Animal Experience &Party Leader

Barnsley College; Barnsley; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local Government Pension Scheme

CPD opportunities

Career advancement opportunities

Free Barnsley College courses

YouatWork discounts

Gym on-site

Job summary

Barnsley College is seeking a dedicated Animal Experience and Party Leader to join the Landbased Industries team at Wigfield Farm in Barnsley. You will plan, market, sell and host animal experiences and children's parties, delivering fun, safe and informative visits for families and visitors.

You will manage bookings, engage with guests, coordinate activities and work with colleagues across the farm to provide outstanding customer service, while handling animals safely for encounters.

Qualifications

• Level 3 qualification in an animal-related discipline.
• Maths and English at Level 2 or above, or working towards them.
• Health and Safety qualification, or willingness to obtain one.
• Paediatric First Aid qualification, or willingness to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Plan, market, sell and host animal experiences and children’s parties.
• Manage bookings and payments.
• Welcome and engage with guests and deliver excellent customer service.
• Coordinate activities with farm colleagues to ensure smooth experiences.
• Work with animals and prepare them safely for encounters, including halter training and habituation.
• Weekend work and school-holiday hosting/activities are required.

Skills

Front-facing customer service

Good presentation

Good communication and interpersonal

Health and safety awareness

Flexible and reliable

Willingness to learn and develop

Team player

Education

Level 3 animal-related qualification

Maths and English Level 2+

Health and Safety qualification

Paediatric First Aid qualification

Job description

Animal Experience and Party Leader

Land Based Industries

Salary: £25,775 per annum

Contract Type: Permanent Full time 37 hours per week

Reference: REC2532 | Closing Date: Sunday 25th October 2026

The Opportunity

Are you passionate about animals and love creating memorable experiences for children, families and visitors?

We have an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic Animal Experience and Party Leader to join our Landbased Industries team at Wigfield Farm.

Wigfield Farm is Barnsley College’s Centre for Land Based Studies and operates as an open farm and visitor centre seven days a week. In this varied role, you will help plan, market, sell and host animal experiences and children’s parties, creating fun, safe and informative experiences for our visitors.

You will manage bookings and payments, welcome and engage with guests, coordinate activities and work with colleagues across the farm to deliver excellent customer service.

You will also work directly with a variety of animals, helping to prepare them safely for encounters through activities including halter training and habituation.

No two days will be the same. During the week, your time will include marketing, bookings and planning experiences and parties, while weekends and school holidays will involve hosting and delivering activities. The role forms part of the farm rota and therefore weekend working is required.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who can combine their animal experience with excellent people skills and a flair for creating enjoyable experiences for customers.

About You

You will be confident working with a variety of animals and equally comfortable engaging with children, families and other visitors.

We are looking for someone who is approachable, enthusiastic and reliable, with strong communication and presentation skills.

You will have a flexible approach to work, enjoy being part of a team and be willing to continue learning and developing your skills.

You will understand the importance of health and safety when working with both animals and members of the public and be committed to providing a positive, professional customer experience.

Below is a list of some of the key skills, qualifications and experience we are seeking for this exciting opportunity.

Required

• Level 3 qualification in an animal-related discipline.
• Maths and English at Level 2 or above, or a willingness to work towards these qualifications.
• Health and Safety qualification, or a willingness to work towards one.
• Paediatric First Aid qualification, or a willingness to work towards one.
• Minimum of two years’ relevant work experience.
• Experience of working with a variety of animal species, for example exotics, farm livestock and rodents.
• Front-facing customer service experience.
• Good presentation skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• An awareness of health and safety.
• A flexible and reliable approach to work.
• Willingness to learn and undertake further training and development.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Reasons to join us

• We offer substantial annual leave entitlement (Up to 47 days per year including bank and public holidays)
• Holiday purchase scheme to buy additional annual leave days
• Local Government Pension Scheme – with a generous 15.7% employer contribution!
• We invest in our people through funded CPD opportunities, regular staff development training and paid volunteering days
• Career advancement opportunities with tailored support for staff to progress
• Free Barnsley College courses to support your professional and personal development (subject to approval)
• 24/7 access to same day appointments with a GP
• Exclusive discounts and cashback for retail, dining and leisure as part of YouatWork
• Access to health cash plans as members of the Westfield Health Scheme or Health Shield
• Discounted college gym membership with on-site facilities
• Supporting employee mental health through access to free counselling services and the Foundations App
• Discounts schemes for greener travel including Northern Rail, Trainline and Cycle to Work
• Free Microsoft Office 365 for personal use on up to five machines
• Access to discounted hair and beauty therapies at our on-site salon
• On site subsidised Starbucks and food outlets offering a variety of dining options
• Free breakfast provided daily for all staff members

The Barnsley College Advantage

When you join us, you can expect to benefit from The Barnsley College Advantage. This is the advantage of:

• Being supported to achieve your personal and professional goals
• A range of flexible working opportunities
• Autonomy, Empowerment and Accountability
• Short- and Long-Term development commitments
• Access to experiencing work in a range of areas
• Working in a Value and Behaviour led organisation
• Reward and Recognition
• Having your voice heard at every levelc
• Comprehensive Wellbeing Support

Closing date for applications is Sunday 25th October 2026. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early depending on the level of interest.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and be able to demonstrate this at the point of appointment. Please note that we are unable to offer Skilled Worker visa sponsorship for this position.

Barnsley College is committed to creating a dynamic and diverse workforce and welcomes applications from all candidates regardless of their gender, disability, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or faith. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview. The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure from DBS.

Please be aware that it is a Criminal offence to apply for this post if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity in connection to children.

We are committed to sustainability, embedding environmentally responsible practices across everything we do and preparing our learners for a low‑carbon future. Find out more about our approach: View our Sustainability Strategy