at Gunnersbury Park working directly with our students and animals.

The successful candidate will be able to carry out the day-to-day routine care of the College's animal stock to include cleaning out of accommodation, provision of feed, water, bedding, nesting material, and daily health checks. Provide a range of different demonstrations and technical instruction to students undertaking practical animal care from entry-level to level 3 and HE. Carrying out practical assessments of students in line with awarding body requirements completing all necessary records. Supervising and allocating tasks for college students carrying out practical duties in animal areas. Completing records relating to routine animal care, reporting any abnormalities or problems to Supervisor/Line Manager as appropriate. Maintaining high standards across all the colleges' animal stock areas complying with relevant legislation, DEFRA, BALAI. Ordering feed, bedding and other consumables as required in consultation with Line Manager. Storage, security and stock control of such consumables. Ensuring high standards of hygiene and cleanliness in all animal areas and associated storage and service areas. Ensuring the correct disposal of all waste from the animal areas. The exercising, training and handling of animal stock as appropriate and as required. Ensuring that all requirements and regulations relating to health and safety are adhered to at all times. Responsible for ensuring that the health and safety of students is maintained whilst undertaking practical sessions and risk assessments are completed in line with the college health and safety policies. Liaising with external bodies e.g. vet, RSPCA, Defra etc. as appropriate. Liaising internally with other staff as appropriate with regard to animal activities and co-operating to maintain continuity of care during weekends and holidays. Any other reasonable duties of a comparable nature as required by the Line Manager.

The ideal candidate will have a level three qualification or higher in an animal care discipline, and a range of current experience caring for reptiles, rodents, birds, and a range of livestock animals. A large proportion of this role will be based at our farm, so confidence and good depth of knowledge in livestock husbandry and handling are essential. Alongside this the ideal candidate will be confident and have skills in handling and carrying out basic preventative care on livestock e.g. foot trimming, worming, foot dipping. It is essential to have Knowledge of correct hygiene and cleaning procedures for Animal Unit and associated areas. Awareness of Health and Safety issues with regard to own duties and the Animal Unit/Farm.

What's in it for you?

We offer the opportunity to help develop your skills and knowledge in a friendly team environment, plus a range of benefits including a career average pension scheme (LGPS), employee assistance programme and full access to Capel Gardens.

Equality, diversity and inclusion
We are committed to creating and promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce that better reflects the wider community we support. We particularly welcome applicants from groups currently under-represented in senior roles, including females, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME), people with disabilities and from the LGBTQ community.

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and safety of our students and expect everybody working for the College to share this commitment. We actively seek DBS clearance checks for applications of employment as part of our safeguarding procedures.

Closing Date: 12 December 2021

Interview Date: TBC