At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage livestock and deliver sustainable grazing across beautiful reserves in Sussex.
- Company: Join a passionate conservation organisation that values farming and wildlife.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, pension contributions, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Opportunity for training with working dogs and excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in conservation while working with animals you love.
- Qualifications: Passion for livestock, experience with farming, and willingness to work outdoors.
The predicted salary is between 26475 - 26475 € per year.
You will be part of a team that manages the Trust's livestock and delivers grazing on reserves across East and West Sussex. The trust currently runs nearly 300 head of cattle, 1000 head of sheep and a small group of goats and ponies. The trust is continuing to increase the quality and number of stock available to deliver our conservation objectives, as well as developing a sustainable grazing operation that is capable of being financially self-sufficient. You will be required to work one weekend in four, having the Friday before and the Friday after your weekend off, as well as responding to out of hours calls and emergencies where necessary. Access to a working dog able to confidently work sheep and or cattle is desirable but not essential. This role offers a fantastic opportunity to work for an organisation that passionately believes conservation and farming cannot exist in isolation of one another.
Responsibilities
- Daily livestock checks
- Bedding up and feeding in the winter
- Basic animal husbandry
- Moving stock onto reserves and gathering it back at the end of the season
- Carrying out lambing and calving, including tagging, castration and giving ewes and cows an MOT before bulling/tupping
- Operating tractors daily for carting animals, feeding, bedding up and mucking out
- Towing trailers on and off road with tractor and 4x4
- Working a rota providing 7-day a week cover, including weekend work, weekend off Fridays, and response to out of hours calls and emergencies
Qualifications
- A passion and love of livestock, farming and conservation
- Experience with lambing and calving, using tractors and tractor‑mounted equipment, and towing trailers
- Availability to work in all weathers, at all times of the day or night and all year round
- Willingness to work one weekend in four and handle out‑of‑hours coverage
- Desire for working dog training (desirable but not essential)
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary: £26,475, additional dog allowance, out of hours and call‑out payment where applicable
- 25 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays each year (pro‑rated for part time staff)
- Pension – company contribution 6% and employee contribution 3%
- Life Assurance – Pension Scheme Members 2 x Salary, Non‑Pension Scheme Members 1 x Salary
- 2 days paid leave for volunteering each year
- Flexible working policy
- Enhanced Sick Pay
- EAP
- Employee discounts
- Informal car share arrangements
Grazing Officer in England employer: Sussex Wildlife Trust
Join a dedicated team at the Trust, where your passion for livestock and conservation will thrive in a supportive and collaborative work environment. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we offer flexible working policies, generous holiday allowances, and opportunities for volunteering, ensuring that you can balance your professional and personal life while making a meaningful impact on our reserves across East and West Sussex.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Grazing Officer in England
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research the Trust's conservation efforts and livestock management. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or at local farming events. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you when you apply through our website.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for practical assessments! Since this role involves hands-on work with livestock, be ready to demonstrate your skills. Brush up on your animal husbandry techniques and tractor operation before the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Show your passion! During interviews, share your love for livestock and conservation. Talk about any relevant experiences, whether it's volunteering or personal projects, to highlight your commitment to the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Grazing Officer in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your love for livestock and conservation shine through. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role and how it aligns with our mission at the Trust.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have with lambing, calving, or operating tractors. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills and how they relate to the responsibilities of the Grazing Officer.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This helps us quickly see why you’d be a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sussex Wildlife Trust
✨Know Your Livestock
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of livestock management, especially cattle and sheep. Be ready to discuss your experience with lambing, calving, and any relevant animal husbandry practices. Showing genuine passion for livestock will definitely impress the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Your Practical Skills
If you have experience operating tractors or towing trailers, be prepared to share specific examples. You might even want to mention any challenges you've faced and how you overcame them. This will show that you’re not just knowledgeable but also hands-on and practical.
✨Show Your Commitment to Conservation
Since the role is all about balancing farming and conservation, highlight any previous work or volunteer experiences related to environmental sustainability. Discuss how you believe farming and conservation can coexist, and why this matters to you personally.
✨Be Ready for the Rota
Understand the demands of the job, including weekend work and out-of-hours calls. Be honest about your availability and willingness to adapt to the rota. This shows that you’re serious about the role and ready to commit to the team’s needs.
