Animal Keeper Assistant

Grazing and Livestock Ranger (Animal Keeper Assistant)

Permanent

Grade A - £24,796 - £28,142

Consultation grade - subject to formal evaluation under the Equal Pay Programme

Working 36.5 hours per week

Based at either Sheldon Country Park or Sutton Park

Birmingham City Council is seeking to recruit two Grazing & Livestock Rangers to support the delivery of conservation grazing across the city’s parks, open spaces and nature reserves.

As part of Birmingham’s commitment as the UK’s first accredited Nature City, and delivery of the City of Nature 25-Year Plan, conservation grazing plays a vital role in enhancing biodiversity, improving habitats and maintaining our landscapes.

Working as part of the Ranger Service, you will be responsible for the day-to-day management, welfare and handling of livestock across a range of sites. This is a practical, hands‑on role requiring experience, confidence and a strong commitment to animal welfare and environmental management.

• Manage the daily care, welfare and handling of livestock
• Deliver conservation grazing programmes across multiple sites
• Monitor animal health and liaise with veterinary professionals where required
• Maintain fencing, infrastructure and grazing areas
• Support habitat management and biodiversity objectives
• Engage with members of the public to promote understanding of conservation grazing
• Supervise volunteers and support community involvement

• Proven experience working with livestock in a practical setting
• Knowledge of animal welfare standards and relevant legislation
• Confidence handling large animals in varied environments
• Understanding of conservation grazing and habitat management
• Good communication skills and the ability to engage with the public
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• A relevant qualification in agriculture, countryside management or a related field is desirable.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in shaping Birmingham’s natural environment, contributing to biodiversity recovery and working at the heart of local communities.

• Membership of West Midlands Pension Fund – with generous employer contributions
• Enhanced Holiday Entitlement – 30 days, increasing with length of service
• My Rewards Scheme – access to 800+ brands providing discounts and savings
• Health and wellbeing support – independent and confidential employee assistance and counselling, occupational health

Please upload an up‑to‑date CV and Supporting Statement via the attachments part of your application. The Supporting Statement should outline how you meet the criteria for the role through your personal qualities, skills and experience and include your motivation for applying to the post. Note the Personal Statement should be no more than 1500 words. Unfortunately, we cannot consider any applications without a CV and Personal Statement attached.

Birmingham City Council is an accredited Disability Confident Leader employer, and we are committed to employing, retaining and developing all of our people.

We want to ensure your recruitment journey with us is a positive and equitable one, so please let us know if there are any reasonable adjustments, additional support, accessibility needs, or if there is any way in which we can support you through your application.

For any informal enquiries please contact the Resourcing Team.

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be undertaken.

Proof of Right to work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed.

Birmingham City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our citizens and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. You can view our Corporate Safeguarding Policy here.

Sponsorship is not available for this post. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK that does not require employer sponsorship for the duration of the appointment.