An exciting opportunity has arisen for an animal lover to be responsible for the farm animals, 25 acres of paddock and parkland and to occasionally assist the groom with our horses. You must be experienced and confident in handling farm animals.
We have a small flock of Texel sheep, a small herd of Dexter cows and chickens. You will mainly work independently but you will be part of the garden team of 5 who will assist when it is time for haymaking and when deliveries arrive. There will be occasions when you work with the head gardener and garden team to assist them.
Duties
· All general daily animal husbandry tasks to include mucking out, turning compost in the bays in the yard, using the incinerator, daily sweeping and cleaning the yard. Cleaning the horse walker, emptying bins, cleaning yard doors and windows and kitchen, cleaning yard drains and gutters and weeding yard. Clean animal shelters, chicken coups etc
· Liaise directly with our vets, farriers and other animal health care professionals as required
· Liaise with the abattoir and supplier of the bull/tup. Complete movement records health records legal documentation annual reporting etc
· Out of hours animal checks during lambing and calving seasons
· Placing supply and feed orders
· Maintenance and repair tasks as required in both the yard and the fields. Including hedge cutting, strimming and helping to look after our walnut orchard, autumn leaf collection and harvesting walnuts. Fence repairs and maintenance, animal shelter maintenance
Requirements
· Have previous experience of working with farm animals, and holding an Animal Management Level 2 qualification, or similar, is essential
· Hold a full clean UK driving licence and be a competent and confident tractor, Gator and Land Rover driver. Harrow, roll and top fields and liaise with the local farmer to arrange hay making, yard muck clearance etc
· Be passionate about working with our animals
· Be able to work independently and efficiently, with excellent time keeping skills
· Be a strong team player
· Be excellent at verbal and written communication
· Have a willingness to learn new skills and contribute ideas that will improve the yard and running the smallholding
Employment Details
· Your contract of employment will be for 5 days per week (to include every other Saturday) and extra hours during lambing and calving as necessary. Winter hours are 8am to 4.30pm and summer hours are 8am to 5pm. 20 days annual leave plus statutory bank holidays.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: £25,000.00-£30,000.00 per year
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
- Weekend availability
Language:
- English (preferred)
Work Location: One location
