2025 Animal Farm Worker Job in Sheffield – Join Graves Park Weekend Team

Introduction:

Do you have a passion for animals and a flair for engaging with people? Sheffield City Council is inviting dedicated and experienced animal lovers to join Graves Park Animal Farm as an Animal Farm Worker. This is your opportunity to be part of a small yet enthusiastic team, caring for both rare and domestic breeds while providing memorable experiences to over 350,000 annual visitors.

Description:

Working at Animal Farm as a Worker, you will provide hands-on animal care and interaction with the public. Whether it is feeding and checking livestock to greeting visitors, or helping out at busy events, you will be a key part of ensuring the farm achieves its best levels of welfare and service delivery. It is a part-time, 1-year temporary post based in the middle of Sheffield’s most popular park.

Company Overview:

Sheffield City Council is an ambitious local authority to provides exceptional services to its people. Graves Park Animal Farm is a council-run facility and a popular place for people, where rare and domestic animals are displayed in a picturesque, family-friendly setting. The Council supports equality, diversity, and inclusion and is committed to an active and successful outreach, particularly to underrepresented groups, and the provision of flexible working arrangements.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Animal Husbandry – Care for a variety of animals, including poultry, waterfowl, and livestock, ensuring excellent welfare standards.
• Stock Management – Maintain accurate stock control and support breeding programs.
• Public Engagement – Welcome visitors, answer questions, and assist in the Farm Shop and events to boost community engagement and income.
• Team Collaboration – Work alongside volunteers and occasionally support satellite sites in Sheffield.
• Administrative Tasks – Keep detailed and accurate records related to animal care, stock, and visitor services.

Requirements:

• Proven experience in animal husbandry, preferably with poultry and waterfowl.
• Strong communication and people skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Good organizational skills for record-keeping.
• Flexibility to work weekends and cover staff absences.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion values.

Salary and Benefits:

• Pay Rate: £25,583 – £25,989 a year pro rata (Grade 3)
• Hours: 15 hours per week, Saturdays & Sundays (8 am–4 pm)
• Enhancements: Additional pay for weekend work
• Contract: Temporary, 1 year
• Inclusive Workplace: Guaranteed interview for disabled applicants meeting essential criteria (Disability Confident Scheme)
• Flexibility: Support for unpaid carers and flexible working options
• DBS Check: Enhanced check required for safeguarding purposes

Job Position:

Position Title: Animal Farm Worker
Department: Graves Park Animal Farm, Sheffield City Council
Location: Graves Animal Farm, Graves Park, Sheffield S8 8LL
Job Reference: REQ003579

Visa Sponsorship:

Sheffield City Council’s job listings generally do not advertise visa sponsorship for this role. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application.

How to Apply:

• Visit the Sheffield City Council Careers portal.
• Search using Job Reference: REQ003579.
• Complete the online application form and submit required documents.
• Applications close August 14, 2025.
• For informal inquiries, contact Jack Tankard, Head Stockperson, at jack.tankard@sheffield.gov.uk.

FAQs:

Q1: Is this a permanent job?
No, this is a short-term (1-year) position.

Q2: Do you have to work weekends?
Yeah, you will work on Saturday and Sunday with up-lifts on dates during weekends.

Q3: Is this position customer-facing?
Ok, you will have regular contact with visitors, event support, and in the Farm Shop.

Q4: Is there a possibility of advancing in the career?
Though this appointment is of a fixed-time nature, there are numerous permanent and internal opportunities available at the Sheffield City Council.

Q5: Is there a need to have prior animal care?
Yes, certainly, particularly with poultry and waterfowl, and a knowledge of breeding and management of stock.