GWSDF LIVESTOCK MANAGER/HEAD SHEPHERD
Dept: GWSDF
Location: Auchnerran Farm, Bridgefoot Mill, Groddie, Logie Coldstone AB34 5PT
Responsible to: Director of GWSDF
Position: Permanent
Salary & Benefits: Competitive salary (starting at £32,000-£35,000 pending experience), pension scheme, private health care, modern family house and vehicle are available for the successful candidate.
The Scottish Game & Wildlife Demonstration Farm (Auchnerran) is a 480ha hill-edge commercially run farm, which benefits from 5000ha of summer grazing. Through the use of cutting edge, regenerative agricultural practices, and by being involved with a wide variety of research projects, the farm provides an opportunity to influence agricultural policy and the future of hill-edge and upland livestock farm management in Scotland. The role involves running the farm in a commercially profitable way alongside a carefully managed shoot, whilst continuing to conserve biodiversity and reducing GHG emissions. For more information about GWSDF, please have a look at our Aucherran Annual Reports.
We are looking for an enthusiastic, self-driven individual able to run our farming operations and assist us with our agricultural land use trials and environmental habitat, water and woodland management. The ideal candidate would be forward looking and keeping up to date with developments in modern farming.
Key purpose
As GWSDF Livestock Manager you will be responsible for the management and day to day responsibilities of the farm, including the management of the 1400 Blackface Sheep flock and 850 hoggs that are overwintered near Aberdeen. You will oversee seasonal farm workers, farm apprentices and on-site contractors.
KEY ROLE A: Farm operations
• Ensure health and welfare of livestock.
• Manage sheep flock on and off hill, market lambs, cull ewes and purchase replacements.
• Ensure field operations are carried out in a timely and efficient manner.
• Arrange for/carry out management of wildlife habitats as required.
• Adhere to safe working practices at all times and ensure on-site (temporary) staff and contractors do the same.
• Willingness and ability to run and maintain a team of sheep dogs.
KEY ROLE B: Administration
• Prepare farm reports and attend Farm Management meetings and Scottish Research Development Committees to report on farm activities.
• Order and purchase machinery and agrochemicals as necessary, in consultation with Farm Director and Laurence Gould.
• Maintain computerised records of all field operations plus crops, varieties etc. using appropriate software.
• Contribute to financial controls by checking invoices before payment.
• Responsible for health & safety protocols on the farm.
• Support budget preparations with Farm Director and farm advisors and submit financial records for accounting purposes to GWCT.
• Completing ministry of agriculture records.
KEY ROLE C: Communication, Research & Demonstration
• Ensure regular and effective communication with the Director of GWSDF to update on farm progress.
• Work closely with research staff and students to ensure they can undertake effective monitoring and research work.
• Attend and contribute to educational visits, events and demonstration days as required by the Director of GWSDF, ensuring farm operations are not adversely affected.
• Contribute to GWSDF demonstration and research ideas in relation to agricultural practices.
KEY ROLE D: Other responsibilities
• Train and supervise apprentices working on the farm.
• Supervise contractors on-site and seasonal farm staff.
For more details on the role and the farm visit the GWCT website: www.gwct.org.uk/about/careers and www.gwct.org.uk/auchnerran/report
Please send CV and covering letter to LdeRaad@gwct.org.uk (Director GWSDF)
Tel: Not specified | E-mail: LdeRaad@gwct.org.uk
Web: www.gwct.org.uk/about/careers | Closing Date: Not specified
(Uploaded 24/8/22)