At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist with livestock care, machinery operation, and estate maintenance on a working farm.
- Company: Join ARU, a leading global university known for its innovative education and research.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, pension schemes, training opportunities, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Flexible part-time role with potential for evening and weekend work.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in agriculture while supporting teaching and research at a vibrant campus.
- Qualifications: Previous livestock experience and confidence with modern farm machinery are essential.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
About ARU
ARU is a global university transforming lives through innovative, inclusive, and entrepreneurial education and research. ARU holds a Gold award for the quality of its education, awarded through the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). ARU’s research institutes and four faculties bridge scientific, technical and creative fields. We deliver impactful research which tackles pressing issues and makes a real difference to our communities.
About The Role
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. Duties will include livestock husbandry, machinery operation, estate maintenance and occasional cover within the pig unit, alongside maintaining high standards of animal welfare, health & safety and presentation across the estate. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.
Qualifications and Experience
We are looking for someone with previous livestock experience, knowledge of cattle and sheep husbandry and confidence operating modern farm machinery. The successful candidate will be reliable, proactive and able to work both independently and as part of a team, with a willingness to support students and contribute positively to a learning environment. Experience in pig production, estate maintenance or educational settings would be advantageous. A full driving licence is essential.
Benefits
We have an agile working culture and offer an extensive range of benefits including generous holiday entitlement, occupational pension schemes, training and development opportunities, travel to work scheme and a competitive relocation package.
Safeguarding and Equality
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our staff and students and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. ARU will carry out online searches as part of the due diligence on shortlisted candidates. All appointments at ARU Writtle are subject to satisfactory pre‑employment checks, including a satisfactory Enhanced Criminal Records with Children’s Barred List check through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Shortlisted candidates will be required to disclose any prior disciplinary action or investigation related to sexual misconduct or abuse. This role is considered exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We value diversity at ARU and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We have a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK and will conduct Right to Work Checks in line with UKVI’s Right to Work Policy and our own institutional policy. Applicants applying from outside the UK: At this time, ARU is unable to sponsor applicants applying from overseas for a Worker Route visa. 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.
Contact
Informal enquiries can be made to Alex Hepburn, Farm Estates Manager at alex.hepburn@aru.ac.uk.
Assistant Farm Worker in Writtle employer: Anglia Ruskin University
ARU is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee development and well-being. As part of the Estates & Facilities team at our Writtle campus, you will enjoy generous holiday entitlement, a competitive pension scheme, and opportunities for training in a supportive environment dedicated to impactful education and research. Join us in making a difference while working with diverse agricultural enterprises and contributing to the learning journey of our students.
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 Anglia Ruskin University.
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 Anglia Ruskin University!
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 Anglia Ruskin University. 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 Anglia Ruskin University. 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 Anglia Ruskin University
✨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.
