Animal Keeper

Role overview

Activate Learning is hiring a committed Animal Keeper to support the animal care provision at Merrist Wood College. The role focuses on maintaining excellent standards of husbandry and welfare, while also creating a welcoming, informative experience for visitors and guests.

About the setting

Merrist Wood College sits within a 400-acre campus and includes a Rare Breed Survival Trust accredited farm, a small domestic mammal area, and a zoo. As the livestock operation expands, the team is seeking a motivated person to help care for sheep, cattle, pigs, goats, and poultry, while supporting breeding work, youngstock management, and the preparation of quality livestock for customers. The college has a strong reputation in land-based education both nationally and internationally.

Main duties

In this position, you will take part in the full range of daily livestock management activities, from feeding and husbandry to health checks and breeding support. The work also includes lambing, calving, farrowing, kidding, moving and handling stock, keeping the site clean and safe, supporting livestock sales, and maintaining accurate records. You will also contribute to general farm maintenance and help ensure the animals are cared for to the highest possible standard.

Teaching and learner support

A key part of the job is leading practical learning activities that help learners build wider industry skills. You will also supervise external work experience students during practical tasks, supporting their development in safe working practices, animal handling skills, and professional behaviour.

Working pattern

This is a casual role. The successful candidate must be available to work every Saturday and Sunday, with additional shifts sometimes available on weekdays and bank holidays to cover animal care needs.

Candidate profile

The ideal applicant will bring at least one year of full-time, paid experience in the farm sector and preferably hold an animal or agricultural qualification at Level 3 or above. You should be confident working outdoors in all weather, comfortable with practical hands-on work, and able to show initiative, flexibility, and a proactive approach. Strong communication skills are important, along with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Professional qualities such as punctuality, reliability, integrity, and a strong work ethic are essential.

Additional information

Previous experience in an educational role within an animal-related environment would be an advantage, though it is not essential.

Who we are

Activate Learning is an education group focused on improving lives through learning. The organisation aims to create an open, inclusive, and supportive workplace where people can grow their careers and thrive. It offers the scale and support of a larger employer while maintaining a strong sense of community.

Employee benefits

• Monthly staff appreciation awards recognising contribution and achievement.
• Wellbeing resources, including guides and tools to support staff wellbeing.
• Benefits such as free eye tests, will writing, and access to a health cash plan for optical, dental, health screening, and therapy costs for employees and dependants.
• Ongoing learning and development through an in-house L&D team.
• Structured induction and development support for teaching staff.
• Access to teacher and local government pension schemes for eligible staff.
• Up to 6 weeks of paid annual leave.
• Annual incremental pay progression and a twelve-point pay scale for teachers.
• Free parking at all campuses, plus access to refectories, hair and beauty salons, and gym facilities.

Conditions and recruitment notes

Applications should be submitted as early as possible, as vacancies may close once the form is no longer available. Shortlisting and interviews are carried out on a rolling basis, and the organisation reserves the right to interview, appoint, and close the advert at any time. Some roles may require a legally mandated health surveillance check if there is exposure to hazardous conditions. All successful applicants must complete an appropriate DBS check. Activate Learning welcomes applications from candidates who meet the minimum criteria and is committed to inclusive recruitment, equal opportunity, and reasonable adjustments for applicants who need them. Unsolicited CVs sent through recruitment agencies are not authorised unless the agency is working with the Talent Team through the approved supplier list.