2584 - Farm Manager: Parsonage Down NNR
This post is on a 43 hour a week annualised hours contract.
Role Description
A key member of the National Nature Reserve (NNR) team that will deliver the “Parsonage Down NNR Vision”.
Working closely with the Parsonage Down Reserve Manager to develop an environmentally sustainable farming system and a high nature value farm.
Responsible for the day to day management of all farming operations at Cherry Lodge Farm, in particular;
- Lead Health and Safety management of farm activities including on site risk management, task risk assessment, maintaining records and H&S reporting
- Ensure Natural England complies with its legal responsibilities as a landowner relating to farm operations e.g. cross compliance, maintenance of livestock records
- Manage the breeding herd of pedigree Longhorn cattle and non-breeding flock of sheep
- Develop the marketing of farm products with the aim of promoting sustainable farming
- Maintain all NNR estate assets, machinery, vehicles, buildings and site infrastructure so that it is safe and operational.
- Manage allocated farm budgets (planning and day to day spend) and generate income from farm operations.
Functionally manage the Parsonage Down NNR Reserve Warden, contractors and volunteers
Contribute to the development of a “Connecting People with Nature” programme on NNRs in Wiltshire.
Contribute to the use of Parsonage Down and Cherry Lodge Farm as a training and development resource for Natural England
Act as first point of contact for the Cherry Lodge Farm enterprise. Respond to queries, providing information advice and guidance relating to this site.
The Somerset, Avon and Wiltshire Team (SAW) covered the counties of Somerset and Wiltshire and the unitary authorities of Swindon, Bristol City, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire and Bath and North East Somerset.
It has staff based in offices at; Bristol; Bridgwater, Shapwick Heath NNR and Cherry Lodge Farm, Parsonage Down NNR.
The SAW team recently merged with Dorset based Natural England staff to create the new Wessex Team.
This post is on a 43 hour a week annualised hours contract.
A driving licence is essential for the role. Some out of hours work may be required.
On site accommodation may be available
Vacancy Manager: Stuart Hales, stuart.hales@naturalengland.org.uk, 07771944557
04/02/2020, 23:55 hours
• Livestock management skills required to manage a breeding herd of pedigree cattle and flock of sheep.
• Competence in the use of farm management software e.g. Farm Works
• An interest in the development of environmentally sustainable farming
• Knowledge of marketing and selling farm products direct to the consumer or into the local supply chain.
• Practical skills associated with the maintenance of farm and NNR estate assets and site infrastructure e.g. fencing, water supplies, access tracks, gates, signage and interpretation.
• Qualifications and experience of using machinery and equipment relevant to the role (e.g. tractor/telehandler) and the ability to undertake basic maintenance. Proof of certification will be required where relevant.
Desirable:
• Knowledge of arable farming, particularly as it relates to a mixed farming system and forage production.
• Knowledge of visitor engagement techniques and countryside access issues/management.
• Experience of working with volunteers and/or local communities
• Understanding of farmland biodiversity (habitats and species)
• Understand the duty of care owed to all visitors, contractors or others on our NNRs
• Adhere to appropriate legislation and Natural England policies and procedures
• Consider the financial implications of your work and seek income from our products and services
• Understand and apply relevant policy, legislation, governance frameworks and strategies to your work
• Collaborate, influence and build trusting relationships to achieve pragmatic outcomes.
• Develop an understanding of the objectives and needs of our partners and customers.
• People - Address challenging issues and manage conflict.
• Apply new technology to improve the way you work.
This Vacancy is closed to applications.