Assistant Grazing Officer

Sussex Wildlife Trust is a conservation charity for everyone who cares about nature in Sussex.  We focus on protecting the wonderfully rich natural life that is found across our towns, countryside and coast.  By working alongside local people we create opportunities for us all to connect with nature and for nature to thrive in even the most unlikely places.  Together we can make sure that future generations living in Sussex will be able to enjoy the sense of wonder and well-being that nature offers.

THE ROLE

You will support our Grazing Manager and Land Management Team to help ensure that our nature reserves are grazed to meet high nature conservation and animal welfare standards. The role will involve day to day management, handling, shepherding, transporting and checking of Sussex Wildlife Trust livestock (Cattle, Sheep and Ponies) across our nature reserve portfolio in East and West Sussex.  The work will also involve a range of regular use of tractor, trailer and tractor related operations including topping, flailing and bailing. You will be involved with practical habitat management and estate management activities across a wide range of habitats and landscapes.

THE PERSON

We are looking for someone who is passionate about helping to conserve Sussex Wildlife through delivering practical grazing and habitat management across Sussex Wildlife Trust land portfolio.  You will be experienced and confident in working with (handling, moving and transporting) agricultural livestock including sheep and cattle. In addition you will have good practical estate management skills, including operating large agricultural machinery such as tractors, towing livestock trailers and operating agricultural cutting and topping equipment. High animal welfare and husbandry standards will be very important to you, and you will need to have a love of working outdoors in all weathers. You must be prepared to travel across Sussex on a day to day basis and to work on a rota including regular weekend working with regular duties outside of core hours.

THE BENEFITS 

This role offers 24 days annual leave access to an Employee Assistance Scheme and the opportunity to help the Sussex Wildlife Trust make a real difference.