At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage a 1,000-strong sheep flock and assist with cattle operations.
- Company: Join a prestigious rural estate committed to sustainable farming.
- Benefits: Live-in accommodation, 23 days holiday, and excellent pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible leave options and continuous professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Work in beautiful countryside while making a real impact on animal welfare.
- Qualifications: Minimum two years' experience with sheep and a passion for livestock.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
A prestigious private rural estate is looking for a Shepherd to join their livestock team in this full-time, permanent position with live-in accommodation provided on site based in a beautiful countryside location north-east of Kings Lynn, Norfolk.
About them:
This is a unique opportunity to join a renowned rural estate, working within a team committed to sustainable and organic farming practices. The estate combines livestock and arable operations, with a strong focus on high animal welfare standards, biodiversity, and sustainable food production. You will become part of a skilled, supportive team, contributing to both the sheep and cattle enterprises while developing your expertise in livestock husbandry.
Fantastic company package include:
- Holiday: Enjoy 23 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
- Pension: Excellent non-contributory pension (8% during probation, rising to 15% upon successful completion)
- Accommodation: Housing provided
- Other Benefits: Flexible leave options to support life priorities, including parental pay and leave; wellbeing initiatives; discounts at estate shops and cafés; complimentary admission tickets for friends and family; plus, many more exclusive employee perks
About the role:
As a Shepherd, you will work predominantly with the estate's 1,000-strong breeding ewe flock, assisting with lambing, grazing management, and overall flock husbandry to meet the highest welfare standards. You will also support the cattle enterprise as required, contributing to the successful rearing and finishing of livestock. You will follow best practice in record keeping and health and safety procedures, ensuring smooth daily operations. Working hours for this role will be on a weekend rota, completing required hours during on-duty periods.
Key Duties include:
- Assist with the management of the sheep enterprise, including lambing, rearing, finishing, and supporting cattle operations as required
- Ensure all livestock welfare standards are maintained to the highest level and adhere to health and safety policies
- Support grazing management of the flock across pasture and arable rotations
- Keep accurate and up-to-date records for all livestock operations
- Develop positive and professional relationships with colleagues, contributing to a collaborative team environment
- Engage in continuous professional development to enhance skills and knowledge relevant to the role.
About You:
As a Shepherd, you will be a motivated, enthusiastic, and self-motivated individual with a genuine passion for livestock. You will have a minimum of two years' experience working with sheep and be able to work independently as well as part of a team. Flexibility, organisation, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential, alongside good judgement and initiative. A full UK driving licence is required, and ownership of dogs is preferred.
Please Note: Candidates must be authorised to live and work in the UK.
If you have the relevant skills and experience for this Shepherd position and would like to be considered, please apply by forwarding an up-to-date CV as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you.
Please check your email inbox and spam / junk mail folder for any email correspondence for this role. If you require any reasonable adjustments such as access or information in an alternative format, please inform us soon as you are able so that we can make the appropriate adjustments.
Shepherd in Newport employer: Spider
Join a prestigious private rural estate as a Shepherd, where you will be part of a dedicated team focused on sustainable and organic farming practices in the stunning countryside of Norfolk. Enjoy a supportive work culture that prioritises high animal welfare standards, alongside excellent benefits such as live-in accommodation, generous annual leave, and opportunities for continuous professional development. This role not only offers a chance to enhance your livestock husbandry skills but also provides unique perks like discounts at estate shops and complimentary admission tickets for friends and family.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Shepherd in Newport
✨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 Spider 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 Shepherd in Newport
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 Spider does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Spider
✨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 Spider 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 Spider.
✨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 Spider.
