Animal Keeper

How would you like to be paid for five days but only work four*?

Our colleagues’ wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do at OFG, so we’re always looking for new ways to improve everyone’s work/life balance. We’re taking part in a trial of the 4-Day Working Week, meaning that you could be working one day less a week (or equivalent).

If the trial is a success, we’ll be rolling the 4DWW out across the Group – so there’s never been a more exciting time to join #teamOFG!

Job role:     Animal Keeper

Location:    Options Trent Acres, Kings Bromley, DE13 7HR

Hours:           3 days per week 8am - 4pm (timings can be flexible - will be discussed at interview)

Salary:      £12.50 per hour

Contract:       Permanent

UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

As part of our continued growth, we now have a fantastic opportunity for a Animal Keeper to join our close-knit team at Trent Acres School located in Kings Bromley.

About the role

To manage and maintain a range of animals on site and ensure they are kept safe and healthy within their environment.

Key tasks areas and responsibilities 

• Effectively manage all animals – hoof trimming, worming schedules, worm egg counts, mite treatments, clipping wings, managing withdrawal periods with egg consumption. 
• Daily tasks – including feeding animals/cleaning out animals/poo picking fields/checking signs of ill health. 
• Grooming equines. 
• Training with animals to bond and stimulate the animals, and in order for them to be accessed safely by service users. 
• Provide enrichment to animals for mental stimulation. 
• Assist maintenance with animal housing/fencing. 
• Maintain animal records. 
• Undertake routine prophylaxis to maintain good health in animals.
• Organise vet visits when needed. 
• Update annually the insurance for animals. 
• To book when applicable and record attendance of the farrier, equine dentist and the alpaca shearer. 
• To ensure all equipment is organised, safe to use and accessible by staff and service users. 
• To create a safe environment that can be utilised and accessed by all as part of education and therapy. 
• To ensure the riding school is safe and maintained for pupils to access for lessons. 
• Organising deliveries of feed stock, hay and straw deliveries and muck heap removal services. 
• Prepare areas for animal care and equine lessons to take place and assist in these when necessary. 
• Maintaining and updating signs around the site when needed. 
• Ensure animal shelters and fencing and adequate and addresses their needs.

About the school

Options Trent Acres School is currently undergoing development and increasing its pupils numbers transitioning from 30 pupils to 60 pupils recently and with approval to open an Early Years Unit and extend our Primary provision. Due to this exciting time for the School the job roles currently advertised are all new as part of this development.

The school is purpose built, modern and welcoming with a range of specialist learning areas including an indoor and outdoor riding school and outdoor gymnasium. Pupils also have the opportunity to work with our horses, donkeys, goats, alpaca and chickens. Learning outside of the classroom is a fundamental part of life at Trent Acres. We have a dedicated staff team who are focused on the delivery of high quality, pupil centred, bespoke packages of care and education.

Our service is in within easy reach of Stoke, Derby, Telford, Stafford, Lichfield, Burntwood, Rugeley, Burton-on-Trent, Tamworth, Uttoxeter and surrounding towns. 

For over 16 years Options Autism have provided care and education to pupils, young people and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care.

We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running.

Why join Options Autism?

Benefits

Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including:

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks

And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including:

• A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
• Cycle to Work Schemes
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support. 

And that’s not all, we place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.

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.

*You’ll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy.