Animal Keeper

We put wellbeing first by giving our teams more time to recharge

Job Title: Animal Keeper
Location: Trent Acres, Kings Bromley, DE13 7HR
Hours: 32 hours per week
Salary: £22,048 per annum (not pro rata)
Contract: Permanent Term Time Only plus 2 weeks
Start: August 2026
UK applicants only - no sponsorship available

About the Role

As an Animal Keeper, you will play a vital role in providing exceptional daily care and welfare for a diverse range of animals. You will be responsible for ensuring that all animals receive the highest standards of husbandry, including feeding, cleaning enclosures, monitoring health and behaviour, and supporting enrichment activities that promote their physical and psychological wellbeing.

The role requires maintaining accurate animal records, monitoring stock and equipment, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and welfare standards, and reporting any concerns regarding animal health or facilities. You will also contribute to the upkeep and presentation of the animal care areas, creating an environment that reflects high professional standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out daily animal care duties, including feeding, cleaning and maintaining enclosures, mucking out, poo-picking paddocks, and monitoring animals for signs of illness, injury, or changes in behaviour.
• Build positive relationships with animals through appropriate handling, training, and desensitisation techniques to encourage confidence and ensure they can be handled safely by staff, students, and service users.
• Plan and deliver appropriate environmental and behavioural enrichment activities to promote positive welfare and mental stimulation.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date animal health, husbandry, and treatment records in line with organisational procedures and relevant legislation.
• Undertake routine preventative healthcare measures, including vaccinations (where applicable), parasite control, and other prophylactic treatments to support animal health and wellbeing.
• Liaise with veterinary professionals to arrange routine and emergency visits, support examinations and treatments, and implement veterinary recommendations

About You

• Have a genuine passion for animal welfare and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of animal care.
• Possess a good understanding of animal health, behaviour, nutrition, and welfare legislation.
• Have experience of administering routine animal health treatments and maintaining accurate health and husbandry records.
• Be able to plan and deliver appropriate enrichment activities that promote positive animal welfare.
• Have relevant animal care qualifications

About Us

Options Trent Acres School is an independent specialist school in rural Staffordshire for pupils with autism, trauma, attachment, anxiety, and other complex needs.

We provide a nurturing, safe, and structured environment where pupils feel valued and experience a sense of belonging. Small groups, high staff ratios, and personalised programmes support social, emotional, and academic development.

Integrated clinical care and strong family partnerships empower every pupil to build confidence, independence, and the skills to thrive in life

For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone in our care.

We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a 'Great Place to Work' for the sixth year running.

Why Join Us?

We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• "Your Wellbeing Matters" - mental health support and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
  • Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
  • Hundreds of UK and international discounts
  • Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
  • Critical illness cover
  • Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.