Animal Management Trainer​/Facilitator; instructor

Job title:

Animal Management Trainer/Facilitator (instructor)

Job reference: REQ
003021

Date posted: 05/02/2026

Final date to receive applications: 15/03/2026

Location:

Paignton, Devon

Salary: £25,756.00 - £28,559.00 per annum

Package:
Plus excellent benefits

Contractual hours: 37 hours per week

Basis:
Full Time

Job category/type:
Academic

Animal Management Trainer Facilitator (Instructor) Maternity Cover REQ TF3021

Salary: £25,756.00 - £28,559.00 per annum.

Contract Type:
Fixed term until 16/07/2027, 37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year.

Location:

Paignton, Devon

We are on the lookout for an enthusiastic, hands‑on Animal Management Trainer/Facilitator to help run our vibrant Animal Unit and inspire the next generation of animal care professionals. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who thrives in a practical environment, enjoys working with a diverse range of species, and loves supporting learners as they build skills, confidence, and career‑ready experience.

• Leading the Way – Follow the daily rota to help keep the Animal Unit running smoothly, ensuring top‑tier animal welfare and professional practice at all times.
• Inspiring Future Animal Pros – Instruct, support, and motivate students across full‑time and part‑time Animal Management programmes as they learn hands‑on skills and complete daily duties.
• Assessing Skills & Progress – Carry out assessments – formal, informal, and everything in between in line with awarding body standards and internal processes.
• Teamwork Makes the Dream Work – Work closely with the Animal Unit Lead Coordinator, Industry Placement Coordinator, Programme Coordinator, lecturers, and employers to plan engaging, high‑quality practical learning.
• Shaping Our Animal Collection – Help develop and improve the animal collection so it continues to meet curriculum needs and enrich the student experience.
• Growing Your Own Skills – Continue developing your expertise both in animal management and in teaching/instruction.
• Building Brilliant Relationships – Develop strong, positive working relationships with students, colleagues, employers, and external partners.

• Passionate about animals and welfare
• Energetic, proactive, and student‑focused
• Great at communicating and motivating others
• Happy working across a busy, hands‑on learning environment
• Excited about shaping student success

• A lively, supportive animal unit full of character (and characters!)
• Opportunity to work with a wide variety of species
• A role where no two days are the same
• A chance to genuinely impact the future of learners entering the animal industry
• A warm, collaborative team that loves what they do

Ready to join us? If you’re passionate, committed, and excited about helping students grow into confident, skilled animal care professionals, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and help us make a difference, one pawprint at a time!

At South Devon College we are passionate that excellent teaching and learning can transform lives. We seek to achieve at the highest levels and welcome staff who share our drive for success.

In return, you can expect access to an exciting range of training, apprenticeship and opportunities for degree level study alongside your work to keep you at the top of your game, as well as generous holiday allowance of 25 days pro rata and a strong emphasis on work‑life balance.

The staff at South Devon College are truly inspirational and this is a reflection on the whole College culture of continuous improvement and support for all of our students and communities. We hold the prestigious Investors in People (IIP) Platinum accreditation, the highest level awarded by the people management standard. This prominent distinction confirms the College’s status as not just a leading Further Education College, but also as a top employer in the country, as it joins the top 7% of accredited organisations across the UK.

We aim to provide our learners with excellent teaching and learning. Our staff are highly adept at working with and developing skills and knowledge in learners from different backgrounds. Our…