Apply by sending a CV and application form (full details below) to director@ashf.org.uk
Job title: Farm Manager, Acton Scott Heritage Farm
Reports to: Director
Responsible for:
Management of farm operations including livestock, crops, maintenance of buildings and machinery in a public facing environment.
Welfare and Care of all livestock.
Health, safety and training of staff and volunteers allocated for livestock management.
Management of allocated budget.
Usual office base: Acton Scott Heritage Farm, Acton Scott, Shropshire SY6 6QN
Salary: £29,000- £35,000 per annum
Hours: 37.5 hours per week (Average of 37.5 including evenings and weekends/bank holidays depending on events). Time off in lieu (TOIL) will be granted.
Job Purpose:
Responsible and accountable for the management of all farm activity at Acton Scott Heritage Farm (ASHF), including excellent presentation of the livestock, a breeding programme to ensure a sustainable supply of young animals to enhance the visitor experience and providing relevant agricultural demonstrations working closely with the Heavy Horse contractor achieved through effective land management and implementation of a four crop rotation. Delivery of daily and planned maintenance underpinned by exemplary health and safety standards.
Job objectives:
* Support the Director and other staff in all aspects of delivering a safe and memorable visitor experience, engaging visitors through appropriate historically accurate agricultural activities.
* To be fully responsible at all times for the care and management of ASHF’s livestock, demonstrating established historical practice whilst complying with modern day legal and veterinary practice.
* Maintain a range of livestock on the site as agreed with the Trustees and Director. Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, demonstrating the highest standard of animal welfare.
* Develop effective land management practice to support crop rotation schedules informed by 19th and early 20th century, current and future farming practice.
* Undertake site maintenance and advise the Director on the requirement for support from external contractors to maintain the site in good condition.
* Oversee site health and safety and risk assessment, particularly all animal contact and animal contact areas, maintaining a safe working environment and an excellent level of hygiene.
* Train and supervise volunteers allocated to livestock management and other farm work (in collaboration with the Heavy Horse contractor).
* Purchase and sell livestock from the Farm in order to maintain appropriate numbers on the site, and implement a breeding programme.
* Achieve and maintain accreditation and approval.
* Comply with the rules of the DEFRA Countryside Stewardship/Sustainable Farming Incentive schemes in place on the site.
* Responsible for farm activities, such as traditional hay-making, hedge laying and harvesting. Support special events, attendance at external shows, and both internal and external presentations.
Scale of the farm:
The site extends to just under 20 acres of agricultural land with the potential for a further 10 acres of off-site grazing. The livestock currently consists of a small Pedigree Dairy Shorthorn herd and a Pedigree Shropshire Sheep flock. The Charity aspires to grow the livestock offer to the visiting public with rare breed pigs and a greater number and variety of poultry by Easter 2025.
Person Specification:
Qualifications:
Essential:
* A qualification in agriculture - ideally to at least diploma level, or equivalent working experience.
* Driving licence and car.
Desirable:
* Maths and English GCSE or equivalent at Grade C/ Grade 4 or above.
Experience and vocational training:
Essential:
* Considerable experience of managing livestock in a small to medium sized farm.
* Experience of maintaining accurate records relating to livestock.
* Experience of purchasing and selling livestock.
* Experience of ordering foodstuffs and medicines and dealing with veterinarians.
* Experience of responding to emergency situations and changing conditions at all hours.
* Experience of supervising other staff.
* Experience of undertaking risk assessments.
Desirable:
* Experience of managing a budget.
* Experience of working with heritage breeds and pedigree stock.
* Experience of handling Heavy Horses.
* Experience of working within a museum/heritage setting.
* Experience of supervising volunteers.
* Experience of applying Industry Code of Practice.
Personal Skills:
Essential:
* Excellent communications skills with diverse groups of all ages.
* Fit and active, and prepared to undertake manual work outdoors in all weathers.
* Willingness to work anti-social hours and weekends/bank holidays.
* A passion for sharing knowledge with visitors.
* Ability to work alone and with other staff and volunteers.
* Must live within 15 minutes of the site within 6 months.
To apply:
Please send a copy of your CV plus a covering letter which addresses the following questions to: Director@ashf.org.uk
1. Name, address and email
2. Current employer and role
3. Please address the person specification and give examples of your employment history (500 words)
4. Which IT packages are you able to use and what is your level of proficiency?
5. Do you understand you will be required to have a clear DBS check before commencement of employment?
6. Do you currently have any health issues that we need to be aware of?
7. Do you understand that the role requires out of working hours and weekend work?
8. Do you hold a current driving licence and own a vehicle?
9. What notice period are you required to give to your current employer?
10. Please give details of two referees; one of whom must be your current employer.
Timetable:
Application opens: 30/10/2024
Application submission: 20/11/2024
Interviews: w/c 25/11/2024
Confirmation of post: w/c 2/12/2024
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £29,000.00-£35,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* On-site parking
Schedule:
* Weekend availability
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 20/11/2024
Reference ID: Acton Scott Heritage Farm - Farm Manager
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