Assistant or Junior Working Farm Manager

Assistant or Junior Working Farm Manager

Freelance 31500 - 38500 £ / year (est.) Remote
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Assist in managing farm operations, crop planning, and staff coordination.
  • Company: Progressive, family-run farming business in Norfolk.
  • Benefits: Negotiable salary, accommodation, farm vehicle, and ongoing training.
  • Other info: Opportunities for career development and industry networking.
  • Why this job: Gain hands-on experience and a clear pathway to becoming a Farm Manager.
  • Qualifications: Enthusiasm for farming, good communication skills, and a willingness to learn.

The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.

I'm working with a progressive, family-run farming business in Norfolk to find an enthusiastic Assistant/Junior Working Farm Manager to join its 1,400ha operation.

This is a great opportunity for someone who's ready to take the next step in their farming career, with a genuine pathway into a Farm Manager position over the next few years.

You'll work closely with the Farms Director, getting involved in everything from practical day-to-day farming and crop planning to staff management and the commercial side of the business.

There's plenty to learn, real responsibility from the outset and the opportunity to shape the role as you develop.

The Role

With a varied rotation of arable and fresh produce, there's plenty to get stuck into.

Your responsibilities will include

  • Farm operations: Helping organise fieldwork, from cultivations and drilling through to spraying and harvesting, as well as getting out on the machinery when needed.
  • Cropping and planning: Supporting rotations, deciding what goes where and coordinating the different cropping enterprises.
  • Staff management: Helping organise the farm team, self-employed staff and contractors.
  • Agronomy and crop inputs: Liaising with agronomists and helping manage fertiliser requirements, crop protection and overall crop performance.
  • Irrigation: Getting involved with the farm's extensive irrigation system and helping ensure it's used effectively.
  • Budgets and administration: Supporting budgets, farm records and agricultural schemes, including SFI.
  • Business development: Bringing new ideas to the table and identifying opportunities to improve the efficiency and performance of the business.

The balance between practical work and management will depend on your experience and strengths.

You will work closely with the Farms Director and the aim is to give you the support to learn, the responsibility to develop and the opportunity to progress.

About You

This role could suit someone a few years out of university with an agricultural degree who's keen to put their knowledge into practice, or someone who's spent the last few years working on farm and is ready to take a step up.

You don't need to be the finished article.

What's important is that you're enthusiastic, practical and keen to learn, with the ambition to build a long‑term career in farm management.

You'll ideally have

  • Experience in arable or vegetable farming.
  • Good communication, organisational and numerical skills.
  • An interest in the commercial side of farming, alongside the practical knowledge to get stuck in.
  • The confidence to work with staff, contractors and agronomists.
  • A willingness to take on responsibility, ask questions and bring fresh ideas.

Irrigation experience would be a bonus, but it's not essential.

What's on Offer?

  • Salary: Negotiable depending on experience.
  • Accommodation
  • Vehicle: Farm truck for work use.
  • Career development: Ongoing training, support and opportunities to broaden your experience.
  • Industry exposure: Opportunities to attend agricultural events, conferences and networking opportunities to build your knowledge and connections.
  • Progression: A genuine opportunity to develop into a Farm Manager position over the next few years.

You'll be working directly alongside the Farms Director, learning the ins and outs of running a diverse farming business.

As your experience grows, so will your responsibilities, with the opportunity to take on more of the management and strategic side of the operation.

It's a business that wants to invest in the right person and help them progress, rather than expecting them to arrive as the finished article.

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Assistant or Junior Working Farm Manager employer: FarmWell

FarmWell is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration in the dairy sector. With a strong commitment to sustainability and employee development, we provide opportunities for professional growth through engaging research projects and stakeholder interactions. Located in the heart of the UK’s agricultural landscape, our team enjoys a supportive culture that values contributions and encourages meaningful impact in the dairy industry.

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Contact Details:

FarmWell Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Assistant or Junior Working Farm Manager

✨Get Involved in Local Farming Communities

We can't stress enough how important it is to connect with local farming communities. Attend farmers' markets and agricultural fairs, or join local agricultural groups and associations. These are hotbeds for networking and discovering freelance opportunities in agriculture.

✨Craft Your Niche Portfolio

As a freelancer, showcasing your previous work is key. Create a portfolio that highlights your specific skills in agriculture—be it crop management, soil health consultancy, or livestock care. Make sure to feature any projects you've completed, as this builds your credibility with potential clients.

✨Leverage Online Platforms

Don't underestimate the power of online platforms tailored to agriculture. Websites like Agri-Tech East or the Farming Community Network can help you connect with potential clients. Regularly check out these sites for freelance opportunities and consider setting up a profile to increase your visibility.

✨Showcase Your Expertise on Social Media

Social media can be a powerful tool for freelancers in agriculture. Share your insights and experiences on platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn, focusing on agricultural trends or your projects. This not only showcases your expertise but also helps you connect with others in the industry, making it more likely for clients to find you.

We think you need these skills to ace Assistant or Junior Working Farm Manager

Farm Operations Management
Crop Planning
Staff Management
Agronomy Knowledge
Irrigation Management
Budgeting and Administration
Business Development

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Practical Experience:In the agriculture field, practical experience is key. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant hands-on work you've done, whether it's on a farm, with research projects, or any internships. Be specific about your contributions and what you learned during those experiences.

Include Your Certifications:If you have any agricultural certifications or relevant training (think pesticide application, sustainable farming practices, or crop management), flaunt them! These can really set you apart in a freelance application since they show your commitment to quality and safety in the field.

Your Portfolio is Your Best Friend:When applying for freelance roles, we can't stress enough the importance of a well-compiled portfolio. Include case studies or project overviews that showcase your work, results, and the methods you’ve employed. Even basic documentation of previous projects can bring your skills to life for potential clients at FarmWell.

Be Clear About Your Availability and Rates:As a freelancer, potential clients want to know how soon they can get you on board and what they'll be paying. Include a brief section in your cover letter outlining your availability and your proposed rates. This transparency helps to manage expectations and can speed up the hiring process with FarmWell.

How to prepare for a job interview at FarmWell

✨Show Off Your Expertise

In the agriculture industry, it’s super important to demonstrate your knowledge of sustainable practices and latest farming techniques. Bring along examples of past projects or case studies that highlight how your skills have helped previous clients. This way, we can show FarmWell that you understand the ins and outs of modern agriculture!

✨Practical Knowledge is Key

You'll want to be prepared to discuss specific tools and technologies you've used. Whether it’s precision farming tools or crop management software, being able to talk about your hands-on experience will make you stand out. We can anticipate questions around these systems and how you've applied them in real scenarios.

✨Pitch Your Rates Smartly

As a freelancer, getting the rates right is crucial. Make sure you’ve researched the market rates for your services in agriculture so you can confidently pitch your fees to FarmWell. We’re looking for competitive yet fair pricing that reflects your expertise and the value you bring.

✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving Questions

Expect some scenario-based questions where you'll need to showcase your analytical skills. Think of potential agricultural issues like pest control or crop yield optimisations, and prepare to discuss how you would approach these problems. We’d love to see your critical thinking in action!