Zookeeper – Bird Section (maternity cover)
💰Salary: Up to £25,335 per annum (dependent upon qualifications, skills and experience)
🕒Working Pattern: Full-time (37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year)
📋Contract: Fixed Term – 12 months
📍Location: Sparsholt Campus, Winchester
📅Closing Date: 7th July 2026
🦜 We are seeking maternity cover for our bird section beginning in October 2026.
The Animal Health and Welfare Research Centre (AHWRC) is a leading practical teaching facility that holds a zoo licence and is BIAZA accredited.
The post holder will work under the direction of the AHWRC Head of zoo to help ensure the husbandry and care of the species housed on the bird section of the AHWRC are of the highest standard, and to enhance delivery of practical husbandry training to groups of students.
The post holder will: ✨
• Be responsible for the day-to-day husbandry of multiple species to include a range of Hornbill and chicken species, northern white faced owl, vulturine guineafowl, and call ducks. We are part of the Visayan hornbill EEP and you will contribute to the monitoring and breeding of this species. A desire to learn and implement new husbandry and care techniques is essential.
• You will have input into animal species selection and help shape the animal collection plan.
• Instil correct best practice in students and provide an engaging and interactive learner experience. This will be achieved through demonstration of daily cleaning routines and training and supervision of students in practical husbandry sessions.
Candidates should be educated to at least Level 3 in a relevant vocational subject and be able to demonstrate significant practical experience and expertise with a range of avian species.
A positive and flexible approach to a varied workload, real enthusiasm for the animals you work with, and an affinity for working with and engaging young learners are required. Some educational or supervisory experience would be advantageous. The practical skills to maintain and improve enclosures are also sought. The role entails weekend and Bank Holiday working on a rota basis.
Due to the remote location of this position, the ability to drive is desirable.
Why Join Us? 🌱
At Sparsholt College, you’ll work within a stunning rural campus set in beautiful Hampshire countryside. With open green spaces, specialist land-based facilities and a peaceful natural setting, Sparsholt offers an inspiring environment to build your career.
You’ll benefit from:
- A friendly, collaborative team that values efficiency, communication and shared success
- A peaceful, spacious campus setting
- A role with real impact, helping students achieve their qualifications and progress to the next stage of their education or career
The AMC is Zoo-Licensed and BIAZA accredited, with exciting plans for major new developments.
College Benefits: 🎓
• Eligibility to join the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Free on-site parking
• Occupational Sick Pay & Maternity Pay schemes
• Flexible Working Policy
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme
• Free on-campus gym at Sparsholt Campus
• Opportunity to purchase Sparsholt-grown produce: plants, fresh fruit & veg, fish, and game
• Discounted hair treatments at the Andover campus salon
• Wide range of CPD events, plus support with professional qualifications
🌈Join us in making a difference!
Make a real difference every day – help students grow, thrive, and reach their potential!
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received.
The College is committed to safeguarding and promotes the welfare of all learners and expects all staff to share this commitment.
All successful applicants will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring (DBS) check and to provide proof of their eligibility to work in the UK.