Job description
Stock Person / Relief Milker /Tractor Driver - SPARSHOLT COLLEGE HAMPSHIRE
£24,714 - £28,558 (depending upon qualification and experience) inclusive of overtime.
Plus on-site accommodation at “AWB” rates. Eligibility to join the local government pension scheme.
The appointed candidate will work alongside the Herds Manager in all aspects of dairy production related to the college’s pedigree Holstein dairy herd together with other cattle related tasks required by our expanding suckler herd.
The primary responsibility is for rearing young stock, the majority of which are TMR based fed using feeder wagon and undertaking relief milking on a rota basis / holiday cover. The role entails the supervision of students on farm duties and liaison with academic colleagues to maximise the educational opportunities for a range of learners including college students, trainee vets and visiting groups such as Firemen/women and other organisations that come into contact with animals as part of their working life. The college currently runs a successful cattle showing team and there will be the opportunity to participate in this activity if this interests the successful applicant.
The amount of tractor driving outside the main tasks around dairy will be adapted to suit the interests of the appointed candidate. For someone who enjoys tractor driving then in quieter periods there is a range of operations over the whole farm which can be undertaken.
The successful applicant will possess:
- A minimum of a level 2 qualification in agriculture or related discipline
- Good literacy and numeracy skills
- Demonstrable competency in using tractor/ farm equipment
- Demonstrable experience of working with cattle
- An affinity with working and developing young people
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to interact with a wide range of people.
- A “can-do” and flexible attitude.
The rota working pattern is outlined in the further information document.
It is desirable that the post holder will hold relevant qualifications in tractor driving, telescopic forklift operation and safe use of medicines. If the appointed applicant does not hold these, a willingness to undertake the testing programme at a very early stage will be required.
Background to the Role:
The college dairy is an integral part of the training of students on Further Education and some Higher Education Courses providing valuable hands-on experience with milking and other farm related activities, which the post holder will be involved in supervising.
The college herd is pedigree Holstein and is run to produce maximum learning opportunities whilst maintaining commercial outputs. Current yield is approx. 10,000lts per cow from a 7 month housed period following by paddock grazing in summer. Twice a day milking. Milking’s are at 4am and 1.30 pm to link in with the teaching programme.
Part of the role is to inspire new generations to get involved in dairy farming. This will require someone who is passionate about cows and is able to communicate this to others.
Closing Date: 08 June 2020
College Benefits:
- Eligibility to join the Local Government Pension Scheme (a defined benefit pension scheme)
- Death Benefit grant of 3 x salary (if in the pension scheme)
- Free on-site parking
- Occupational Sick Pay Scheme
- Occupational Maternity Pay Scheme
- On-site gym at the Sparsholt campus (membership £100 per annum)
- Facility to purchase Sparsholt produce including: plants, fruit & vegetables, fish and game
- Ability to access a range of CPD events and support with undertaking professional qualifications
- Various food outlets and eateries offering good value food and drink at competitive prices
There is a nursery on the Sparsholt campus operated by a commercial provider
Application packs are available from:
24 hour recruitment line: 01962 797438