Grazing Officer

Location: Various locations across East and West Sussex, with base at Southerham Farm

Salary: £22,660

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: Full time 35 hours a week over a 7 day rota

Closing Date: 5^th March 2023

Interview Date: TBC - Please note that we will review applications as they are received, and candidates may be invited for interview before the closing date. Therefore, if you are interested in applying you are encouraged to do so as soon as possible.

Sussex Wildlife Trust

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, coast and seas. By working alongside local people we create opportunities for us all to connect with nature and for nature to thrive. Together we can make sure that future generations living in Sussex will be able to enjoy the sense of wonder and wide range of benefits that a healthy natural environment gives us.

The Role

We are looking for a passionate and hard working person to join our Grazing Team as a Grazing Officer

This is a great opportunity for the successful candidate to join our busy Grazing 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, 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 the regular use of tractor and quad bike to carry out essential operations. Including feeding, bedding up, bailing and fencing using a Rappa electric fence system.

You will be involved with practical habitat management and estate management activities across a wide range of habitats and landscapes. As well as assisting in the day to day management of our growing flock of sheep and suckler beef herd, you will play a vital role in the team during our busy spring calving and lambing.

The Person

You will be passionate about livestock, wildlife and working outside, with experience and knowledge of sheep and cattle husbandry and nature conservation. You will be very practical with experience and practical certification in the use of land based tools and equipment such as tractors, trailers, quadbike, operation of chainsaw and 4x4 vehicles. You will be comfortable with all aspects of animal husbandry such as castrating, tagging, drenching and administering medicines. You will be experienced and confident in handling and working with livestock including sheep and cattle. You will be great with people, engaging with the public and members in our work on and off reserves. You will have animal welfare and health and safety firmly embedded in your working culture.

This role is predominately based outside with potentially extensive driving across Sussex.

This role will work over a 35 hour week, covering a 7 day rota, with some evening and weekend working required, especially at lambing and calving time, for which time off in lieu will be offered.