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 nearly 700 animals in total!

JOB VACANCIES

Animal Caregiver Team Leader

Salary: £28,000 per annum
Hours: 35 hours per week (8am – 4.30pm)
Days: 5 days a week on a rota (most Monday to Friday with occasional weekend work to cover holidays)
Location: Brentwood, Essex
Closing Date: Sunday 23rd August 2026

IMPORTANT: THIS IS NOT AN ENTRY-LEVEL ROLE. Only serious applications will be considered. Applicants must be able to demonstrate substantial hands-on experience with large animals, including equines, together with practical experience of managing people.

The opportunity

This is a rewarding opportunity for an experienced animal-care professional and practical people leader. You will coordinate the day-to-day work of our Animal Caregiver team and dedicated volunteers, supported by a Senior Animal Caregiver, and Volunteer Experience Lead, while maintaining consistently high standards of welfare, safety, cleanliness and teamwork.

You will remain hands-on and willing to help wherever needed, but your main priority will be supervising people, organising the day’s work and ensuring that everything is completed safely and to the required standard. The role would particularly suit someone with yard-management experience who is confident working with large animals and leading a busy team.

For the right person, there is scope to continue developing within Hopefield. Someone who demonstrates commitment, sound judgement and strong leadership may have the opportunity to progress into a management role in the future.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FULL JOB DESCRIPTION

To apply, please email a cover letter (essential) and your CV (also essential) to office@hopefield.org.uk

Volunteer Experience Lead

Salary: £24,000 per annum
Hours: 32.5 hours per week (8am – 4pm)
Days: 5 days a week on a rotaLocation: Hopefield Animal Sanctuary, Brentwood
Closing Date: Sunday 16^th August 2026

At Hopefield, we believe every animal deserves compassion, and every person who gives their time deserves to feel valued, supported and inspired.

Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. The Volunteer Experience Lead exists to ensure every volunteer has a positive, rewarding and memorable experience every time they visit.

Purpose of the Role

The Volunteer Experience Lead is responsible for creating an outstanding volunteer experience.

This isn’t a desk-based management role. It’s a hands-on role working alongside volunteers, supporting them throughout the day, helping them feel confident, answering questions, celebrating their achievements and ensuring they always feel part of the Hopefield family.

The Volunteer Experience Lead is the person who notices when someone is struggling, welcomes new faces, thanks volunteers personally and helps create a positive, supportive culture.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FULL JOB DESCRIPTION

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.

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.