Job Vacancies
FUN FACT
Hopefield is home to over 100 species of animals, and nearly 700 animals in total!
JOB VACANCIES
Santa Claus (yes, really!)
Location: Hopefield Animal Sanctuary, Brentwood
Hours: 10am – 3pm, including a 30-minute break
Pay: Competitive rates
We’re looking for a very special someone to don the famous red suit and become Hopefield’s very own Santa Claus for our Christmas at Ho-Ho-Hopefield event this festive season!
This is one of the most magical events in our calendar, welcoming families to the sanctuary for a festive day out and, of course, a very important visit to Santa. We’re looking for someone warm, confident and full of Christmas spirit who can bring the magic of Santa to life and create wonderful memories for the children and families visiting us.
Required Dates
Applicants MUST be available for all of the following dates:
- Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th November
- Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th December
- Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th December
- Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th December
- Monday 21st, Tuesday 22nd & Wednesday 23rd December
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FULL JOB DESCRIPTION
To apply, please email a cover statement explaining why you’d be perfect for this role, (essential) and confirmation that you’re able to work all required dates, to office@hopefield.org.uk
Office Administrator (Maternity Cover)
Hourly Rate: Minimum Wage +50p
Hours: 35 hours per week (9am – 5pm with 1 hour unpaid lunch)
Days: Weekends essential + 3 weekdays
Location: Brentwood, Essex
Contract Length: 8 months (with potential for permanent)
Start Date: Immediate
We’re looking for a friendly, organised and proactive Office Administrator to join our small office team on a maternity cover basis.
This is a varied and rewarding role where no two days are the same. You’ll be helping support the sanctuary’s daily operations, communicating with supporters and visitors, coordinating admin tasks, and assisting with fundraising and events that directly help our rescued animals.
Key Responsibilities
- Managing bookings for Hopefield Boarding for Small Animals
- Preparing and sending sponsorship packs and supporter mail-outs
- Assisting with gift shop stock management
- Managing admin for our Save a Life Campaign
- Responding to visitor enquiries and booking confirmations
- General office administration, including filing, data entry and communications
- Supporting the organisation and promotion of events and fundraisers
We’d love to hear from someone who is:
- Organised, reliable and hardworking
- Friendly and confident communicating with the public
- Able to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
- Self-motivated and proactive
- Competent using computers and social media platforms
- Passionate about animal welfare and the work we do
- Experienced with administrative work
To apply, please email a cover letter (essential) and your CV (also essential) to office@hopefield.org.uk
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.
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.
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