At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the management of sheep and livestock on a historic estate.
- Company: Join Blenheim, a diverse and historic estate committed to your growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, discounts, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for training and skill development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in animal welfare while working outdoors.
- Qualifications: Experience in sheep husbandry and a passion for livestock care.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
The Under Shepherd will support the day-to-day management of Blenheim's in-hand sheep flock, working alongside the Head Shepherd to deliver high standards of stockmanship across the breeding ewe flock.
The role also provides general livestock support to the estate's cattle herd and other stock (including pigs) as required, and works flexibly across the wider Farms team.
Sheep work is seasonal and physically demanding, with irregular hours including early mornings, evenings and weekend cover, particularly through lambing, shearing and tupping.
This is a hands-on, outdoor role suited to someone who takes pride in the welfare and performance of livestock and enjoys working as part of a small, close-knit team.
What we are looking for
We are looking for someone who can bring the right skills and mindset to the role.
You might not meet all the criteria, and that’s okay, transferable skills and experience are highly valued.
- Demonstrable practical experience in sheep husbandry, including lambing (essential).
- Experience with cattle handling and general care (desirable but not essential — training can be provided).
- Sound stockmanship — able to read animal health and welfare and respond promptly and appropriately.
- Working knowledge of livestock movement regulations, standstill periods and CPH record keeping.
- Full UK driving licence; competent, or willing to be trained, in tractor, quad and UTV operation over varied terrain.
- Practical skills in fencing, basic machinery upkeep and general farm maintenance.
- Able to work outdoors in all weather and unsociable hours during lambing, shearing and calving, both independently and as part of a team.
- Good communication skills and a responsible, professional approach
Desirable skills (training will be provided to the right candidate)
- Lantra or NPTC qualifications relevant to livestock handling or machinery.
- Prior experience with pigs, goats or other minority/rare breed stock.
- Working knowledge of farm assurance scheme requirements.
- First Aid certification.
- Flexible and adaptable in approach to work
- Calm, patient and attentive stockmanship
- Pro-active approach to work
- The opportunity to work within one of Britain's most historic and diverse estates
- A supportive team environment with opportunities for training and skill development
- Competitive salary, benefits, and access to estate facilities
About Us
At Blenheim and Pye, we believe our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we are committed to helping every individual thrive. Our Promise is simple: to support you to
Grow, Give, and Belong .
We help you
Grow by nurturing your talents, championing your wellbeing, and creating opportunities for you to develop.
We encourage you to
Give by contributing to meaningful work, supporting the wider community, and collaborating with others to achieve our shared goals.
And we want you to truly
Belong by being part of something special, knowing that you matter, your voice is heard, and you are an important part of our journey.
Together, this is what makes Blenheim and Pye a place where people can flourish and make a real difference.
How We Hire
Our recruitment process is designed to be accessible, supportive, and transparent. Here is what you can expect:
- Submit your application
- Application review, Shortlisting and Interview invites sent to shortlisted candidates
- Interview (we can share questions in advance if helpful)
- Role-related task (this will be role dependant and can be adjusted or removed to suit your needs)
- Feedback provided at every stage
- Accessibility and Adjustments
We are committed to making our process accessible for all candidates. If you require any adjustments at any stage, please contact our People Team at peopleteam@blenheimpalace. com
. We are happy to support you.
What’s in it for you
- Staff Discounts
- 20% on Blenheim retail
- 50% on Blenheim Café food outlets
- 30% at The Orangery
- Salary Sacrifice Schemes for Bicycles and Electric Vehicles
- Access to our Benefits Platform with a range of additional benefits including:
- Instant discounts
- Discount on Days Out
- Day Passes for Family and Friends
- Monthly Adventure Play Visit
- Shopping Cards
- Weekly Shop Discounts
• Gym Scheme and Much More!
- Competitive Pension
- Complimentary Event Tickets
- Annual Pass for yourself and a family member
- Staff Events
- Holiday Purchase Scheme
- Paid Volunteer Day
- Free Fruit Wednesday
- Free breakfast on Friday
- Monthly Sharing a Sense of Belonging Events
- Free Eye Test and a contribution for Glasses
- Long Service Award
- Onsite Parking
- Free Blenheim Christmas Tree
Benefits vary from contract type; these will be confirmed to you in our welcome letter.
Assistant Shepherd in Woodstock employer: Blenheim
As an Insurance Exposure Management Analyst, you will thrive in a dynamic and supportive work environment that values data-driven decision-making and innovation. Our company offers competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and ample opportunities for professional growth, all while fostering a collaborative culture that encourages teamwork and continuous learning. Located in a vibrant area, we provide unique advantages such as access to industry-leading resources and networking opportunities that enhance your career trajectory.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Shepherd in Woodstock
✨Connect with Local Farmers and Co-ops
Don't underestimate the power of local connections in agriculture. Get involved in local farmers' markets or agricultural co-ops. These are great places to meet potential employers and get the inside scoop on job openings before they're even advertised.
✨Get Involved in Agricultural Events
Keep an eye out for agricultural fairs, conferences, and workshops in your area. These events are golden opportunities to network with industry professionals and showcase your passion. You might even stumble across job boards or companies actively looking to hire!
✨Volunteer for Relevant Experience
Consider volunteering with organisations focused on agriculture, sustainability, or community gardening. This not only boosts your CV but also expands your network. You never know who might be watching your hard work and dedication!
✨Keep an Eye on Job Listings at Industry-Specific Websites
Be sure to check out agriculture-focused job boards and websites regularly. Companies like Blenheim often post opportunities on their own sites before anywhere else, so don’t miss out! Apply directly through us to increase your chances!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Shepherd in Woodstock
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in agriculture, it's crucial to highlight any hands-on experience you have in farming, crop management, or sustainable practices. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're after, so be specific about the responsibilities you've had and any tools or techniques you've used.
Certifications Matter:In agriculture, relevant certifications can really give your application a boost. If you have any qualifications related to agricultural practices, pest management, or environmental regulations, make sure to mention them! They're great indicators of your commitment and expertise in the field.
Tailor Your CV to the Agriculture Sector:Your CV should reflect your passion for agriculture. Structure it to emphasise your field experience and any relevant projects you've been involved in. Don't forget to highlight your soft skills, like teamwork and communication, which are essential in this sector.
Passion is Key in Your Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time position, we want to feel your enthusiasm for agriculture in your cover letter. Share why you're drawn to this industry and mention any long-term goals you have that align with what Blenheim does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Blenheim
✨Get Familiar with Agricultural Technologies
Make sure you're up to speed with the latest agricultural technologies and tools that are commonly used in the field. Whether it’s precision farming tools or crop management software, being able to discuss these effectively during your interview with Blenheim will show that you're technically savvy and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Showcase Your Practical Experience
Since agriculture is a hands-on industry, be prepared to share any practical experiences you've had. This could be through internships, volunteer work, or even personal projects. Discussing specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them can really impress the interviewers, especially in a full-time role at Blenheim.
✨Understand the Sustainable Practices
Sustainability is a hot topic in agriculture right now, so it's important to understand current practices and regulations in the industry. Familiarise yourself with concepts like crop rotation, organic farming, and environmental impact. Having informed opinions on these topics can set you apart from other candidates during your interview.
✨Practice Common Industry Scenarios
Expect to tackle a few scenario-based questions that mimic real-life challenges in agriculture. For instance, you might be asked how you would handle a pest infestation or manage resources during a drought. Practising these scenarios will help you respond confidently and showcase your problem-solving skills during the interview with Blenheim.
