Job Vacancies
FUN FACT
JOB VACANCIES
Trainee Animal Caregiver
Hours: 16 per week
Days: 2.5 days a week (to be discussed at interview)
Wages: £7.55 – £12.21 per hour (National Minimum Wage)
Closing Date: 25th January 2026
About the Role
Are you passionate about animals and their welfare, but struggling to find that all-important first step into animal care? Or perhaps you’re looking for a meaningful career change into the animal welfare sector?
We’re excited to be recruiting for a brand-new Trainee Animal Caregiver role at Hopefield Animal Sanctuary. This position has been created as our sanctuary continues to grow, allowing our management team to focus more on vital administrative and strategic work, while strengthening our hands-on animal care team.
No previous animal care experience is required.
This role comes with a full, structured training programme, led by our General Manager, Lianne, making it the perfect opportunity for someone eager to learn, develop new skills, and build a long-term career in animal welfare. Under close supervision and guidance, you’ll learn how to provide the highest standard of daily care while supporting the wellbeing of animals who now call Hopefield their forever home.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare and provide daily feeds and fresh water
- Clean and maintain animal enclosures to exceptionally high welfare standards
- Observe animal health and behaviour, reporting any concerns promptly
- Provide enrichment to support animals’ physical and mental wellbeing
- Assist with grooming tasks, such as brushing and basic hygiene care
- Support routine health checks and basic treatments as required
- Engage with visitors, answering questions and sharing our animal welfare message
- Maintain high standards of hygiene, health & safety, and biosecurity
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for someone who is:
- Passionate about animal welfare and ethical care
- Eager to learn and open to training and feedback
- Reliable, punctual, and committed to a full-time role
- Able to work both independently and as part of a close-knit team
- Friendly and confident when interacting with visitors
- Physically able to carry out a hands-on role, including lifting and cleaning
- Willing to work weekends and bank holidays as part of a rota
What We Offer
- A rare entry-level opportunity into animal welfare
- A structured training programme led by an experience management team
- Hands-on experience caring for rescued animals
- A supportive, welcoming workplace with a strong team ethos
- The chance to make a genuine difference every single day
If you’re ready to start (or restart!) your journey into animal care and want to be part of a sanctuary that always puts welfare first, we’d love to hear from you.
To apply, please send your cover letter and CV to office@hopefield.org.uk
Note: If shortlisted for this position, we will require 2 references for us to contact.
Volunteering
Animal Care Volunteer (join our waiting list)
Volunteering at our sanctuary is a truly special opportunity to make a hands-on difference to the lives of hundreds of rescued animals who now call this place home. From cheeky pigs and gentle cows to curious exotics, much-loved small animals like cats and rabbits, and our wonderful equine residents, no two days are ever the same. Every role plays an important part in keeping our animals happy, healthy and safe.
As an Animal Care Volunteer, you’ll work alongside our dedicated team, supporting the day-to-day care of our residents. Your role will include preparing food and fresh bedding, cleaning and maintaining enclosures, helping with enrichment, and ensuring each animal’s environment is clean, comfortable and stimulating. There’s also plenty of opportunity to observe animal behaviour, learn about welfare and care, and enjoy those special moments that come from spending time with animals who have been given a second chance at life.
Volunteers can choose to work a half day (8am – 1.30pm) or a full day (8am – 4pm), depending on availability, and roles are available across our different sections:
- Farm Section
- Exotics Section
- Pet Section
- Equine Section
In return for your time and commitment, you’ll gain invaluable hands-on experience in animal care, develop new skills, build confidence, and become part of a friendly, passionate team who all share the same goal – giving rescued animals the very best life possible. Volunteering here is hard work and often outdoors in all weathers, but it is incredibly rewarding and makes a genuine, lasting impact every single day.
This role may not be the right fit if you’re looking for occasional or short-term volunteering, prefer indoor or desk-based roles, or aren’t comfortable working outside and getting cold, muddy or mucky at times. Our animals rely on consistent routines and familiar faces, so volunteers are asked to commit to the same day each week. While the work can be physical and sometimes tough, those who can commit find it hugely fulfilling.
If you’re compassionate, reliable, not afraid to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in, and would love to be part of something truly meaningful, we’d love to welcome you to our sanctuary family.
Food Donation Collector
Location: Brentwood / Ongar
Days Needed: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday
We are looking for reliable volunteers to help collect donated food from local locations in the Brentwood and Ongar areas. These donations play a vital role in helping us feed our rescued animals, and this support makes a huge difference to their daily care.
Volunteers will need their own medium–large vehicle, as some days can involve collecting a large number of bags of food. We also recommend bringing a car liner or sheet to protect your vehicle and prevent any spillages during transport.
You don’t need to commit every week — we’re hoping to build a friendly group of volunteers who can share the collections between themselves, offering flexibility to fit around other commitments.
There is also the potential for additional collection slots and locations to become available over time, so it would be great to have multiple volunteers on board.
If you’re able to help, please email office@hopefield.org.uk and we’ll send you full details, including locations and collection times.
Thank you for supporting our animals!
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