Practical Aquatics Instructor
💰Salary: Up to £28,167 per annum (dependent upon qualifications, skills and experience)
🕒Working Pattern: Full-time (37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year)
📋Contract: Permanent
📍Location: Sparsholt Campus, Hampshire
📅Closing Date: 16th August 2026
🐠 Sparsholt College is expanding its practical teaching team and is seeking an enthusiastic and knowledgeable Practical Aquatics Instructor to join our Animal Management provision.
Based within our Aquatic Research and Conservation Centre (ARCC), you will play a key role in delivering high-quality practical teaching and assessment across our Further Education Animal Management programmes. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with strong industry experience to share their expertise, inspire learners and contribute to one of the UK's most unique aquatics teaching facilities.
The Aquatic Research and Conservation Centre is a purpose-built 650m² fish house housing stocks of Carp, Catfish, Tilapia and a wide range of ornamental species, alongside a large indoor Koi pool, dedicated research areas and state-of-the-art aquatic systems, many supported by leading industry partners.
As a Practical Aquatics Instructor, you will: 🐟
• Deliver engaging and innovative practical teaching sessions in aquatic animal husbandry, welfare and management.
• Support and assess learners studying Animal Management programmes.
• Contribute to the daily care and management of a diverse and exciting aquatic animal collection.
• Assist in the development of husbandry practices, species collection planning and enrichment opportunities.
• Use a range of teaching approaches to engage learners with varying needs and abilities.
• Create a positive, inclusive learning environment where all students can thrive and achieve their full potential.
Candidates should be educated to at least Level 3 in a relevant subject, such as Animal Management, Aquaculture or Fisheries. You will be able to demonstrate significant practical experience working with a range of aquatic animal species, alongside a genuine passion for animal welfare and inspiring the next generation of animal management professionals.
Applicants should hold an appropriate teaching qualification, or be willing to work towards one. The ideal candidate will have experience working within an educational setting and supporting learners with EHCPs and additional learning needs, although this is not essential.
We actively encourage Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and are committed to supporting staff in developing their skills and expertise.
This role is based at our Sparsholt campus, therefore the ability to travel independently to the site is desirable.
✨ If you are passionate about aquatics, committed to excellent animal care and excited by the opportunity to shape the future of the industry, we would love to hear from you.
Why Join Us? 🌱
At Sparsholt College, you’ll work within a stunning rural campus set in beautiful Hampshire countryside. With open green spaces, specialist land-based facilities and a peaceful natural setting, Sparsholt offers an inspiring environment to build your career.
You’ll benefit from:
- A friendly, collaborative team that values efficiency, communication and shared success
- A peaceful, spacious campus setting
- A role with real impact, helping students achieve their qualifications and progress to the next stage of their education or career
College Benefits: 🎓
• Eligibility to join the Local Government Pension Scheme LGPS (defined pension scheme)
• Free on-site parking
• Occupational Sick Pay & Maternity Pay schemes
• Flexible Working Policy
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme
• Free on-campus gym at Sparsholt Campus
• Opportunity to purchase Sparsholt-grown produce: plants, fresh fruit & veg, fish, and game
• Discounted hair treatments at the Andover campus salon
• Wide range of CPD events, plus support with professional qualifications
🌈Join us in making a difference!
Make a real difference every day – help students grow, thrive, and reach their potential!
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received.
The College is committed to safeguarding and promotes the welfare of all learners and expects all staff to share this commitment.
All successful applicants will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring (DBS) check and to provide proof of their eligibility to work in the UK.