Almond Valley Heritage Trust operates a unique visitor attraction and rare breeds farm set within the historic Livingston Mill. The farm is home to a wide variety of animals, including rare breeds such as Clydesdale horses, Tamworth pigs, North Ronaldsay sheep, and Bagot goats. Accredited by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST), the farm plays a vital role in conserving and protecting these important species while promoting sustainable farming practices.
Almond Valley welcomes over 160,000 visitors annually, offering a hands-on, family-friendly experience that connects people of all ages to the wonders of the natural world. As a central feature of the Almond Valley Heritage Centre, the farm provides opportunities for visitors to learn about rare breeds, animal care, and the importance of biodiversity in an engaging and interactive environment.
This is an exciting time for Almond Valley Farm, as we expand our education and conservation programmes. We aim to deepen public engagement, deliver innovative learning experiences, and inspire action in areas such as environmental stewardship and sustainable living. By fostering a spirit of discovery and collaboration, we celebrate the importance of our agricultural heritage while championing forward-facing narratives that address contemporary challenges, including climate change.
Through the farm’s work, we hope to inspire the next generation of animal stewards and conservationists, building a shared appreciation for the value of heritage and the natural world.
Role of the Farm Assistant Demonstrator
As a Farm Assistant Demonstrator, you will play a pivotal role in the daily operations of the farm while serving as an ambassador for animal welfare and visitor engagement. Supporting the Farm Manager, you will provide care for a wide range of animals, ensure compliance with welfare standards, deliver public demonstrations, and foster a welcoming environment for visitors. Strong teamwork, leadership, and a passion for educating the public are essential to this role.
Key Responsibilities
1. Animal Care and Welfare:
o Provide daily care, feeding, and husbandry for a variety of farm livestock and smaller animals, ensuring their well-being.
o Monitor animal health, report any concerns to the Farm Manager, and maintain comprehensive records to meet regulatory and accreditation requirements (e.g., NFAN Code of Practice).
o Maintain animal enclosures to ensure they are clean, safe, and compliant with welfare standards.
2. Visitor Engagement Demonstrations:
o Deliver interactive animal encounters, demonstrations, and public talks, ensuring visitors have an engaging and educational experience.
o Foster a welcoming and positive environment for visitors, responding to inquiries and encouraging a connection with the farm’s mission.
3. Farm Operations and Maintenance:
o Assist in the day-to-day running of the farm, including feeding, mucking-out, cleaning, and other routine tasks.
o Perform basic site maintenance to ensure the farm remains a safe and enjoyable space for both animals and visitors.
o Identify opportunities to improve current practices and contribute ideas for enhancing farm operations.
4. Team Support and Leadership:
o Coordinate and motivate colleagues to maintain high standards of care and customer service.
o Collaborate with peers, working together to tackle tasks and solve problems in an efficient and effective manner.
5. General Duties:
o Follow all Health & Safety protocols and adhere to company policies.
o Actively participate in personal development opportunities to improve skills and knowledge.
o Perform other reasonable duties as required by the Farm Manager.
Key Skills and Requirements
* Proven experience in animal husbandry, including working with livestock, hoof-stock, smaller domestic animals, and exotics.
* Strong communication skills with the confidence to deliver public demonstrations and engage with visitors of all ages.
* Familiarity with implementing welfare protocols and maintaining accurate records.
* Physical fitness and resilience to perform manual tasks in all weather conditions.
* Experience operating farm machinery (desirable but not essential; training provided).
* Eye for detail and a commitment to exceptional visitor experiences.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £12.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
* Company pension
* Discounted or free food
* On-site parking
Schedule:
* 8 hour shift
Application Questions:
* Do you have strong communication skills with the confidence to deliver public demonstrations and engage with visitors of all ages?
Education:
* A-Level or equivalent (preferred)
Experience:
* Professional Animal Care: 1 year (required)
Work Location: In person
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