Farm Support Worker

Farm Support Worker 
Department: Land Based Industries
Salary: £24,316 per annum
Contract Type: Permanent Full time 37 hours per week

Reference: REC2290 | Closing Date: Thursday, 16th October 2025

The Opportunity 

 

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.

About You

You’ll be someone who enjoys working outdoors and getting stuck into practical, hands-on tasks. You’ll have a genuine passion for animals and their welfare, along with an interest in land-based education and sharing that enthusiasm with others. Whether it’s supporting our students, caring for our animals, or engaging with our visitors, you’ll bring energy and a can-do attitude to everything you do.

You’ll have at least two years of relevant work experience and a background in caring for a range of animal species, such as exotics, farm livestock and small mammals. Your experience will enable you to deliver excellent standards of husbandry and welfare across the farm. You’ll also have front-facing customer service experience, helping you to communicate confidently and warmly with our visitors, students and colleagues.

You’ll be dependable, proactive and happy working both on your own initiative and as part of a friendly, supportive team. As the role involves weekend work and a variety of duties, you’ll need to be adaptable and enjoy the variety that comes with working on a busy, educational farm. You’ll take pride in keeping the animals healthy and happy, the facilities safe and tidy, and the farm welcoming for everyone.

Overall, you’ll be someone who brings energy, care and teamwork to the role – helping to make Wigfield Farm a great place to learn, work and visit.

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 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
  
   

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 19.2% 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 onsite 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 onsite salon 
• On site subsidised Starbucks and food outlets offering a variety of dining options
• Free breakfast provided daily for all staff members
• Our shared purpose - We believe in transforming the lives of both our learners and staff

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 level
• Comprehensive Wellbeing Support

Closing date for applications is Thursday, 16th October 2025. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early depending on the level of interest.

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.