Job opportunities

Instructor - Animal Health and Welfare Research Centre

Instructor – Animal Health and Welfare Research Centre (AHWRC)

• Salary: Up to £26,952 per annum (dependent upon qualifications and experience)

• Working Pattern: Full time permanent position (37 hours per week / 52 week) & maternity cover 1-year fixed term contract also available.

• Location: Sparsholt Campus / Winchester

• Closing date: 21st September 2025

 

We have two positions available. Please make clear on your application which role you are applying to. 

 

We are looking for enthusiastic instructors with a passion for animal welfare and education to join our dedicated team. The AHWRC is a leading practical teaching facility that houses a large range of both domestic and exotic animal species. The centre holds a number of industry recognised licenses including a zoo licence, 5* boarding kennel and pet licence and it is BIAZA accredited.

We have two positions available: a zoo mammal specialist for a year maternity cover position and a permanent cross sectional instructor position, therefore we are looking for candidates with a range of species knowledge.

The maternity cover position will teach and assess various aspects of animal husbandry to groups of students on our zoo mammal section. This includes two species of Lemur, Tenrec, Genet, meerkat, porcupine and red panda. The permanent position will teach across 6 different sections with a main focus on our small mammal section (Section 1 cats and dogs, section 2: small mammals, section 3: zoo mammals, section 4: birds, section 5: paddock species, section 6: herptiles). This is a good opportunity to increase your cross-sectional species knowledge as you will also be trained to work on these animal sections.

This is an exciting opportunity to educate the next generation of animal careers and pass on knowledge to improve animal welfare. You will be expected to deliver exceptional practical teaching using a range of animal species as well as contributing to the daily husbandry of the section you are working on.

Candidates should be educated to at least level 3 in a relevant animal qualification and hold an appropriate teaching qualification or be willing to attain one. The ideal candidate will have a passion for teaching and experience in an educational setting. Candidates should also be able to demonstrate significant professional experience working with a range of animals as well as a real passion and enthusiasm for animals and helping all learners to reach their maximum potential. You will be teaching across various levels from Level 1-Level 3 (to include the T-Levels).

As an instructor there is opportunity to improve upon your own knowledge with medical training from International Zoo Veterinary Group and individual coaching on animal training from Nicky Plaskitt (Shaping behaviour). Multiple other CPD opportunities are also available throughout the course of the year. You will also have input into species collection planning, enclosure design and animal husbandry.

 

This post is to be based at the Sparsholt campus so the ability to drive is also desirable.

 

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 Policy

• Access to an employee assistance scheme

• Free 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