About Us
We are looking for an experienced General Farm Worker to join our award-winning team located within Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park and Bemborough Farm —one of the UK’s top rural attractions, operating for over 50 years across an expansive 600-hectare site. This full-time position provides an excellent opportunity to work with a diverse range of farm animals and help to create exceptional experiences for our guests.
Role Purpose
The General Farm Worker position is vital for the daily operations of Bemborough Farm and Cotswold Farm Park. This role encompasses a range of responsibilities, including livestock husbandry, agricultural tasks, and estate maintenance, all contributing to the farm's success and the welfare of its animals.
You will work with a variety of breeds and ensure the highest standards of animal health, welfare, and presentation. Reporting to the Livestock Manager, you will collaborate closely with the Farm Manager on broader estate maintenance tasks as well as assisting in managing and maintaining the course for our regular fun rides, providing course stewardship to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.
Your role will encompass a variety of livestock husbandry tasks, including routine veterinary care, feeding, and mucking out. You will also assist with general farm operations and estate maintenance, such as fencing, moving bales, topping, spraying thistles, and grain handling. Key skills needed for this position include site maintenance, farm water fittings, fencing, chainsaw operation, and grassland tractor work. A competent driver with a clean licence is essential.
Objectives
Communication:
You will be a member of the Farm team, reporting to the Livestock Manager, while sometimes also collaborating with the Farm Park and Marketing teams to produce videos and photos for social media.
Welfare and Site Standards:
Ensure top-notch animal welfare and maintain high site standards across all areas.
Improving Efficiency:
Assess current practices and provide recommendations to enhance efficiency, considering labour resources, time management, and the appropriate selection and use of equipment.
Delivery:
Under the direction of the Livestock Manager, deliver both reactive and planned animal care, which includes setting up, managing, and dismantling demonstration areas, all while adhering to established high standards.
Responsibilities
Animal Husbandry:
- Conduct daily checks and feeding of Farm Park livestock, ensuring proper care and transferring them to larger paddocks each night. Follow Livestock Manager's guidelines for managing grazing paddocks and maintaining grass and cleanliness.
- Identify and address health issues in livestock, seeking assistance when necessary.
- Follow the Livestock Manager’s guidance in all areas of breeding, rearing and weaning of all species when required.
- Perform routine animal husbandry tasks such as foot care, worming, vaccinations and crutching.
- Under the Livestock Manager’s guidance ensure the cleanliness and maintenance of animal housing, shelters and fencing.
- Provide animal veterinary and medicinal care, maintaining records and organising medicine storage areas.
- Assist with birthing, including lambing, kidding, calving, farrowing and foaling – largely to be undertaken in public areas.
Teamwork:
- Be part of the Livestock team reporting to the Livestock Manager and under the guidance of the Farm Manager.
- Ensure effective handover and instructions for periods requiring cover or additional help.
Guest Experience:
- Collaborate with the Guest Experience team to assist in delivering visitor activities and events.
- Plan works and activities to enhance the customer experience, introducing yourself and explaining your tasks whenever possible.
Health and Safety:
- Ensure compliance with Health and Safety regulations related to farm equipment and livestock activities and displays.
- Work with the Farm Park management team to ensure compliance with insurance and industry guidelines for livestock activities.
Farm Operations & Maintenance:
- Remove muckheaps using the JCB farm telehandler and trailers.
- Muck out animal housing using JCB or Avant telehandlers and trailers.
- Assist with feeding operations, including topping up or clearing ring feeders.
- Assist with efficient Livestock Operations, including large and small bales, feeder wagon.
- Maintain and service farm machinery and tools under the guidance of the Livestock Manager.
- Coordinate with the Livestock Manager and Farm Manager regarding maintenance requirements, both to request additional practical help and to seek advice and guidance on areas outside of your skill set.
- Ensure the safety and maintenance of livestock equipment, water troughs, and stock fences, reporting any maintenance needs.
- General farm work including topping, weed spraying, fencing, bale carting, paddock sweeping and paddock tractor duties, harrowing, rolling etc.
Administration:
- Maintain veterinary and field records as required.
Shared Responsibilities:
All team members are expected to exhibit a strong understanding of their roles and responsibilities, delivering high-quality work while maintaining productivity. They should show self-motivation and initiative, communicate effectively, and foster a positive attitude toward their colleagues. Additionally, an awareness of documentation and customer needs is essential, along with a commitment to safety and organisation. Finally, punctuality and consistent attendance are important for the team's overall success.
Job Summary
Position Overview:
We are seeking an experienced and dedicated individual for a full-time, permanent position to join our dynamic farm team.
Working Hours:
Typically, the hours are from 8am to 5pm, with flexibility needed during peak periods. The role follows a 5-day workweek and includes a rota to work weekend and bank holidays as required, working an average of 42.5 hours per week including a half hour unpaid lunch break.
Remuneration:
Salary ranges from £28,000 to £30,000 per annum (as detailed in the contract). Additional overtime may be required during busy seasons, including lambing.
Job Requirements:
This position involves physical work outdoors, covering extensive areas on foot, and includes regular manual handling.
Accommodation:
Accommodation is potentially available as part of the remuneration package
Essential Skills:
- Basic machinery maintenance
- Estate maintenance and fencing
- Rough Terrain Forklift certificate
- Lambing experience
- Livestock husbandry and routine veterinary care
- Livestock transport experience
- Trailer certification
Desirable Skills:
- Equine handling
- PA1 and PA6 certificates
- First Aid certificates
- Chainsaw certificate (NPTC 201-Maintenance and Crosscutting)
If you meet these qualifications and are passionate about working in a unique, dynamic agricultural environment, we encourage you to apply!
