Job Summary
We are seeking a passionate and reliable Animal Care Assistant to join a small team caring for a variety of species within a private collection set in beautiful surroundings. This full-time role involves working closely with parrots, waterfowl, and a range of small mammals and rodents, providing exceptional standards of husbandry and care.
This position would suit someone with a genuine love of animals, strong practical skills, and a professional yet hands-on approach to daily animal care.
Key Responsibilities
Animal Husbandry & Health
- Prepare and provide daily diets for a range of species, including pellets, fresh produce, meat, and graze
- Follow diet plans, monitor food intake and animal weights and maintain records for all animals in your care.
- Carry out daily visual health checks and promptly report any concerns to your supervisor
- Work with supervisors and veterinary advice and administer medications where needed
Cleaning and Enclosure Maintenance
- Clean, disinfect, and re-bed enclosures, aviaries, and housing areas to a high standard.
- Ensure animals always have access to food and fresh, clean water.
- Maintain safe, comfortable, and hygienic environments for all species.
Enrichment and Exercise
- Provide daily enrichment to encourage natural behaviours and stimulate wellbeing.
- Deliver exercise and training programmes in line with established plans, under the guidance of your supervisor.
Safety and Security
- Check and ensure the security and integrity of all enclosures, pens, and housing areas.
- Report any damage, hazards, or maintenance needs immediately.
- Maintain a clean and safe working environment, including tools and equipment
- Adhere to all Health & Safety procedures and protocols
Skills
- Genuine passion for animal welfare and high standards of husbandry and care.
- Previous experience working with birds (particularly parrots and waterfowl) and small mammals.
- Strong attention to detail and a proactive, hands-on approach to daily duties.
- Excellent time management and the ability to work efficiently both independently and as part of a small team.
- Physically capable of performing the demands of the role, including outdoor work in all weather conditions.
- Full UK driving licence.
Schedule
This is a full-time role, 5 days per week (50 hours), including a 1 hour paid lunch break.
Weekend working is required on a rotational basis working 3 out of 4 weekends.
Flexibility to adjust working hours according to seasonal and operational needs is required.
Benefits
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
- Overtime pay and end-of-season discretionary performance bonus.
- 28 days paid annual leave and sick pay allowance
- Full training and opportunities for further professional development (CPD).
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: From £31,500.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site gym
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Slough SL2: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:
- Animal care: 3 years (preferred)
- Avian: 1 year (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (required)
- DBS Certificate (preferred)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
