Shepherd

The role of shepherd is to join the existing livestock team and assist in the day to day running of the sheep enterprise. You will be responsible for meeting the highest standards in sheep husbandry and ensure set targets are met for breeding, rearing and finishing. The role is predominately working with the sheep flock but will also involve supporting the cattle enterprise when needed.

The estate currently has 1000 breeding ewes (Aberfield) which is a strong, self replacing flock, producing finished lamb for a premium supermarket retailer. There is a strong emphasis on maternal, easy lambing genetics and the use of technology to assist where appropriate. The ewes are lambed outdoors, and the lambs are finished on a forage-only diet.

The Position

The following is intended to provide guidance as to duties but is not exhaustive. You will from time to time be required to undertake other activities of a similar nature that fall within your capabilities. Specific duties will include: 

• To assist in the management of the sheep enterprise. 

• To ensure that all welfare standards within the entire livestock business are at the highest level. 

• To ensure that all data recording is kept up to date and to the highest standard. 

• To successfully breed and lamb the flock of 1000 breeding ewes. (NB: approx 200 ewe lambs are lambed indoors in February with the majority of the breeding flock lambing outside in late March / early April.) 

• To assist with the grazing management of the breeding flock through the summer utilising a mixture of permanent pasture and purpose sown crops within the arable rotation. 

• To assist with the cattle operations when required. 

• To develop positive and professional relationships with colleagues. 

• To engage in continuous professional development suitable to the role.

• To adhere to the Estate’s Health and Safety policy at all times. 

• To make a positive contribution to the overall performance of the Estate.  

• On a weekend rota, where you will complete the hours required when on duty

Candidate requirements 

• Initiative, energy, enthusiasm and a passion for livestock.

• Minimum two years' sheep experience.

• Flexibility, a positive attitude and an ability to work calmly under pressure. 

• Be self-motivated, organised and able to manage your own time when necessary. 

• Ability to work on your own and as part of a team. 

• Have good judgement and able to use initiative

• Full UK driving licence. 

• Own dogs preferred.

• You must have the right to live and work in the UK. 

The role is part of the whole organisation team and as such requires you to perform such reasonable tasks that are required, as and when are necessary, to maintain, promote, develop, and expand the business of our organisation and its interests generally.

You must carry out your duties to the best of your ability, having consideration for the needs of your colleagues and the Organisation and its clients/customers. You need to have and maintain (with regular training and updates as necessary) the knowledge, technical skills and qualifications that are necessary to perform your job role to comply with the requirements of the Estate and any applicable rules, regulations and with any law which applies to your job role.

A competitive salary will be offered to the successful candidate who can provide fully checkable references.

To apply please email your cv and covering letter to - jackie@larstonerecruitment.com