Herdsperson

Plumpton College’s farm is a fully commercial enterprise whilst at the same time providing a learning resource demonstrating best practice in all that we do. Having gone through a period of change over the past three years which has brought about significant improvement across all the farming operations, we are striving to improve further to match leading industry KPI’s.

We are in the process of investing £1.8 in the farm over the next 6 months to further improve the current modern infrastructure and machinery in place. Over a quarter of this is allocated to the Dairy enterprise with 2 Lely astronaut A5 milking machines, a robotic scraper, silo push, cow brushes, management collars and new cubicle mattresses due for installation. This along with investment in grazing infrastructure to facilitate the extensive management of half the herd should drive the production from grazing.

We are seeking to recruit a highly experienced and passionate Hersperson to join an existing team of 2 other staff members. The Herdsperson will work under the Herd Manager and assist with the daily running of the 280 cow pedigree Holstein herd and its associated youngstock. We seek to recruit someone that can help shape the future of the dairy enterprise and extract the best levels of performance out of the fantastic resource provided.  This position requires a passion for all things dairy and the highest levels of attention to detail to ensure best practice is demonstrated and achieved for the herd. We offer exceptional facilities, a great working environment and career development. 

The ideal candidate will need to:

• Be both qualified and experienced to carry out all tasks associated with a high performing dairy herd.
• Ensure the highest welfare standards are in place.
• Be well organised and have the drive and enthusiasm to work with students as part of their daily work.
• Have strong youngstock rearing skills.
• Be a good communicator and have relevant current knowledge of farm recording systems.
• Be able to work independently as well as part of a team with a flexible approach to work.
• Hold a full clean driving license and associated industry qualifications.

If you believe you have a significant contribution to make to our future and are looking for your next career opportunity, we would like to hear from you.

As well as a competitive salary, you can also look forward to a great range of benefits including 26 days holiday plus bank holidays, membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme, Employee Assistance Programme, Cycle to Work Scheme and Staff Discounts.  

Closing date for applications: 30^th July 2021

Interviews will be held: w/c 2^nd August 2021

We reserve the right to call candidates to interview or withdraw this vacancy at any time if there is a good level of response. Therefore, we recommend you submit your application as early as possible.

For further information about the role including job description and application form please visit the vacancies section of our website via the apply link