Dairy Herdsperson in Nantwich

Reaseheath College and University Centre is a leading land-based and technical education provider, with a proud history stretching back over 100 years. Our mission is simple: to deliver industry focused, career ready education that transforms lives and supports the future of all our learners – from further education, higher education, apprenticeships and adult courses.

Set in a stunning rural campus near Nantwich in Cheshire, we offer an inspiring place to work, with industry-leading facilities, strong employer partnerships and a clear focus on innovation, sustainability and real-world skills.

Working at Reaseheath

Working at Reaseheath means being part of a supportive, ambitious and values-driven community. Our staff play a vital role in shaping futures, helping our learners develop the skills, confidence and experience they need to succeed in their careers.

We are committed to creating a positive working environment where colleagues feel valued, supported and able to grow. With opportunities for professional development, strong industry links and a collaborative culture, you can build a rewarding career while making a genuine impact.

Job Title: Dairy Herdsperson

Status: Permanent, 48 hours per week

Closing Date: Midnight, Sunday 8th November

Assessment Centre Date: To be confirmed

Overview

Reaseheath College is seeking a dedicated and experienced Dairy Herdsperson to join our farm team. This is a key practical role with a particular focus on calf rearing and youngstock, alongside supporting the day-to-day management, health and welfare of the wider dairy herd.

Our award‑winning farm is a centre of excellence for agricultural education and innovation, supporting a 300‑head pedigree Holstein and Ayrshire dairy herd, sheep, and arable enterprises. With cutting‑edge facilities including a GEA rapid exit parlour, Lely A5 robotic milkers, and a Lely Vector feeding system, we are proud to be at the forefront of UK land‑based education and farming innovation.

About the role

We are looking for an enthusiastic Dairy Herdsperson to help implement our dairy strategy, taking lead responsibility for calf rearing and maintaining the highest standards of animal husbandry from birth. You will support daily livestock and milk production activities while taking primary ownership of youngstock health, welfare and growth.

You will manage calf feeding and rearing in line with agreed protocols, monitor and record calf health and growth, and carry out routine youngstock treatments including disbudding, vaccinations and the administration of veterinary medicines. You will also support wider herd duties including milk production across robotic and manual systems, group allocations, foot bathing and trimming, veterinary treatments, and maintaining dairy infrastructure and equipment.

Alongside your practical farm responsibilities, you will work with academic teams and students, demonstrating industry best practice and helping learners develop their practical knowledge and skills. Accurate record keeping is an important part of the role, including monitoring youngstock performance, lameness, fertility and milk quality, and contributing to weekly management discussions.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead calf rearing and youngstock care, taking ownership of calf health, welfare and growth.
• Manage calf feeding, weighing and health monitoring in line with agreed protocols and youngstock performance measures.
• Carry out routine youngstock and herd treatments safely, including disbudding, vaccinations, veterinary medicines, foot bathing/trimming and AI activities.
• Support daily herd management and milk production across robotic and manual milking systems, maintaining excellent hygiene and animal welfare standards.
• Maintain accurate herd and youngstock records and ensure compliance with legislative requirements, Red Tractor standards, Arla regulations and the Arla Every Calf policy.
• Support students during practical activities, demonstrating industry best practice and sharing knowledge in a supportive manner.

The successful candidate will have:

• Practical experience in dairy cattle care, including milking and general husbandry.
• Knowledge of herd health practices such as AI, foot trimming, and administering treatments.
• An ability to maintain accurate records and follow strict protocols.
• Strong commitment to animal welfare and compliance with industry standards.
• Familiarity with modern dairy technology (e.g., robotic milking) and willingness to support student learning.
• A willingness to engage actively and enthusiastically within the dairy team and to work flexibly as business needs change.
• A keen interest in working with educational staff and students and sharing skills and knowledge.

We can offer you:

• 47 days annual leave including Bank Holidays and Christmas Closure
• Generous pension scheme with an employer contribution of 19.8%
• Enhanced maternity and adoption pay
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Pluxee reward scheme
• Free on site gym membership
• Onsite Starbucks along with multiple restaurant and cafe outlets
• Access to a multitude of external benefits through local businesses to the Cheshire area
• Specialist equipment reflecting industry practice

As a College, we actively encourage applications from industry professionals without a teaching qualification, as well as those from qualified teachers. Reaseheath offers a full CPD programme with access to funded qualifications alongside hands on support whilst completing Further Education Training. Industry professionals joining the College in an academic role, will complete their Further Education Training whilst in post.

For more information, please refer to the additional job description. Alternatively, you can email peopleservices@reaseheath.ac.uk to arrange a conversation with our hiring managers.

Please note this role constitutes ‘regulated activity’ as defined by the Protection of Freedom Act 2012. The successful candidate will therefore be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check with barred list information prior to starting employment. You must also have the right to work in the UK and will be required to provide evidence to support this. In addition, online checks will be carried out during the recruitment process. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Reaseheath College is committed to achieving its public sector general equality duty, which is set out in the Equality Act 2010. The College has a clear mission and clear values, which incorporate equality, diversity and inclusion.

The College staff recruitment and selection process, CPD processes, policies and practice are designed to ensure that when employment decisions are made, they are based solely on the skills and qualities required for the position and comply with all relevant employment legislation and best practice standards.

Disability Support

The College is a Disability Confident Employer and will support any reasonable adjustments you require to perform your best during the recruitment process. You can contact the People Services team at peopleservices@reaseheath.ac.uk should you require any adjustments during either your application or during the assessment centre.

Safer Recruitment Statement

The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions Order 1975, (amended 2013 and 2020)) makes certain regulated activity (i.e. work with children and/or young people) exempt from the Act and therefore requires individuals seeking to work with these groups to be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check with children's barred list, amongst other safer recruitment checks.
Where a post is classed as exempt under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975, you will be required to reveal all convictions not classed as 'protected' by the Ministry of Justice guidelines, both spent and unspent.
Any information given will be completely confidential and will be considered in relation to an application for positions to which the Order applies. Please note that certain criminal convictions may affect your eligibility for employment with the college, but having a previous conviction will not automatically bar you from employment. Please refer to the college website for the policy statement on the recruitment of ex-offenders.
This information is considered sensitive personal data under the Data Protection Act 2018. It will only be used for the purposes of this recruitment exercise and will be safely disposed of after six months if you are not successful in your application for this vacancy.
Other safer recruitment checks that will be carries out during the recruitment process include online checks and prohibition from teaching checks (where relevant).

We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the advertised close date if we receive a sufficient number of applications.

We do not accept applications or speculative CVs through recruitment agencies.

Reaseheath College and University Centre

Reaseheath College and University CentreReaseheathNantwichCheshireCW5 6DFUnited Kingdom

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