SUSSEX WILDLIFE TRUST
JOB PACKIDENTIFICATION OF JOB
Job Title / Assistant Grazing Officer
Department / Land Management
Responsible to / Reserves Officer (west)
Responsible for / N/A
Overall purpose of job / To support the Trust’s Grazing Officer in the management of the Trust’s livestock including the day to day husbandry and welfare of our sheep, cattle and ponies.
KEY MEASURES OF PERFORMANCE
· Delivery of conservation grazing objectives
· High standards of animal welfare and scrupulous record keeping
· Completion of land management tasks
· Positive communication with SWT staff (particularly land management), public, volunteers, Trust vet and Defra staff working for APHA, RPA, NE, plus trading standards
REMUNERATION
Job Grade / Grade B
Salary Band / Band B1
DOCUMENT INFORMATION
Created / July 2015
Last revision / N/A
EMPLOYEE SIGNATURE
I confirm acceptance of the duties detailed in this Job Pack
Employee Name
Signature
Date
JOB DESCRIPTION
Main Responsibilities
a. Support the Grazing Officer to ensure the good health and welfare of individual livestock
b. Assist with site preparation and the transportation of livestock to/from site
c. Assist with the acquisition/disposal of appropriate breeds of livestock
d. Assist with the shearing, breeding and day to day husbandry of all livestock
e. Carry out administration associated with management of livestock e.g. site risk assessments, notification and recording of stock movements (for internal and external purposes), medicine records
f. Undertake some machinery work including for example tractors, toppers, cut and collect mowers, post knocker.
g. Work alongside Land Management staff and volunteers to undertake habitat management across our Sussex reserves
h. Liaise and communicate with employees and volunteers of the Trust, Trust vet, general public, relevant bodies (DEFRA agencies) and contractors
i. Ensure vehicles, machinery and equipment are maintained to good standards and operated appropriately
j. Ensure Trust health and safety policy is implemented, all legal obligations are fulfilled and best practice followed
PLEASE NOTE THIS ROLE WILL REQUIRE THE INDIVIDUAL TO HAVE A WORKING DOG OR BE WILLING TO TRAIN WITH ONE.
The above list should not be regarded as exhaustive as staff may be required to carry out other such duties which may from time to time be determined by the Trust
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Experience / Essential / Desirable
Livestock management - stock handling and husbandry covering a broad range of livestock used to graze conservation sites / X
Operating agricultural machinery including tractors, toppers, mowers etc. / X
Using brushcutters, chainsaws and other site-based equipment / X
Working alongside other staff, volunteers, contractors etc. / X
Driving 4 wheel drive vehicles and trailers / X
Working with pesticides / X
Knowledge / Essential / Desirable
Detailed understanding of husbandry and welfare of cattle and sheep, plus potentially ponies. / X
The use of agricultural machinery, basic hand tools / X
Health and Safety in relation to stock management / X
Knowledge of countryside and conservation issues / X
Qualification in First Aid at Work / X
Livestock Management NVQ qualification (or equivalent) / X
Skills / Essential / Desirable
Good basic practical skills / X
The ability to work to agreed plans and programmes / X
Good organisational ability and the ability to prioritise a complex work programme. / X
An ability to work on own initiative / X
The ability to communicate with landowners, volunteers and general public in a courteous, articulate and friendly manner / X
Current driving licence / X
Off road driving and the use of trailers / X
Personal Qualities / Essential / Desirable
Flexible and prepared to work unsociable hours – evenings/alternate weekends / X
Confident about working alone and in isolated locations / X
A genuine enthusiasm for working with livestock and a willingness to work with cattle, sheep and ponies every day / X
An interest in nature conservation / X
Able to work as part of a larger team / X
Attention to detail / X
The ability to undertake a physically demanding job / X
Willingness to work outdoors in all weathers / X
JOB SPECIFICATION
Work Complexity
Ø Mainly routine but some complex duties
Ø Some work may be diverse and unpredictable
Competence/Technical Skills
Ø A good level of skill and knowledge, is essential
Ø Some relevant experience
Ø An appropriate qualification is desirable
Management Responsibilities
Ø Works effectively as part of a team
Ø May provide some guidance to peers
Ø May oversee routine work of volunteers
Level of Decision Making
Ø Supervised but able to work alone
Ø Some level of responsibility
Budgetary Responsibility
Ø No budgetary responses
Ø Purchases small items when needed
Communication & Customer Contact
Ø Normal day to day contact with employees, volunteers and general public
Ø Will have some contact with relevant bodies, vets and contractors
Ø Deals with routine enquiries
Ø May address people in potentially challenging situations
Miscellaneous
Ø Full driving licence is essential as will need to visit locations not easily accessible by public transport
Ø Regular early evening and weekend work will be required to deliver livestock management
Ø In order for the organisation to work effectively all staff may be required to assist with other areas of work and should therefore be prepared to undertake other duties appropriate to the post, as delegated by the Trust
Ø All staff are required to abide by organisational policies and procedures