DescriptionSupporting documentsEmployerLocation
Animal Technician
Department: Landbased Industries
Salary: £26,667 per annum
Contract Type: Permanent | Full time, 37 hours per week
Reference: REC2446 | Closing Date: Sunday 21st June 2026
The Opportunity
Barnsley College is seeking a dedicated and hands on Animal Technician to join our Landbased Industries team at Wigfield Farm. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in supporting the day to day operation of a busy working farm that acts as both a learning environment and a public visitor attraction.
Wigfield Farm serves as the College’s Centre for Land Based Studies and operates as an open farm and visitor centre, open seven days a week. In this role, you will support both the farm and its educational provision, working with a wide variety of animal collections while helping to deliver an engaging and high quality experience for learners, staff and visitors.
At the heart of the role is a commitment to maintaining high standards of animal husbandry, ensuring the welfare of all animals and supporting learners to develop their practical skills in a realistic working environment.
What You’ll Be Doing
As an Animal Technician, you will support all aspects of animal care and farm operations, carrying out daily husbandry routines, environmental enrichment and animal observations while ensuring accurate records are maintained. You will be responsible for maintaining high animal welfare standards within designated animal accommodation and ensuring all work is completed in line with college and farm procedures.
You will assist in maintaining animal housing, enclosures and field boundaries to a high standard, ensuring that all areas are safe, clean and well managed. You will also support the transport of animals and equipment where required and ensure the safekeeping and security of resources across the farm.
You will also support the delivery of visitor activities and events, including keeper talks and school visits, ensuring that the farm continues to provide an engaging and professional experience for the public. In addition, you may be required to carry out security duties and follow a rota that includes weekend and bank holiday working.
About You
You will be a motivated and reliable individual with a strong background in animal care and a genuine passion for animal welfare.
You will be confident working with different types of animals and environments and able to take responsibility for maintaining high standards within animal enclosures and facilities. You will also be comfortable working in a public facing environment, supporting visitors and contributing to events and activities.
You will demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage positively with learners, colleagues and the public. With a flexible and proactive approach, you will be able to adapt to the demands of a busy working farm and contribute effectively as part of a team.
Essential Skills, Qualifications and Experience
•Level 3 qualification in Animal Management
•Maths and English at Level 2 or above or a willingness to work towards
•First Aid at Work certificate (or a willingness to work towards)
•Full driver’s license
•Minimum of 2 years’ employment within the animal industry
•Front facing customer service experience
•Experience of taking responsibility of a variety of different species of animals (e.g. exotics, domesticated mammals, rodents)
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 Sunday, 21st June 2026. 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.
Safeguarding Statement
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.