The purpose of the post is to assist with the management of 1000 grazing beef cattle; your main duties will include daily shepherding, cattle movements, treating ailments and maintaining infrastructure. You will be expected to work alone whilst shepherding and have the ability to use your own initiative. You will receive training from established staff in necessary aspects of cattle welfare and management.

This contract is for a stockperson on a 5.5 month contract starting in May 2024, working as part of a 4-person team managing the 800 hectare RSPB Nene Washes Nature Reserve.

What we need from you:

Essential experience and qualifications:

• Livestock experience
• Educated to at least diploma level or equivalent.

Desirable skills, knowledge, experience and qualifications:

• Tractor and machinery operation certificates.
• Animal husbandry qualifications
• 4x4 off road and tractor training.
• Knowledge of cattle husbandry particularly recognising and acting upon animal health and welfare issues requirements.
• Knowledge of the essential record keeping in terms of animal identification, animal movements, veterinary treatments and animal health.
• Proven and confident ability in the handling and movement of livestock.
• Proficient and competent in a range of land management tasks related to the grazing operations e.g. building and maintaining fences, gates, in field water management structures, ditches and livestock holding pens
• Working with graziers, hauliers, contractors and neighbouring farmers

This is a fixed-term full-time role for 37.5 hours per week for 5.5 months (13th May until 1st November 2024). The RSPB reserves the right to extend or make this role permanent without further advertising dependent on business needs at the end of the contract term.

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position on 4th April 2024. For further information please contact charlie.kitchin@rspb.org.uk

As part of this application you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and complete a short form. If you wish to provide a cover letter with your application, please include this at the end of your CV document upload.

We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.

Before applying for this role, we recommend reading through the candidate guidance notes attached to the top of this advert.