At a Glance
- Tasks: Care for livestock and maintain farm machinery while supporting teaching and research.
- Company: Join ARU Writtle's Estates & Facilities team at a vibrant working farm.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, pension schemes, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible part-time hours with potential for evening and weekend work.
- Why this job: Get hands-on experience in agriculture while contributing to student learning.
- Qualifications: Previous livestock experience and a full driving licence are essential.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 15 £ per hour.
ARU Writtle is seeking a motivated and practical Assistant Farm Worker to join our Estates & Facilities team on a part-time basis (22.2 hours per week). Based at our working farm campus in Writtle, this hands-on role offers the opportunity to work across a diverse range of enterprises including a suckler herd, breeding sheep flock, indoor pig unit and arable acreage, supporting both teaching and research within a university and FE environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Livestock husbandry – care for cattle, sheep and pigs.
- Machinery operation and estate maintenance.
- Occasional cover within the pig unit.
- Maintain high standards of animal welfare, health & safety, and presentation across the estate.
- Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.
Qualifications & Experience
- Previous livestock experience; knowledge of cattle and sheep husbandry.
- Confidence in operating modern farm machinery.
- Reliable, proactive and able to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Willingness to support students and contribute positively to a learning environment.
- Experience in pig production, estate maintenance or educational settings is advantageous.
- Full driving licence is essential.
Benefits
- Generous holiday entitlement.
- Occupational pension schemes.
- Training and development opportunities.
- Travel to work scheme.
- Competitive relocation package.
EEO Statement
We value diversity at ARU and welcome applications from all sections of the community. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.
Visa Sponsorship
Applicants applying from outside the UK: ARU is unable to sponsor for a Worker Route visa at this time. Applicants already in the UK: ARU is unable to offer Worker Route visa sponsorship to applicants whose salary does not meet our minimum sponsorship threshold, which aligns with roles at Grade 6 and above.
Right to Work
All employees must be eligible to live and work in the UK and will conduct Right to Work checks in line with UKVI policy.
Assistant Farm Worker in Writtle employer: AgHires
ARU Writtle is an excellent employer that fosters a supportive and dynamic work environment for its Assistant Farm Workers. With a focus on employee growth through training and development opportunities, generous holiday entitlement, and a commitment to high standards of animal welfare, staff can thrive while contributing to both teaching and research in a vibrant agricultural setting. Located at a working farm campus, employees enjoy the unique advantage of hands-on experience across diverse farming enterprises, making it a rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Farm Worker in Writtle
✨Get Your Hands Dirty in the Community
Nothing beats on-the-ground experience when it comes to agriculture. Volunteer at local farms or join community gardening projects to meet industry folks. They often have inside info on part-time gigs that might not even be advertised yet!
✨Tap Into Agriculture Networks
Join local agricultural societies or online forums specific to your area. These communities are goldmines for part-time opportunities and can connect you with farmers and organisations looking for helping hands.
✨Seasonal Availability Is Key
Make sure you know when the busy seasons are! Many farms ramp up hiring during planting and harvest times. Keep an eye out for those windows and shoot your applications off early through our website to increase your chances.
✨Show Off Your Passion!
Bring your enthusiasm to the table. During interviews or interactions, share any relevant coursework or experiences you’ve had in agriculture. Whether it’s a school project or a home garden, showing that you're keen can set you apart when competing for that part-time role with AgHires.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Farm Worker in Writtle
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV, make sure to shine a light on any agriculture-related experience you've got, whether it's from coursework, volunteer work, or hands-on jobs. Don't forget about specific skills like crop management or knowledge of sustainable practices; those are real winners for AgHires!
Show Off Your Passion:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for agriculture come through! Talk about why you're passionate about working in this field and what makes you excited about the opportunity at AgHires. We love hearing personal stories that connect you to the agriculture world!
Tailor Your Application:Avoid the one-size-fits-all approach. Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter for the part-time role at AgHires. This might mean adjusting the wording to reflect the specific tasks and responsibilities mentioned in the job listing, ensuring you clearly fit the bill.
Include Certifications or Courses:If you have any relevant certifications or courses related to agriculture, make sure to include those! Whether it's a short course in sustainable farming or a certification in organic agriculture, these can really boost your application. It shows you're dedicated to the field and continuously learning!
How to prepare for a job interview at AgHires
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Given the agriculture field, it's vital we understand farming techniques, equipment, and even pest management strategies. Be ready to discuss specific practices you've encountered or used—perhaps your experience with certain crops or technologies in farming.
✨Showcase Your Practical Experience
Employers want to see that we can apply our knowledge in the field. If you've had hands-on experience—like internships, volunteering on a farm, or even personal projects—talk about them! Share what you learned and how it shaped your understanding of agricultural processes.
✨Flexibility & Commitment—Key for Part-Time Roles
Part-time roles often require a bit of juggling. Be ready to show your willingness to adapt your schedule for peak seasons or specific needs that come up. Discuss your availability openly, and highlight your enthusiasm for being part of the team.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In agriculture, we might face situations that test our problem-solving skills. Expect questions like how we'd handle a pest outbreak or deal with unpredictable weather. Practise articulating your thought process and solutions, as it shows we can think on our feet.
