Job Description

Job Title:Farm Operations Assistant (Seasonal Variable Hours)

Grade:Band 2Engagement 1

Responsible to: Farm Operations Supervisor, Head of Department

Key internal relationships:Head of Department, Ploughman, Rural Life Team members, Engagers, Volunteers

Key external relationships:Visitors, Veterinarian, Relevant farming organisations and companies

Purpose:To work as part of the Farm Operationsteam to ensure the effective and safe running of farm operations within the museum and that outstanding levels of animal husbandry are maintained. The Farm Operations Assistant will also ensure that opportunities for visitor interaction with animals andthe land are maximised.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • To work as part of the Farm Operations team, with an absolute focus on the Visitor, to help deliver a world class experience in a living, working Open Air Museum
  • Assisting the Farm Operations Supervisor and the wider team on a daily basis with animal welfare, land management, health and safety, yard and environment cleanliness & that record keeping are all up to date and to the highest possible standards
  • Daily duties of feeding, bedding and clearing out of animal enclosures across the museum site, assisting with daily care routines of cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry and fowl and assisting with farm horses on a daily basis.
  • Being part of the Team to support lambing and calving at the appropriate times of year and caring for sick or new-born livestock.
  • Maintenance and cleaning of farm buildings and machinery.
  • General farm work including digging and maintaining ditches, erecting and repairing fence lines, assisting with planting and harvesting of crops, spreading manure/fertiliser and crop spraying.
  • Assist in the management of a small dairy herd and dairy operations as directed by the Farm Operations Supervisor with assistance from the Ploughman on days off.
  • Operation of farming machinery including tractor driving (training can be provided)
  • Use of traditional and period appropriate techniques and farming equipment whenever possible
  • Enable land and animal engagement with visitors through the provision of a high standard of farm interpretation
  • Assist in ensuring a safe environment for visitors, staff and volunteers in all farming operations
  • Assist the Farm Operations Supervisor with administration of stock medicine and treatment records.
  • Maintain excellence and attention to detail in all Museum activities.
  • Work collaboratively as part of the Engagement Team supporting volunteers and supervising placements when required.
  • Work flexibly to support the delivery of farm operations and Museum events- including evenings and weekendsand occasionally some off site days.

General responsibilities:

  • To carry out the duties of the post in accordance with the Museum’s Equal Opportunity Policy, Code of Conduct and Health and Safety legislation and regulations.
  • Adhere to quality systems and operating procedures to facilitate the safe, smooth and timely delivery of services by the Farm Operations Team
  • To carry out any other duties within the level of responsibility as may be determined from time to time.

This post is subject to the Scheme and Conditions of Service of the National Joint Council for Local Authority Services.

Author : Chris Thompson

Date: October 2017

Person Specification – Farm Operations Assistant

Requirements

/ Assessment
Skills/ Knowledge / An understanding and commitment to Beamish core purpose
Able to work within a team and take a hands on approach
Knowledge and experience of good farming practice
Able to communicate effectively with members of the public
Able to work with attention to detail and commitment to the highest possible quality and welfare standards /

Interview/Application Form

Interview/Application Form

Interview/Application Form
Interview/Application Form
Application Form
Qualifications/
Training / Relevant training and/or experience in animal husbandry, administration of animal medicines, farming machinery /

Interview/Application Form

Experience / Proven experience of working with the public
Relevant experience with horses/farm stockand equipment / Interview/Application Form
Interview/Application Form
Other
Requirements / An enthusiastic ‘can do’ approach
Flexible approach to hours and prepared to work weekends, bank holidays, early mornings and evenings as required
An ability to care for and handle a variety of animals with confidence
Ability to undertake a variety of manual handling duties appropriate to Farm Operation Team activities /

Interview

Interview
Interview
Interview

Note to applicants:

Please try to show in your application how you specifically meet these requirements.

Author: Chris Thompson

Date: October 2017