We are looking for experienced farm workers with practical, hands-on experience of sheep and cattle farming in the uplands to join an established team managing a 4800-hectare upland farm situated on the Lake Vyrnwy Estate, Powys. The farm, which is managed by the RSPB on behalf of landowner Hafren Dyfrdwy, is the largest organic farm in England and Wales with over 5000 sheep as well as cattle and ponies. It is operated to achieve a range of important outcomes relating to sustainable land management, water catchment issues and conservation.

About the Role

The role involves working in a team which is responsible for livestock care and management to meet agreed objectives. We have ambitious plans for the future and the farm is central to delivering these in a sustainable way.

Key activities for the role include:

The daily care of livestock including feeding, safe movement between locations, safe penning and restraint, maintaining high welfare and compliance standards for livestock and H&S standards for staff and volunteers.

The daily assessment of livestock welfare and health, raising issues and supporting with the administration of prescribed medicines and prophylactic treatments.

A range of agricultural management activities, such as vegetation management, hay cropping, field cultivations, fencing, ditching, in field water management and general estate management in line with broader objectives for the farm.

Administrative duties required to maintain records relating to animal movements and livestock health and welfare, to ensure compliance with regulations and agricultural best practice.

The maintenance and operation of machinery and agricultural equipment including day-to-day maintenance, repair and visual checks to ensure the efficient, safe and appropriate use of machinery.

Supervising contractors for small and medium projects e.g. building cattle pens, fencing and gates required for the farming operations and achieve management plan objectives.

Maintaining good relations at all times with neighbours, graziers, suppliers, vets, external organisations and the general public.

What we need from you:

• Proven ability in the handling and movement of livestock including feeding, calving and lambing.
• Proven ability in the movement of livestock (mainly sheep) using sheep dogs and quad and ideally access to two trained dogs.
• High level of knowledge in cattle and sheep husbandry particularly recognising and acting upon animal health and welfare issues requirements.
• Proven skills and knowledge of the correct operational use, repair and maintenance of farm machinery and its associated powered or trailed equipment and attachments.
• Proven skills in a range of land management tasks related to the grazing operations e.g. building and maintaining fences, gates, in field water management structures, ditches and livestock holding pens.
• Knowledge and experience of the essential record keeping in terms of animal identification, animal movements, veterinary treatments and animal health.
• Knowledge and experience of risk management and compliance requirements relating to agricultural and environmental legislation with particular reference to grazing, livestock and land operations.
• Knowledge of the health, safety and welfare issues applying to agricultural operations and management (e.g. risk assessments).
• Proven ability to work in a team; problem solving and personal organisation skills.
• Appreciation of the use of grazing as a conservation management tool.

For all application/role enquiries please contact - jon.pike@rspb.org.uk

Please note that we are actively recruiting for this role and reserve the right to close this advert once sufficient applications have been received.

Please note that you will be required to upload a CV and complete a short application form. Please include a cover letter on the same document as your CV as you will only be able to upload one document when applying.

Before applying to this role we would recommend reading through the candidate guidance notes attached to the top of our advert.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.