Overview

Lauriston Farm Limited is seeking a Biodynamic Conservation Grazier/Social Farmer to manage the agricultural aspects of the Society’s work in Goldhanger, Essex.  The ideal candidate will have experience with biodynamics and have a passion for this method, be comfortable in a community owned setting and have a keen interest in conservation as the farm is situated in an internationally important wetland site (RAMSAR).  It is home to rare birds and insects with 95% pf the 210 acres designated as Site of Special Scientific Interest.   There are currently six employees (three land based) and around ten volunteers at Lauriston and every day there are people with learning disabilities working alongside the staff and volunteers.  The role will have an educational aspect through Supported Internships with college leavers with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.  The current farmer (Farm Director) is able to give guidance to the new farmer and it is hoped that the successful candidate will take over the running and decision making fairly quickly.  The position is full time and comes with on-site accommodation and the Society pays the National Living Wage to residential employees.

Specific Responsibilities

1.            Day to day management of herd of Shetland Cattle, one bull with six cows and a herd of approx. 35 animals in total. 

2.            Day to day management of flock of North Ronaldsay sheep – 3 rams, 150 females, 50 lambs per year.

3.            Day to day management of flock of lay hens (90 birds).

4.            Working with Farm Director to ensure compliance with Countryside Stewardship agreement and Basic Payment Scheme.

5.            Organising and transporting animals to slaughter.

6.            Making, stirring and applying biodynamic preparations to fields and compost.

7.            General farm maintenance – fencing, gates, water troughs, sea wall tiles.

8.            Liaising with local contractors for hay, straw, fencing, mucking out and compost moving.

9.            Compost making from animal manures.

10.          Assisting with machinery work in horticulture garden.

11.          Working with Supported Interns and college students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

12.          Advising on work for Day Placement attendees with learning disabilities.

12.          Assisting with educational farm walks.

13.          Machinery maintenance and workshop development.

14.          Record keeping and associated paperwork for above.

Applications

The role has come available due to an unexpected significant physical health issue with the existing farmer so we are keen to recruit as soon as possible.   The deadline for applications is therefore midnight on Sunday April 11th.  Please send a letter of application and CV to the Farm Director, Spencer Christy, using [email protected]  where you can also direct any questions.

www.lauristonfarm.co.uk

Person Specification

Essential experience and qualities

Passion and commitment to the aims and objectives of the Society and Biodynamics

Working individually and in a team

Working constructively with colleagues, trustees and members to help shape the Society

Working with cattle and sheep

Motivated and able to carry out the job description responsibilities

Prepared to cover essential work at weekends e.g. caring for a cow during calving, feeding and checking livestock

Willing to learn on the job and participate in further training

Demonstrate tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectively

Desirable experience and qualities

Carrying the responsibility of a farming social enterprise

Working with people with special needs

Able to interact with the livestock in a quiet but assertive manner

Developing initiatives

Legal requirements of logging animal movements

Knowledge and skills

Broad knowledge and understanding of Biodynamics

Good leadership skills, ability to motivate staff and volunteers and bring people together

Good communication skills

Flexibility and time management

Aware of health and safety requirements and able to put them into practice

Qualifications

Biodynamic qualification or equivalent experience

Clean driving licence

Terms

To begin as soon as possible

Accommodation is provided on the farm

To have a review after 3 months

This post is financed through grants, agricultural produce and work with Supported Interns