Farm Hand

This is a fixed term contract supporting with and covering for upcoming maternity leave.

OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE
An exciting opportunity has arisen for the right candidate to work on of one of the prestigious organic farms in the country. The farming business comprises 900 acres of grass and arable, a herd of 250 head of cattle, 100 crossbred sheep, modern farm buildings and a number of diversification activities. All livestock are organic and are sold to premium outlets including to Waitrose and Marks and Spencer. The farm also has a small direct retailing enterprise through which both beef and lamb are sold to local customers.

The candidate will report directly to the Farm Manager. Savills assist with the management of the farm and the wider estate, interaction with Surveyors and Farming Advisors from Savills is therefore required.

This role could be adapted to suit either a candidate who is interested in entering the industry or one that has prior experience.

OUR MISSION & VALUES
The Portman Estate is a forward-thinking property company with an enduring heritage and a commitment to primarily promoting and protecting the long-term success of Marylebone and London’s West End. We recognise our responsibility to provide a high quality, sustainable environment while seeking to safeguard our community, manage responsively and evolve our portfolio for the benefit of all. We aim to do this with a Clean Heart and a Cheerful Spirit, as the family motto directs.

At The Portman Estate we prioritise particular values:

Respect:

maintaining relationships; ability to listen; understanding another’s viewpoint; acknowledging other’s efforts

Ethical:

moral principles; knowing what is right and wrong; high standards

Inclusivity:

ensuring sense of belonging; being open and fair to all; making individuals feel valued and able to reach their full potential; approachable; accessible; open; easy to talk to; welcoming; friendly

Integrity:

honesty; trustworthy; decency; honour; sincerity; high standards of competence and skill; strong code of conduct; loyal to colleagues

and we do so with

Moral courage:

standing up for what is right; taking action for moral reasons

REMUNERATION:
Up to £24k depending on experience, plus benefits as well as either accommodation allowance or on-site accommodation.

HOURS:
41.25 hours p/w (Mon-Fri) in addition to 1 weekend shift per month

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
The job responsibilities detailed below are not exclusive or exhaustive and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks as may be reasonably expected within the scope and role:

Assistant with day-to-day Farm management
Farm maintenance
Keeping medicine records
Keeping field records
Daily livestock checks

Management of beef herd
Feeding the herd
Assisting with calving
Dehorning
Supporting with the selection of stock

Management of sheep flock
Feeding the flock
Assisting with calving
Ringing lambs
Moving and handling sheep

Machinery and tractor work
Hedge cutting
Topping
Baling
Ploughing

General estate duties
Fencing
Ditching
Strimming

PERSON SPECIFICATION
The below specification details the set of criteria that outlines the essential and desirable traits a candidate should have to be considered for the role.

Essential
UK Driving Licence
Level 3 - Agricultural Qualification or working towards completion June/July 2024
Demonstrable interest in livestock and agriculture

Desirable
Chainsaw licence
Tractor test qualification
Previous experience of working on a farm or equivalent environment (i.e. stables)
Previous experience of working with tractors / machinery