Farm Support Worker

Barnsley College; Barnsley; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in Barnsley is seeking a Farm Support Worker to ensure the welfare of various animals and assist in delivering engaging learning experiences. This role involves a mix of animal care, activity development, and visitor interaction, suitable for someone with experience in a land-based subject. The ideal candidate has strong animal care skills, customer service experience, and a passion for education.

Benefits

Substantial annual leave entitlement

Local Government Pension Scheme

Funded CPD opportunities

Free Barnsley College courses

Health cash plans

Discounted gym membership

Free breakfast daily

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of relevant work experience.
• Experience working with a range of animal species.
• Paediatric First Aid certificate (or willingness to work towards).

Responsibilities

• Care for a wide variety of animals and maintain high welfare standards.
• Provide practical support to staff and students.
• Contribute to visitor-facing activities like guided tours.

Skills

Animal care

Customer service

Health and safety compliance

Education

Level 3 qualification in a land-based subject

GCSE Maths and English at Level 2

Job description

Overview

As our Farm Support Worker, you will play an important part in the daily running of Wigfield Farm, our centre for Land Based Studies. You will help care for a wide variety of animals - from livestock and small mammals to exotics - ensuring their welfare, health and enrichment are always maintained to a high standard. Working alongside staff and students, you will provide practical support that helps deliver an engaging and high-quality learning experience for those studying Land based programmes. You will also contribute to the lively visitor side of the farm, helping to run activities such as guided tours, keeper talks, school visits, parties and seasonal events. You will work closely with the Activity Coordinator to develop and deliver activities that inspire visitors and showcase the farm's educational value. Your duties will include a mix of animal care, maintenance, and security tasks, as well as transporting animals and equipment when needed. You will ensure that all health and safety procedures are followed to keep the farm safe for both people and animals. The role combines farm support work during the week with activity delivery at weekends, offering plenty of variety and opportunities to get involved in all aspects of farm life. This is a hands-on and fulfilling role where you\'ll contribute to the care of the animals, the learning experience of our students, and the enjoyment of our visitors. You will be part of a committed team that helps make Wigfield Farm a welcoming, educational and inspiring place for everyone.

Responsibilities

• Care for a wide variety of animals (livestock, small mammals, exotics) and maintain high welfare, health and enrichment standards.
• Provide practical support to staff and students to deliver engaging learning experiences in Land based programmes.
• Contribute to visitor-facing activities such as guided tours, keeper talks, school visits, parties and seasonal events.
• Collaborate with the Activity Coordinator to develop and deliver activities that inspire visitors and showcase the farm\'s educational value.
• Perform a mix of animal care, maintenance and security tasks, and transport animals and equipment when needed.
• Follow all health and safety procedures to keep the farm safe for people and animals.
• Work on a schedule that includes weekdays farm support and weekend activity delivery, providing variety and involvement in all aspects of farm life.

Qualifications and Experience

• Level 3 qualification in a land-based subject (or willingness to work towards).
• GCSE Maths and English at Level 2 or above (or willingness to work towards).
• Paediatric First Aid certificate (or willingness to work towards).
• At least 2 years\' relevant work experience.
• Experience working with a range of animal species (e.g. exotics, livestock, rodents).
• Front-facing customer service experience.

Benefits and Additional Information

• 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 19.2% employer contribution.
• 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 professional and personal development (subject to approval).
• 24/7 access to same-day GP appointments.
• Exclusive discounts and cashback for retail, dining and leisure as part of YouatWork.
• Access to health cash plans via Westfield Health Scheme or Health Shield.
• Discounted college gym membership with onsite facilities.
• Support for mental health with access to free counselling services and Foundations App.
• Discounts for greener travel including Northern Rail, Trainline and Cycle to Work.
• Free Microsoft Office 365 for personal use on up to five devices.
• Access to discounted hair and beauty therapies at onsite salon.
• On-site subsidised Starbucks and food outlets with a variety of dining options.
• Free breakfast provided daily for all staff members.
• Our shared purpose: transforming the lives of both learners and staff.