Job Vacancies
FUN FACT
Hopefield is home to over 100 species of animals, and nearly 700 animals in total!
JOB VACANCIES
Temp Office Assistant – Immediate Start
Pay: National Minimum Wage + 50p per hour
Hours: 35 hours per week, 9am–5pm (including a one-hour unpaid lunch)
Working days: Saturday and Sunday, plus three weekdays
Location: Hopefield Animal Sanctuary, Brentwood, Essex
Contract: Temporary until April 2027, with the possibility of becoming permanent
Start date: Immediate
Join our small, friendly office team and help make a difference to rescued animals
Due to being short-staffed in our office, we’re looking for a friendly, organised and proactive Temp Office Assistant who is available to start immediately.
This is a varied and rewarding role at the heart of Hopefield Animal Sanctuary. You’ll help keep our day-to-day operations running smoothly, support our visitors and supporters, and assist with important campaigns, events and administration—all of which directly contribute to the care of our rescued animals.
No two days are quite the same, so this would be a great opportunity for someone who enjoys variety, takes initiative and wants their work to have a genuine purpose.
What you’ll be doing
- Managing bookings and enquiries for Hopefield Boarding for Small Animals
- Preparing and sending animal sponsorship packs and supporter mail-outs
- Helping to manage stock for our gift shop
- Managing administration for our Save a Life Campaign
- Responding to visitor enquiries and sending booking confirmations
- Carrying out general office duties, including filing, data entry and communications
- Supporting the planning, administration and promotion of sanctuary events and fundraisers
- Helping the wider team with other day-to-day tasks when needed
We’d love to hear from you if you are:
- Available to start immediately
- Happy and able to work every Saturday and Sunday, plus three weekdays
- Friendly, approachable and confident communicating with the public
- Organised, reliable and hardworking
- Comfortable managing several tasks in a busy environment
- Self-motivated, proactive and willing to get stuck in
- Confident using computers and social media platforms
- Experienced in administration or a similar office-based role
- Passionate about animal welfare and supportive of Hopefield’s values
How to apply
Please email your CV and a cover letter explaining why you would be a good fit for the role and confirming your availability to start to office@hopefield.org.uk.
Both a CV and cover letter are essential for your application to be considered.
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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