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- Tasks: Manage a commercial sheep flock and support veterinary teaching with hands-on experience.
- Company: Join the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, a leader in animal care education.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, free on-campus accommodation, and generous holiday entitlement.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant community while making a real difference in animal husbandry.
- Qualifications: Experience in sheep farming and agricultural qualifications are essential.
- Other info: Live on-site and work in a dynamic environment with great career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 26093 - 28778 £ per year.
The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies are looking for an enthusiastic, well-organised individual, with knowledge and experience in the day-to-day management and husbandry of a commercial sheep flock. They will be responsible for all aspects of the flock including lambing, breeding, foot trimming, sorting lambs for sale, organising shearers, maintaining records, etc. They will also be required to set up facilities, provide appropriate animals from the flock and provide practical sheep classes for undergraduate veterinary teaching. The post holder is expected to have their own working dogs for gathering sheep. The role will also involve providing animal husbandry of all farm species in other parts of the University Farm Estate and Animal Research facilities when necessary.
Your skills and attributes for success:
- Agricultural experience or qualification, with experience in farm animal husbandry is essential
- Good working knowledge and recent experience of sheep farming including recognition of ill-health and common problems
- Experience in the use of tractors, ATVs and other standard farm machinery and a valid UK driving licence
- Prepared to live in the tied accommodation provided on site and have their own working dogs
- Proven ability to work well independently and within a small team environment
As a valued member of our team you can expect:
- A competitive salary
- An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work
- To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community
- Comprehensive Staff Benefits, such as a generous holiday entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and flexible work options
Championing equality, diversity and inclusion. The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.
Prior to any employment commencing with the University you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages. On this occasion the University will not consider applicants requiring sponsorship for this role. International workers will therefore only be able to take up this role if they can demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.
The closing date for applications is 5 February 2026. Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browser's local time zone. Interview dates to be confirmed.
Shepherd – Animal Technician employer: The University of Edinburgh
Contact Detail:
The University of Edinburgh Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Shepherd – Animal Technician
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies. Understanding their values and recent projects can help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance, talk about your hands-on experience with sheep farming and animal husbandry. Share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in the past, like managing lambing or dealing with health issues in the flock.
✨Tip Number 3
Bring your working dogs! If you have your own dogs for gathering sheep, mention them during your interview. It shows you're prepared and ready to jump into the role, plus it’s a great conversation starter!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on our site. It not only streamlines the process but also gives you a chance to explore more about the role and the benefits we offer as part of our vibrant community.
We think you need these skills to ace Shepherd – Animal Technician
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Animal Husbandry: When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for animal care and management. Share specific experiences that highlight your skills in sheep farming and how you’ve tackled challenges in the past.
Tailor Your CV to the Role: Make sure your CV reflects the key skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your agricultural qualifications and any relevant hands-on experience with sheep or other farm animals.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can get back to you as soon as possible.
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Edinburgh
✨Know Your Sheep Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of sheep husbandry and common health issues. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with lambing, breeding, and foot trimming. Showing that you can recognise ill-health in sheep will definitely impress the interviewers.
✨Show Off Your Practical Skills
Since this role involves using tractors and ATVs, be prepared to talk about your experience with farm machinery. If you have any specific examples of tasks you've completed using these tools, share them! It’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically skilled.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit and Independence
This position requires both teamwork and the ability to work independently. Think of examples from your past where you’ve successfully collaborated with others or taken initiative on your own. This will highlight your versatility and adaptability.
✨Bring Your Working Dogs to the Table
Since having your own working dogs is a requirement, be ready to discuss their training and how they assist you in managing the flock. This personal touch can set you apart and show your commitment to the role.
