The Leicestershire wildlife hospital trust is a charity based in Kibworth, dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of British wildlife in Leicestershire and surrounding areas.
We are advertising for a part time, temporary (maternity cover) position, 12 month contract from 4th January 2027.
The hours will be on a rota, as follows:
Jan to May
- Week 1: 16 hours (over 2 days)
- Week 2: 24 hours (over 3 days, including a Saturday and Sunday)
May to September
- Week 1: 24 hours (over 3 days)
- Week 2: 32 hours (over 4 days, including a Saturday and Sunday)
This will include some bank holidays (inc. Christmas Day – essential). Flexibility to provide holiday cover is also essential.
Each day, you will lead a team of volunteers for the efficient running of the hospital, allocating daily tasks, and training new volunteers in the animal husbandry skills required to take care of the wildlife in care at our hospital.
You will be providing high quality care to wild animals, cleaning, feeding, providing medication, and monitoring their health and well-being.
You will be responsible for making decisions on the care and treatment of the wild animals, in line with veterinary standards and our own protocols (once full training is given).
Previous experience, or qualifications relevant to working with animals is essential but experience with wildlife is not necessary as full training will be given.
You will also be responsible for the hand rearing of various species of British wildlife which will involve requiring a space at home to be able to do so. Time at home rearing the wildlife patients will be unpaid, but all equipment is provided.
You will benefit from a minimum of 11.2 days holiday per annum, free onsite parking, the opportunity to join our pension scheme, first-aid certificates and on-going training.
Key Accountabilities
- Ensure high standards of animal husbandry, and animal handling (where necessary) is maintained throughout the hospital, by yourself and by the volunteers.
- Allocating tasks on a daily basis to the volunteers, and giving direction to ensure they are completed efficiently and thoroughly.
- Answering the phone line to speak with members of the public about wildlife enquires, making decisions on when a rescue is necessary.
- Building relationships with the RSPCA, local veterinary surgeries, and other wildlife hospitals to benefit the care of patients.
- Providing medication under our SOP, in line with veterinary standards. Booking veterinary appointments and transporting animals to their appointments.
- Making decisions on animal rescues and releases and confidently conducting these.
- Adhering to health and safety standards, and ensuring volunteers are also following these.
- Responsibility of being a key holder, and handling donations.
Person Specification
Essential:
- A love of wildlife, wildlife identification skills and a basic understanding of their ecology.
- Previous experience working with animals, or relevant qualifications (if a recent college leaver).
- A full, clean UK driving licence
- Ability to work alone, and as part of a team
- Ability to work under pressure, including in emergency situations
- Ability to communicate effectively (written and verbal)
- The required strength and agility to enable working with all species of wildlife (full animal handling training will be given).
- To live within a ~10 mile radius of the hospital.
- Right to work in the UK.
Desirable:
- Previous experience working with wildlife.
- Previous experience working with volunteers, or of leading a team.
- First aid certificate (training will be given if not already).
- A qualification in animal care, or similar.
Pay: National living wage
To Apply: Please submit your CV and cover letter via the Apply button below.
The closing date for this vacancy is Sunday 22nd November. Interviews will be conducted w/c 30th November.
If you have previously applied, there is no need to again as we have your details on file.
Please mention Jobs With Animals when applying for this role.