Job Description
This is a fixed term contract supporting with and covering for upcoming maternity leave.
Learn more about the general tasks related to this opportunity below, as well as required skills.
OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE
An exciting opportunity has arisen for the right candidate to work on of one of the prestigious organic farms in the country. The farming business comprises 900 acres of grass and arable, a herd of 250 head of cattle, 100 crossbred sheep, modern farm buildings and a number of diversification activities. All livestock are organic and are sold to premium outlets including to Waitrose and Marks and Spencer. The farm also has a small direct retailing enterprise through which both beef and lamb are sold to local customers.
The candidate will report directly to the Farm Manager. Savills assist with the management of the farm and the wider estate, interaction with Surveyors and Farming Advisors from Savills is therefore required.
This role could be adapted to suit either a candidate who is interested in entering the industry or one that has prior experience.
OUR MISSION & VALUES
The Portman Estate is a forward-thinking property company with an enduring heritage and a commitment to primarily promoting and protecting the long-term success of Marylebone and London’s West End. We recognise our responsibility to provide a high quality, sustainable environment while seeking to safeguard our community, manage responsively and evolve our portfolio for the benefit of all. We aim to do this with a Clean Heart and a Cheerful Spirit, as the family motto directs.
At The Portman Estate we prioritise particular values:
Respect: maintaining relationships; ability to listen; understanding another’s viewpoint; acknowledging other’s efforts
Ethical: moral principles; knowing what is right and wrong; high standards
Inclusivity: ensuring sense of belonging; being open and fair to all; making individuals feel valued and able to reach their full potential; approachable; accessible; open; easy to talk to; welcoming; friendly
Integrity: honesty; trustworthy; decency; honour; sincerity; high standards of competence and skill; strong code of conduct; loyal to colleagues
and we do so with
Moral courage: standing up for what is right; taking action for moral reasons
REMUNERATION:
Up to £24k depending on experience, plus benefits as well as either accommodation allowance or on-site accommodation.
HOURS:
41.25 hours p/w (Mon-Fri) in addition to 1 weekend shift per month
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
The job responsibilities detailed below are not exclusive or exhaustive and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks as may be reasonably expected within the scope and role:
Assistant with day-to-day Farm management
- Farm maintenance
- Keeping medicine records
- Keeping field records
- Daily livestock checks
Management of beef herd
- Feeding the herd
- Assisting with calving
- Dehorning
- Supporting with the selection of stock
Management of sheep flock
- Feeding the flock
- Assisting with calving
- Ringing lambs
- Moving and handling sheep
Machinery and tractor work
- Hedge cutting
- Topping
- Baling
- Ploughing
General estate duties
- Fencing
- Ditching
- Strimming
PERSON SPECIFICATION
The below specification details the set of criteria that outlines the essential and desirable traits a candidate should have to be considered for the role.
Essential
- UK Driving Licence
- Level 3 - Agricultural Qualification or working towards completion June/July 2024
- Demonstrable interest in livestock and agriculture
Desirable
- Chainsaw licence
- Tractor test qualification
- Previous experience of working on a farm or equivalent environment (i.e. stables)
- Previous experience of working with tractors / machinery