Careers

Job Vacancies

Are you passionate about the welfare of animals? Are you interested in pursuing a career with animals and are looking to gain experience? Then a position at Hopefield Animal Sanctuary may be right for you! Any job or volunteer opportunities that become available will be uploaded to this page so please keep checking back for the latest positions.

FUN FACT

Hopefield is home to over 100 species of animals, and over 500 animals in total!

JOB VACANCIES

There are no paid positions at the moment - please check back at a later date.

Volunteering

Events Volunteers

Location: Hopefield Animal Sanctuary, Brentwood, Essex
Commitment: Flexible – no fixed hours
Age Requirement: 18+

Do you love getting involved, meeting new people and being part of something meaningful? Our Events Volunteers play a vital role in helping us raise essential funds to care for our 700 rescued animals – and no two events are ever the same!

As an Events Volunteer, you’ll be part of a friendly, passionate team supporting our busy calendar of family fun days, seasonal events, quizzes, doggy fun days and more. There’s a huge variety of ways to get involved, making this a brilliant role for those who work or can only spare occasional time.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ROLE DESCRIPTION

Click the button below to register your interest!

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!

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.